The proper emergency exit signage is crucial as it is used to guide people to safety when it matters most. In commercial construction and facility management, energy efficiency and reliability are key, making the choice of exit signs more important than ever.
Traditionally, exit signs use electricity constantly, which drives up energy costs and requires ongoing maintenance. However, with the rise of innovative technology and a newfound passion for sustainability, eco-friendly exit signs are lighting the way as a fun, cost-effective, and responsible alternative. Now, there are exit signs that last years and don’t require an external power source.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Exit Signs
Most traditional exit signs use energy-sucking incandescent or fluorescent bulbs that also require frequent maintenance due to burnt-out bulbs and battery replacements. These signs can cost building owners hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually in energy and maintenance costs.
For example, a typical incandescent exit sign consumes about 350 kWh annually. Large buildings with thousands of exit signs, such as hospitals, universities, and office buildings, can incur significant energy costs solely from powering these signs. But Tritium exit signs use zero electricity, making them much more efficient.
Beyond energy consumption, maintenance is another factor. Traditional exit signs require battery replacements every few years and often need new bulbs, leading to labor costs and material waste.
In contrast, eco-friendly exit signage solutions minimize these ongoing expenses with little energy consumption, less or no battery replacement, and simple disposal procedures.
Eco-Friendly Exit Sign Options
Recent technological advancements have given rise to multiple types of eco-friendly exit signs that reduce energy consumption while enhancing safety. Eco-friendly exit signs are efficient, cost-effective, and good for the environment. They are also just more convenient. These include photoluminescent exit signs, tritium-powered exit signs, and self-powered LED exit signs.
1. Tritium Exit Signs
Tritium exit signs glow on their own without needing electricity or batteries. They’re filled with a sealed radioactive gas that gives off a steady light, making them easy to see even in total darkness. While these “radioactive” signs may raise concerns, tritium exit signs are completely safe when used and disposed of properly and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Advantages:
- No electricity or wiring is required, which reduces energy costs.
- Reliable illumination for 10–20 years without maintenance
- It is ideal for dark spaces like stairwells, basements, and enclosed areas. These dark spaces often also need exit signs.
- No batteries or bulbs to replace, which can be more costly than most consider.
Tritium exit signs do need proper disposal when they’re done due to safety guidelines, but they still save money and are greener than traditional electric exit signs.
2. Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Unofficially called the glow-in-the-dark version of an exit sign, these photoluminescent exit signs work by absorbing ambient light and glowing in the dark, similar to glow-in-the-dark materials. They’re like the glow-in-the-dark stars or glow sticks you might have had as a kid, but these glowing signs are for the benefit of everyone.
Photoluminescent exit signs are zero-energy signs that require no electrical power. They are a low-maintenance and eco-friendly solution for emergency signage.
Advantages:
- Zero electricity consumption means no ongoing energy costs.
- Virtually maintenance-free, so there are no bulbs or batteries to replace.
- Long lifespan of 25+ years with minimal upkeep.
- Easy installation with no wiring required.
- These exit signs are compliant with most fire and building codes.
Photoluminescent signs perform best in areas with consistent artificial or natural light exposure. They may need additional lighting in areas with low ambient light.
3. Self-Powered LED Exit Signs
Some LED exit signs are designed with built-in energy-saving features that make them more efficient and reliable than the older-model, conventional LED exit signs.
These practical LED exit signs are energy-efficient and feature a battery backup system, allowing them to stay illuminated during power outages without needing an external power source.
Advantages:
- Lowering energy consumption decreases both energy usage and operating costs.
- Battery backup system for illumination during outages.
- Long-lasting LED technology that minimizes maintenance and replacement needs.
- Eco-friendly design is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional exit signs.
- Self-powered LED exit signs are particularly useful in remote locations, or buildings prone to power disruptions, where running electrical wiring is difficult or costly.
Financial and Environmental Benefits of Eco-Friendly Exit Signs
Implementing energy-efficient lighting solutions not only reduces electricity costs but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and adherence to environmental regulations. Furthermore, numerous incentive programs offer tax credits and rebates for the installation of energy-efficient lighting systems, which can enhance the overall performance of a building.
From an environmental standpoint, using non-electric or low-energy exit signs significantly reduces carbon emissions. Imagine if every building switched to energy-efficient exit signs. This change could save a significant amount of energy, reduce CO₂ emissions, and reduce maintenance requirements, which means fewer materials end up in landfills.
Unfortunately, traditional exit signs contribute to electronic waste through the disposal of old bulbs, batteries, and wiring, whereas eco-friendly alternatives are designed for longevity and minimal waste.
Implementation Considerations
When transitioning to eco-friendly exit signs, facility managers and contractors should carefully evaluate several key factors to ensure compliance, efficiency, and long-term savings:
Building Code Compliance: Before choosing an exit sign, check that it meets local fire and safety regulations, as rules vary by location. Installing a non-compliant sign could result in fines or require costly replacements, so it’s best to verify requirements upfront.
Lighting Conditions: If photoluminescent exit signs are placed in a dimly lit area without enough light to recharge them, they may not work effectively unless supplemented with an additional light source.
Lifecycle Costs: Even though eco-friendly exit signs may come with a higher upfront cost, they offer significant savings over time by drastically lowering energy use and maintenance needs. Eco-friendly signs offer a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution over time since they require no electrical wiring or bulb replacements.
Disposal Procedures: Tritium exit signs contain a small amount of sealed radioactive gas and must be disposed of. The guidelines for disposal can be found by visiting the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) website.
Improper disposal can result in significant fines and regulatory issues. Therefore, facility managers should plan ahead to ensure these signs are handled safely and legally at the end of their lifespan.
Recycling Programs: Some companies, like Emergency Lights, offer recycling programs to help businesses dispose of tritium exit signs properly. These programs make disposal of tritium exit signs easy as they ensure compliance with NRC regulations while minimizing environmental impact.
If you’re purchasing new exit signs, it’s worth checking if the supplier provides a take-back or recycling service to make disposal easier and more responsible.
The Future of Sustainable Emergency Signage
As more building owners focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, eco-friendly exit signs are becoming the new norm. With advancements in materials and renewable energy, the future will likely bring even better solutions.
For contractors, facility managers, and business owners, switching to eco-friendly exit signs is a smart way to cut costs while improving safety. These signs reduce energy use, require less maintenance, and help buildings stay compliant with life safety regulations—all while supporting a more sustainable future.
As cost savings and environmental responsibility become more connected, upgrading to eco-friendly exit signs is an easy yet impactful way to create greener, more efficient buildings.
