In an effort to reduce energy costs, Burnaby’s Premier Lighting has developed wireless LED technology for public use that cuts down on wasted resources while maintaining public safety.
The lighting company recently installed its innovative system in the underground parking garage of the Vancouver Central Public Library. The lights are fitted with sensors that detect motion and occupancy, and shut off when no one is around.
“The lighting upgrade at the VPL is projected to save the City of Vancouver up to 511,000 kilowatt hours annually, or approximately $31,000 a year,” stated Premier Lighting president Tony Holland in a recent B.C. Hydro newsletter. “With a life expectancy of over 10 years, they are also the most long lasting and energy efficient LEDs available.
“We fully expect the project will pay for itself within two years.”
The lights also feature red and green indicators that guide drivers to empty parking spaces in an effort to reduce exhaust emissions.
D-Wave secures $30M for quantum computing
Burnaby-based technology company D-Wave Systems Inc. has recently received $30 million in funding from various investors to continue its state-of-the-art advancements in quantum computing.
The money will go toward bettering the company’s technology and software, designed to solve complex challenges in the fields of physics, engineering, manufacturing and computer science. D-Wave uses quantum physics to analyze data for such prominent organizations as aerospace giants NASA and Martin Lockheed, as well as internet megapower Google.
“This funding is a strong endorsement of D-Wave’s ability to deliver the first viable quantum computer to organizations in need of a new caliber of computing,” said D-Wave CEO Vern Brownell in a press release. “For quantum computing to achieve its enormous potential in such diverse areas as genetically personalized medicine, mission planning, systems optimization and machine learning, we need to build a software ecosystem through partnerships with world experts.
“This new capital will allow us to fund the software development and personnel needed to deliver the first quantum applications.”
D-Wave’s investors include Goldman Sachs, BDC Capital, the Harris & Harris Group and DFJ.
