So far, 157 LED bulbs have replaced outdated bulbs in the Art A and B buildings, the Student Health Center, and the Ceramics Lab. And more upgrades are planned.
The upgrade to these more efficient and longer lasting bulbs has the potential to generate savings of $3,000 a year and cut 2.5 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
“Besides the energy and emissions reductions, I’m particularly excited about working with the campus community to raise awareness about LEDs,” Sustainability & Waste Coordinator Morgan King said. “The light quality is as good, if not better, than the less efficient lighting technologies we have been replacing.”
Since LEDs don’t emit ultraviolet rays, the bulbs reduce eye strain, while still producing high quality light. The quality of light is good enough that LED bulbs will soon be illuminating the Reese Bullen and Goudi’ni galleries and the 10th Street Children’s Center.
LEDs are known for reducing potential eyestrain and produce no ultraviolet emissions. The new LED bulbs are 50 percent or more efficient than the halogen, incandescent, and fluorescent lights they have replaced, and emit considerably less heat. LEDs can last five times longer than fluorescent lights and they contain no mercury.
The lighting upgrade is part of the Redwood Coast Energy Watch Program, which is a partnership of RCEA and Pacific Gas and Electric Company designed to help Humboldt County customers save energy and money.
The program offers free technical assistance and rebates to reduce the cost of installing efficient lighting, refrigeration improvements, and other energy efficiency measures for businesses and public agencies. The program also provides home energy assessments and efficiency upgrades for Humboldt County homeowners and renters.
“HSU is an incredible partner for us,” said RCEA Energy Specialist Matt Tolley. “The work we are doing on campus has the potential to make energy efficiency more accessible to other public agencies, and may even influence the choices HSU community members make at home. That’s the kind of broader impact we’re seeking.”
To learn more about RCEA and the Energy Watch Program, go to www.redwoodenergy.org.