Two universities upgraded to energy efficient lighting to reduce costs.
The University of Louisville in Kentucky made several energy efficiency upgrades to the school’s campus lighting in an effort to reduce costs. The school made the decision to install new lighting after its participation in the 2012 Campus Conservation Nationals, a friendly competition between 100 schools to increase energy efficiency. Electricity savings from the nationwide competition totaled 1.7 gigawatt hours- the equivalent of taking 151 homes off the electric grid for a year, according to officials from the University of Louisville. The schools were able to save a combined $158,000 in energy costs and cut 2.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emission.
The The University of Louisville reduced its energy consumption by 11.9 percent during a three-week period between March and April 2012, the school reported. It also and saved 38,415 kilowatt hours of energy totaling $2,689 in savings and cut 78,789 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions during the competition.
Electrical use at the University of Louisville cost about $1 million each month, the school said. Since the competition last spring, the university has taken steps toward benefiting from energy efficient retrofits on campus and reducing its energy bill. Nearly 170,000 energy efficient lights have been installed to help the school reduce energy consumption by 14 percent and save more than $915,000 in annual energy costs, according to the university. Occupancy sensors were also installed, which help the school reduce energy consumption an extra 40 percent, saving an additional estimated $97,000 a year.
school officials said they expect to reduce the university’s utility bill by approximately $12,086 per day
The school said nearly 88 buildings will receive efficiency upgrades at the University of Louisville’s three campuses and helped the school save $4.4 million every year in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by 46,000 tons once the project is complete.
As a result of the upgrades, school officials said they expect to reduce the university’s utility bill by approximately $12,086 per day.
Ohio college makes energy efficient switch
In Ohio, a university will also benefit from becoming more energy efficient. Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio is beginning the installation of energy efficient light-emitting diodes(LEDs). According to the Clean Technology Business Review (CTBR), the exterior lighting upgrades will help the school reduce energy consumption by 50 percent.
The school said it expects to save $35.8 million over the next 15 years due to the lighting upgrade.
Energy efficient lighting can help a school significantly reduce their energy use and costs. Many lighting options are available, so consulting with the lighting specialists at Lumenistics can help you determine the best solution for your energy reduction goals and needs.