University News
Western Receives Third Energy Grant to Continue Lighting Upgrades
May 24, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- For the third consecutive year, Western Illinois University has received an Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation grant for energy efficient lighting upgrades on the WIU-Macomb campus.
The most recent grant, which totals $249,870, will allow Physical Plant staff to upgrade lighting in the Leslie F. Malpass Library, as well as Currens and Waggoner halls. The projects consist of retrofitting existing fluorescent lighting fixtures with high efficiency electronic ballasts and lamps that use 35 percent less energy than the original equipment, according to Scott Coker, Physical Plant mechanical engineer.
The project also includes replacing all incandescent light fixtures with energy efficient fluorescent fixtures. The new high efficiency lighting will reduce air conditioning loads in summer, as well as electrical demand during high cost periods of peak electrical usage.
Last year Western received $59,262 to upgrade Morgan Hall; and in 2005, WIU received an $83,680 grant to upgrade lighting in Stipes Hall.
"Improving environmental sustainability is a priority for the University," said Western Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson. "We're happy that Western continues to receive funding to implement additional energy conservation programs."
According to Coker, the completed project in the Library and Currens and Waggoner halls is expected to result in nearly $131,400 in costs savings per year and will also contribute to a reduction in air-born pollution emissions from power generating plants. Post-retrofit lighting levels is of equivalent or higher quality than current building lighting levels. Lighting efficiency upgrades are the most common energy management project in older institutional buildings and are usually accomplished with little or no disruption to the occupants or functions in the facility, Coker added.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: