Avant Brands Achieves Operational Efficiency with Large-Scale LED Retrofit

Avant Brands has successfully finalized a comprehensive LED lighting retrofit at its 80,000-square-foot Flowr cultivation facility in Kelowna, British Columbia. By replacing traditional high-pressure sodium fixtures with advanced LED technology, the company has significantly reduced energy consumption and peak demand, setting a new standard for sustainable indoor agricultural operations.

Key takeaways

• The retrofit encompasses the entire 80,000-square-foot cultivation facility.

• Traditional high-pressure sodium lighting was replaced with full-spectrum, above- and below-canopy LED fixtures.

• The project was completed for $1.93 million, finishing more than 28% under the initial $2.70 million budget.

• Substantial energy savings are expected due to lower power draw and reduced HVAC cooling requirements.

• The initiative is projected to avoid up to 36 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually.

Operational efficiency through strategic upgrades

For commercial and industrial facilities, the transition from legacy high-pressure sodium (HPS) systems to modern LED lighting represents a critical step in optimizing unit economics. The project at the Flowr facility demonstrates how replacing outdated infrastructure can lead to immediate operational gains. By installing LEDs both above and below the canopy, the facility achieves more consistent light distribution, which is essential for maintaining high-quality cannabinoid and terpene production. This level of precision is a hallmark of professional-grade lighting systems, which prioritize both energy efficiency and output quality.

Financial impact and government incentives

One of the most notable aspects of this retrofit is the effective use of capital and government support. The project was bolstered by a British Columbia energy efficiency incentive program, which provided up to $2 million in funding. This non-dilutive capital allowed Avant Brands to modernize its core infrastructure while maintaining rigorous capital discipline. For property managers and facility operators, this serves as a prime example of how leveraging local energy rebates can drastically reduce the payback period for large-scale lighting upgrades, ultimately improving long-term margins.

Long-term sustainability and performance

The environmental impact of this installation is as significant as the financial benefits. By reducing electricity usage and peak demand, the facility has lowered its carbon footprint by an estimated 36 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. Furthermore, the reduction in heat output from the new LED systems allows for a lighter load on the building's HVAC infrastructure, further decreasing utility expenses. As the industry continues to evolve, investments in high-efficiency, spec-ready lighting solutions remain a primary driver for companies looking to maintain a competitive edge through reduced operational overhead and improved environmental stewardship.

Sources

• [News] Avant Brands Completes Major LED Lighting Retrofit at its 80,000 Sq Ft Flowr Facility, DeliveringSignificant Energy Savings & Production Gains, LEDinside.

• Avant Brands Completes Major LED Lighting Retrofit at its 80,000 Sq Ft Flowr Facility, Delivering SignificantEnergy Savings & Production Gains, The Globe and Mail.