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Library First up for Energy Upgrade
All lighting in McLaughlin Building to be replaced
The first project to be launched under the University's energy conservation initiative — a student-funded program aimed at improving energy efficiency on campus — is an upgrade of all lighting in the U of G Library.
The library was chosen because it consumes a large amount of energy, says Lloyd Cummins, head of energy and utilities in Physical Resources. The building is open late into the evening and must be lit throughout while in operation.
“Physical Resources, the library and students all contributed to the selection of this project and will all benefit from the improved lighting conditions, cost savings and environmental benefits,” he says.
The upgrade will cost $950,000 and will involve replacing the library's overhead lighting, the exit signs and the lighting running along the bookshelves with higher-efficiency bulbs and lamps, says Cummins. In some cases, this will require replacing entire fixtures. It's estimated these upgrades will result in an annual savings of 2,077,000 kilowatt hours, he says.
Undergraduate and graduate students have committed to providing more than $5 million over the next 12 years towards the energy conservation initiative by contributing roughly $10 a semester. Faculty, staff and alumni have also committed to the project, giving more than $36,000 to date and making pledges until 2013 that exceed $1.4 million. The University will match all the money raised, earmarking the funds for energy conservation measures.