University News
Western Received Fourth Energy Grant for Lighting Upgrades
May 19, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- For the fourth 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 $210,606, will allow Physical Plant staff to upgrade lighting in Tillman, Sallee, Browne, Brophy and Horrabin 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 Benjamin Dedjoe, Physical Plant electrical engineer II.
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 $249,870, to upgrade lighting in the Leslie F. Malpass Library, as well as Currens and Waggoner halls. In 2006, WIU received $59,262 to upgrade Morgan Hall; and in 2005, Western 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 Dedjoe, the completed project in Tillman, Sallee, Browne, Brophy and Horrabin halls is expected to result in nearly $131,409 in energy costs savings per year, as well as labor savings from reduced maintenance. 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, Dedjoe added.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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