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Universities Make Smart Decision With LED Lighting


Pete Musser - Contributing Writer
Posted on Tuesday 3rd November 2009

Photo: Flickr, The Travelin Man
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As LEDs (light emitting diodes) garner greater presence in the energy efficiency market, universities across America are taking advantage of the savings the new technology has to offer. Several large schools have led the way towards sustainable energy through energy reduction projects.

Schools such as Arizona State University, University of Central Florida and Rutgers University are shining examples of how institutions have recognized this cost-efficient green investment. By converting fixtures to LED lights, these universities have seen an average savings of 70 percent on their electricity bill for the converted sections and drastically reduced their CO2 emissions in the process.

Central Florida and Arizona State both retrofitted parking structures that have already seen massive energy savings. Central Florida replaced 500 fixtures, representing a $42,000 annual savings for the school, along with preventing emissions equal to 336,000 pounds of CO2 per year. Arizona State converted 2,000 traditional fixtures to LEDs, leading to an average annual savings of $127,000 and 1 million pounds of carbon emissions.

Rutgers recently installed a 68-by-38-foot LED display for its football stadium. This retrofit is part of a $102 million expansion of the stadium and is a prime example of the versatility of LED technology.

However, sectors that stand to save the most from the new lights are hospitals and commercial buildings; but it is refreshing to see education getting in ahead. This green investment allows organizations to save money and the environment, while receiving warranted publicity for being some of the first in the much-anticipated clean energy revolution.

The University of Louisville is also undergoing a massive green upgrade through a comprehensive, $21.7 million energy efficiency project. The endeavor will be campus-wide, incorporating heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) supply advances, in addition to lighting retrofits and water supply and conservation ventures. The project is estimated to cut annual energy costs by $2.3 million, and dramatically reduce the school’s carbon footprint.

Universities across the U.S. are recognizing the value of green investments, both for their financial incentives as well as reduced energy consumption. These universities are taking positive steps towards reducing America’s energy dependence and gross national debt.

Avery Ray Colter's picture
Posted on 6 November 2009 - 7:38pm by Avery Ray Colter.
5
Good to see an article on LEDs. I have been looking at several sites selling LED-based bulbs and tubes. Even now it does seem that for high-intensity and oft-used lighting inside and outside of a home, such as kitchen and security lighting, selective placement of LEDs could see a payback in a few years on the energy savings. Of course if the utilities could be persuaded to offer the same kind of rebates on these as are currently done for CFLs, one might see quite a bit of interest in LEDs.
jesse warren's picture
Posted on 9 November 2009 - 10:16am by jesse warren.
We have been promoting both organic and inorganic LED for 4 years now and the advancements in that time are very promising. We see current advantageous use in exterior architectural lighting, solar powered emergency lighting and and interior decorative lighting. Task lighting is steadily becoming more attractive. This is an industry to watch and an energy saving technology of the present and future.
Guest's picture
Posted on 12 November 2009 - 6:06am by Guest.
What I find fascinating about global warming and climate change and global dooming is that the social factor of the equation is far more complicated and interesting and real compared to the so-called “science” of global warming.
SAVE THE PLANET is the “vital lie” en mass. This “vital lie” is that “we tell ourselves this limitless consciousness we have total control over, makes us our own personal Gods and is unfortunately dependent on a mortal mass of perishable flesh. It’s our greatest struggle as human beings.
But spreading this existential pain en mass via this SAVE THE PLANET psychosis requires two assumptions:
A: The planet is mortal.
B: We humans while not being real Gods can at least be God-like enough and strong enough to kill planets.
Two Ants on a Crowded Anthill:
Ant#1 “What you looking at?
Ant#2 “Can’t you see it? We must be doing something to the planet?”
Simon's picture
Posted on 28 December 2009 - 11:43pm by Simon.
Be bright, see the light.
LED lights will the replace the conventional lights sooner or later. We are one of the best LED lighting manufacturer in China. Our products are mainly exported to developed countries. LED lights are still not popular in China, because of expensive initial cost.
If you need help or more information about LED lighting, please feel free to E-mail me at simon@multi-cell.com.cn
Best wishes.

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