(Photo Credit: Brandeis University)Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, and Energy Source just completed an LED retrofit project at the campus center that is expected to reduce the university’s annual lighting costs by 78%. That equals $32,270 yearly, Patch reported.
Rhode-Island-based Energy Source, a division of Revolution Lighting Technologies, replaced antiquated existing lighting throughout the 65,000-square-foot Carl and Ruth Shapiro Campus Center, which houses study spaces, a theater, libraries, a café, lounges, a bookstore, and student life offices.
The energy efficiency solutions provider had previously done a comprehensive assessment to come up with an energy-efficient lighting solution for Brandeis University. Energy Source managed the project, and provided services such as scope development and material selection. They also helped secure incentives to secure a payback of under five years for the university.
“We were able to replace some of the old fixtures with half as many LED fixtures due to their increased lumen output per fixture. The LEDs will last longer, reducing the need for costly replacements in that problem area,” said Mary Fischer, manager of sustainability programs at Brandeis University. “Areas that were under-lit before are now bright and welcoming while using less energy.”
The lighting retrofit is part of Energy Source’s work as a program contractor within the Eversource Commercial & Industrial retrofit program, which helps businesses prioritize ways to reduce energy and costs by identifying and implementing cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities.
Energy savings is a continuing priority for Brandeis University. Early last year, the university signed a PPA for solar power from a 1.27-MW rooftop system on a building in Somerville, Massachusetts. That deal should save the university as much as $2 million over 20 years.
“We hope this is the first of many opportunities to support new solar developments in Massachusetts, and hedge against the volatile, fossil fuel-based electricity market,” Fischer said at the time.
