Lighting Practices

Exterior Lighting

The University balances the need for a safe, welcoming nighttime environment against energy use, maintenance costs, and light pollution concerns. 

• The Lighting Master Plan Report (1993) set the standard by which new construction and retrofits are designed. 
• To date, approximately 50% of the campus area has been converted, according to the Plan, through new construction and retrofits.
• Outdoor lighting is controlled by photocells that ensure the lights are only on when required.
• The campus standard pole lamp (blue antique post with a glass acorn head) uses induction lighting that consumes only 55W per post and has a life span of approximately 20 years before service to the lamp or ballast should be required.
  
  Comparison: equivalent incandescent lighting system consumes 300W and needs service twice yearly.

Indoor Lighting

• Glass (windows and skylights) are used wherever feasible to maximize the amount of natural lighting and reduce the need for interior lighting.
• Energy-efficient lighting is used in all new construction projects on campus
• The ILC was built with hundreds of Occupancy sensors and a fully computerized lighting system 
• Nearly $200,000 of 330,000 has been spent on lighting upgrades across campus with more projects planned
• Goodes Hall was retrofitted with over 20 occupancy sensors