University of Minnesota Finds Big Savings

University of Minnesota Finds Big Savings in LED lighting

The University of Minnesota is saving both energy and money, thanks to energy- efficient LED lighting.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (U of M) assessed its energy usage across campus, which identified its illuminated stairwells as a savings opportunity. At the time, many of the stairwells were fully illuminated 24 hours per day throughout 120 buildings across campus.

In 2010, experiments with lighting solutions validated the investment in LED lighting integrated with occupancy control as a cost-effective option for its overuse in stairwell lighting.

“While we were working on the project, we learned there were actually additional innovative ways to make even more energy saving improvements,” says Blaine O’Brien, senior energy auditor for Energy Management, a division of Facilities Management at U of M. “We were introduced to an LED luminaire concept that featured integrated occupancy sensors and dimmers. For us, this was a great match in technology.”

The U of M energy management team was introduced to the W Series LED wall bracket and surface mount luminaries from Lithonia Lighting. The LED luminaires have dual technology micro-sensors for occupancy sensing and optional sequential controls.

In August 2012, a total of 961 fixtures were replaced on the West Bank, approximately one fifth of the campus. The fixtures produce an estimated annual energy savings of 379,392 kilowatt hours, which equates to more than $30,000 annually — just on the West Bank. The LED lighting and digital controls now reduce the energy consumed in stairwells by 90 percent.

Once the project is complete, nearly 6,000 W Series LED luminaires will illuminate stairwells across campus.

For more information about the Lithonia Lighting W Series LED luminaire from Acuity Brands, please visit www.lithonia.com/wseries.

www.lithonia.com/wseries

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management November 2013 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Pangram Secures Funding for AI Detection Technology

    Pangram, which provides technology that detects AI-generated text, recently announced that it has secured nearly $4 million in pre-seed and seed funding, according to a news release. The most recent round of investments, totaling $2.7 million, come on top of the pre-existing seed fund of $1.25 million.

  • Empowering People Through Smart, Sustainable Campuses

    Sustainability is facing increasing scrutiny, with some questioning its costs and priorities. Yet for universities, it remains an essential driver of resilience, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. At the same time, there is a growing recognition that sustainable transformation is not just about reducing energy consumption and emissions to comply with tightening regulations ‒ it’s about creating vibrant, comfortable environments where people can thrive, innovate and connect. For university leadership, this is a complex balancing act, with rising energy costs and limited budgets only adding to the challenge.

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

Digital Edition