A test of new parking garage lighting technologies is underway at the Fourth and Washington structure downtown, where three basement floors have been retrofitted with new LED and fluorescent fixtures that reduce energy use, costs and greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent. The new fixtures are also integrated into an advanced lighting control system, which is expected to reduce energy use (and yes, costs and greenhouse gas emissions) another 30 percent. But, you ask, how do they look?

New LED (left) and fluorescent (right) fixtures at the Fourth and Washington Parking Structure.

Andrew Brix | City of Ann Arbor

The pictures above show the new LED (left) and fluorescent (right) lighting fixtures, but the true test is to experience them live and in person. You can't mistake the LEDs, with their individual points of light; and the fluorescent fixtures are the standard four-foot tubes you're used to seeing in offices.

So whether you're downtown for lunch today or making plans for dinner, be sure to stop by and take a look, and then let us know what you think in the comments below.

To learn more about Ann Arbor's LED lighting program, visit the city's website.

Andrew Brix is the City of Ann Arbor's Energy Programs Manager and contributes to AnnArbor.com as part of the Your World series. He can be reached at energy@a2gov.org. Learn more about local energy efforts at www.a2gov.org/energy.