Posted 04/22/2010 02:33PM
The LED Replacement Project is part of Central’s on-going effort to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2007, University President Jack Miller was an early signee of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. As part of this effort, Central became the first state school to submit a Climate Action Plan and was cited this week by the Princeton Review as an “exemplary Green institution.”
“Using the LEDs lessens the electrical usage without compromising safety and security, and the campus remains as bright with the new bulbs as it was with the older bulbs,” says Domenic Forcella, Environmental Health and Safety Officer.
Light-emitting diode lamps, or LEDs as they are best known, are longer lasting and more energy efficient than incandescent and fluorescent light. According to Forcella, using the LEDs extend the life of the fixture five times longer than the traditional lamp and offers a financial savings for energy and longevity. Beyond the financial gains and operating expenses, the environmental benefits provide enough of a reason to do such a project, he says.
Central will use reduce its kilowatt usage with these lamps by more than 75%, saving 332,400 kWh each year. Over the life of LEDs, this is a savings of 4,155,000 kWh. In addition to energy conservation, the new LED retro fit kits significantly reduce uplight pollution in accordance with the “Dark Sky Initiative.” Environmental savings are also expected in the reduction of a number of criteria pollutants such as sulfur oxide, particulates, and nitrogen and carbon compounds. Thousands of tons air pollutants will be reduced. It is the equivalent of taking 36 cars off the road for 10 years.
AN Area Light LED Retrofit Kit by SYLVANIA LIGHTING was used in this project.