WMS Gaming

Gaming Producer Scores Energy Savings

“I learned so much in the FOCUS course. The money that we spend on electricity is quite substantial. When I learned that the lion’s share of a building’s electricity usage comes from lighting, it was pretty clear that there were savings to be found here. I would wholeheartedly recommend this class.”

– Mr. Duke Searles, Staff Facilities Administrator, WMS Gaming

The Client

WMS Industries Inc. was formed in 1974 and in the pinball, video arcade and home video game markets. With a demonstrated track record as a company that could “make great games,” video and software technology, and manufacturing facilities all in place, WMS’ progressed into gaming. WMS Gaming Inc. started out in the video lottery terminal (VLT) business in 1991. The company created, manufactured and placed VLTs throughout North America. Once successfully established in the video lottery market, WMS Gaming moved into the casino gaming business with the introduction of a video poker game. A year later, they unveiled a complete line of technically advanced upright slot machines. In 1997, the company premiered what would be, and still is, its most successful video slot machine to date, Reel’em In®. Since 1998, WMS Industries has been engaged entirely in the manufacture, sale, leasing and licensing of gaming machines.

The Situation

WMS recognized the need to improve energy conservation within the facility. They also recognized that the Manufacture Nevada, a NIST MEP affiliate, FOCUS program would not only train their facility folks, but also implement an energy saving project that would result in significant return on their investment during the training as well. In addition, their newly trained staff would then have the skills to take on additional energy saving projects in the future on a continuing basis.

The Solution

The Manufacture Nevada FOCUS program teaches the participants the basics of electricity, HVAC, energy management systems, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)/green building, and project economics. The FOCUS classes gave WMS the ability to put the knowledge they gained into action to create an energy project for its facilities. The proposed solution was the installation of an energy management system (EMS). This would precisely control the lighting use and reduce the waste inherent in their current lighting practices. The EMS will make use of occupancy sensors, photo sensors, and computer controlled lighting management to help the company realize substantial energy and cost savings.

The Results

                               
• Reduced energy use by 402,745 KWH/year
                               
• Energy cost savings of $66,972 annually
                               
• 23.7% return on investment