Algoma Public Health Approves $582K Lighting and Building Automation Upgrades

The upgrades will replace aging fluorescent lighting with LED and modernize the building automation system.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15am

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The Board of Health for Algoma Public Health in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has approved a $582,000 project to upgrade the health unit's lighting and building automation system. The upgrades will replace the aging fluorescent lighting with a new LED lighting system and modernize the building automation system with improved controls, integration, and energy optimization capabilities.

Why it matters

The project is expected to generate around $40,000 per year in utility savings, with the LED bulbs lasting 7-15 years and potentially saving $280,000 to $600,000 over their lifespan. The health unit plans to finance the project from its reserve funds, allowing the savings to be immediately realized.

The details

The main components of the project include replacing the fluorescent lighting fixtures with LED fixtures and upgrading the building automation system. While the health unit initially considered adding rooftop solar panels, the roof was found to be unable to support them. The project will be carried out with the aid of Blackstone Energy Services, who conducted energy audits and infrastructure assessments over the past year.

  • The Board of Health approved the project at its meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • The health unit has until the end of the first quarter of 2026 to complete the project in order to potentially qualify for a $64,000 government rebate, though the rebate is not guaranteed.

The players

Algoma Public Health

The public health agency serving Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Rick Webb

The director of corporate services for Algoma Public Health.

Luc Morissette

A member of the Algoma Public Health Board of Health.

Blackstone Energy Services

The company that conducted energy audits and infrastructure assessments for Algoma Public Health over the past year and will aid in carrying out the project.

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What they’re saying

“About $40,000 a year of utility savings would come from that project.”

— Rick Webb, Director of Corporate Services

“Having said that, we will take money from anyone.”

— Rick Webb, Director of Corporate Services

What’s next

The health unit has until the end of the first quarter of 2026 to complete the project in order to potentially qualify for a $64,000 government rebate, though the rebate is not guaranteed.

The takeaway

By upgrading its aging lighting and building automation systems, Algoma Public Health is making a smart investment that will generate significant long-term utility savings and help the organization operate more efficiently and sustainably.