The Process
The following is a description of the typical process employed in an AEC lighting project:
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Lighting System Audit
After an initial meeting and approval, a full, facility-wide lighting system audit will be performed. One or more of AEC's trained technical professionals will perform the audit depending on the size and attributes of the facility. Every effort is made to inspect all areas, including closets, storage areas, ancillary spaces, and restrooms, and include an assessment and report, to include:
Project Analysis and Design Once the client’s audit data is entered into AEC’s proprietary system, the project analysis and design is performed. Each project is carefully designed through a collaborative effort between our team of lighting experts and industry professional lighting designers and engineers. In this way, we combine our site analysis, project management and financing expertise with the knowledge of professional designers to achieve an optimized system that will realize energy savings while providing the proper light level and quality with minimal maintenance. Key factors considered include:
Project Installation
Upon receipt of a signed contract and deposit, AEC orders materials for the project. The project manager assigned to the project schedules a pre-construction meeting with the facility manager and key facility maintenance staff. The purpose of the meeting is to review the design and develop a project plan. The AEC project manager meets with the client’s lead facility manager for a pre-construction meeting and facility walk-through. The AEC project manager will provide an overview of the facility-wide project and describe what will occur in each area. At this point, the Project Manager will ask the supervisory staff members questions concerning times that each area can be entered, equipment sensitivities, and other matters specific to the project. During construction, project meetings are held on a daily or weekly basis. The proprietary AEC project management software offers a resource for referencing and indexing client specifications including quantities and ballast voltage, which are reflected in the inventory requirements. This allows the project manager to plan for material needed to complete the project on schedule. Dedicated AEC staff are responsible for handling materials throughout the project. Materials are not warehoused at the job site unless specific arrangements have been made with the client. If needed, materials are brought to the work site daily in time for the electrical contractor to perform their tasks. AEC removes regulated waste in accordance with EPA requirements, as needed. 
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Construction Audit
Before a contract is drafted, a second facility-wide lighting audit is performed. During the Construction Audit, fixture counts are verified, and any construction-related issues that will impact the cost of the project are identified and presented. Clients are given the opportunity to request changes to the lighting system. A team of AEC staff, including at least one project manager, performs the construction audit. 
Project Completion
Upon completion, AEC leads a detailed walk-through of the facility, to ensure excess material, dumpsters, PCB ballasts, and fluorescent lamps containers are removed from the site. PCB ballasts and fluorescent lamps are recycled by EPA-authorized handlers, and the client is provided with all necessary paperwork. |