The energy-efficient lighting used in Cal State Fullerton’s Nutwood and State College parking structures has garnered the University an “Exemplary Higher Education Site” award from the Better Buildings Alliance Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) Campaign.
Eighteen businesses, universities and other organizations were honored last month for their efforts. Together with the 2014 winners, the honorees are saving nearly 30 million kilowatt-hours and $3 million each year through their use of energy-efficient technology, according to the campaign.
Through the University’s conversion from metal halide and fluorescent lighting to low-wattage LED in the two facilities — a total of 1.2 million square feet of space — Cal State Fullerton reduced electric use by more than 1.2 million kilowatt hours and saw a 40 percent savings, reported Megan Moscol, sustainability programs manager in facilities operations and management.
“The combination of LED technology and controls are the key to performance in these structures,” she explained. “For more examples of LED lighting on campus, look at exterior fixtures, stairwell lighting and even office lighting in many areas.”
Cal State Fullerton’s efforts to become more efficient and sustainable have earned several awards and a silver rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).
Examples of the campus sustainable activities include:
- the installation of solar panels that generate 1.16 MW of power, as well as charging stations and use of electric vehicles on campus;
- the construction of a number of buildings that are LEED certified or LEED equivalent;
- adding light fixtures that increase campus visibility while saving energy; and
- conserving water with low-flow fixtures, the planting of more drought-tolerant plants and creating bioswales to capture water runoff.