Your HOA at Work
In this spotlight we highlight an exciting LED lighting upgrade, an exciting improvement project that will save energy, reduce operation costs and improve the aesthetics of our community.
Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) is the master association responsible for managing Ladera Ranch. Along with that responsibility comes managing LARMAC’s reserve funds, a ‘savings account’ that sets aside funds to maintain, repair or replace LARMAC-owned amenities according to a schedule.
In this spotlight we highlight an exciting LED lighting upgrade, an exciting improvement project that will save energy, reduce operation costs and improve the aesthetics of our community. As Ladera Ranch approaches 20 years of age our community infrastructure start to show wear. The LARMAC Board and staff partner with vendors to evaluate new technologies and options in order to make the best decisions that benefit residents.
Throughout the community light poles with metal halide fixtures feature old lighting technology. New LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology reduces light pollution, focuses the light downward to illuminate intended areas and operate more efficiently to reduce the amount of electricity that the lighting fixture requires. The LARMAC staff worked closely with ABM to assess the project investment cost and savings; they included the following details in their analysis:
| Location | No. of Fixtures |
|---|---|
| Arroyo Park | 6 |
| Boreal Plunge | 8 |
| Brittlestar Park | 9 |
| Central Paseo | 132 |
| Chaparral Park | 5 |
| Covenant Hills Clubhouse | 56 |
| Cox Sports Park | 58 |
| Flintridge Clubhouse | 51 |
| Oso Grande Park | 42 |
| Terramor Park | 37 |
| Wagsdale Park | 32 |
Project Savings
| Annual Maintenance Savings | $13,648.00 |
| Annual Energy Savings | $26,296.00 |
| Total Annual Savings | .$36,944.00 (based on 2019 rates) |
| Simple Payback | $5.78 years |
Total Savings Over the Life of the Project
| 10 year savings: | $369,443.20 |
| 15 year savings: | $554,164.80 |
Note: LED light fixtures are expected to last a minimum of 10 years; in practice however, they tend to last 15 or more years.
According to Michael Healy, Capital and Reserve Project Manager, LARMAC, "It’s exciting to see the new technology that’s available to us. The quality of lighting and the ability to adjust the light color to match the desired hue of light is remarkable.” Homeowners are welcome to attend LARMAC’s open session board meetings to learn about projects in process as well as future projects. Open session meetings are held the second Wednesday, every other month.
