Lighting

 

In recent years LMU has undertaken an aggressive $2.2 million lighting program, replacing thousands of incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent bulbs, T-12, T-8, and even T-5 lights. This initiative not only reduces the amount of kilowatt hours, saving thousands of dollars in energy costs and lowering our carbon footprint, but they last longer as well, which means less frequent replacements and minimal labor. For example, new lamps installed in campus exit signs use only 10% of the electrical power of regular exit sign lamps.

Lighting retrofits in Gersten Pavilion (pictured below) resulted in energy savings AND improved lighting.

BEFORE	AFTER

                        
Lighting in new construction and major renovation projects has been even more extensive. The university highly recommends the use of EnergyStar® certified equipment in the specifications for all such projects, and efficient lamps and electronic ballasts have become the standard on campus over the past several years. The new Hannon Library will feature electronic ballasts which are equipped with sensors to measure the amount of natural light streaming in through the windows, and dim the bulbs accordingly, thus minimizing energy consumption when sunlight is abundant.

Classroom Management at LMU also uses computer programs to schedule lighting for most academic buildings, and virtually every classroom, restroom and office on campus is fitted with occupancy sensors. Energy efficient lighting is used outdoor and recently a solar lighting system was installed at the LMU batting cage complex. Currently the university is exploring LED lighting for a number of campus areas, beginning with underground parking complexes.