Movie Theaters Find Ways to Save Energy

January 2, 2013 by Linda Hardesty

Movie theater owners have the usual options to reduce energy consumption: switch to LED lighting; upgrade HVAC systems; install energy management systems.

But some theater owners nationwide have gone above and beyond, according to Mother Nature Network, which identified these stars:

• The three-screen independent Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo, Calif., installed a 12 kW solar system consisting of 98 photovoltaic panels.
• The landmark Fairfax 6 Theater in Fairfax, Calif., part of the Cinema West chain, recently installed a 27 kW PV array. And two other Cinema West theaters in California boast PV arrays: the Livermore Cinema and the Palladio 16 Cinemas.
• Carmike Cinema’s Majestic 12 in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. – a LEED Gold certified movie theater – saves energy with motion and daylight sensors on lighting and increased exterior insulation.
• The LEED silver certified AMC Randhurst 12 in Mount Prospect, Ill., has a white membrane roof that reflects unwanted solar heat gain and, in turn, reduces interior energy consumption.

Related items

• DPR Makes Its Arizona Office Net-Zero
• Cox Boosts Solar in Northeast
• Walmart Will Increase Use of Renewables 600% Over 2010 Levels
• Walgreens Builds Net Zero Energy Retail Store
• Schools Roundup: Sing Yin Secondary, St. Louis Priory, Taft School