LED lights for Smart Campus

LED Lights are not only Sustainable, they also support Campus Safety

​Howard University's Office of Sustainability has announced the completion of an exterior LED retrofit project in the heart of the University's campus. The new installations, which boost lighting levels for example around the clock tower, walkway paths, the upper Quad and parking lots increase energy efficiency, decrease maintenance costs, and improve campus safety. The effort comes as the University seeks ways to reduce energy costs, beautify its campus and reduce its overall footprint. "LED lighting will allow Howard University to maximize our energy efficiency goals and provide superior light quality for our students and faculty," says Alfonzye Chisholm, Director of Sustainability for Facilities Management at Howard University.

The energy savings have resulted in more than $10.5 million in lifetime cost savings and prevented the lifetime emissions of 70,000 tons of CO2. This is the equivalent of Co2 produced when generating electricity for more than 10,000 homes for one year. "Without the DCSEU's support we would not have been able to complete all these sustainability projects," says Chisholm.

Bright light improves the sense of security by allowing students, staff, and visitors to better see their environment while walking through campus at night. At the beginning of the project, the completing contractor GB Energie LED, an African-American, woman-owned business committed to sourcing sustainable energy solutions, and the DCSEU participated in a walkthrough with the Director of Campus Security. They identified poorly or dimly lit areas on campus, including parking lots and sidewalks, where safety could be compromised. "Adequate exterior lighting is a major concern for addressing campus community safety on any campus. The LED exterior lighting project is a proactive measure to reduce the opportunity of crime around our campuses," says Alonzo Joy, Campus Police Chief. "The plan has greatly illuminated various areas, which reduces the likelihood of unwanted individuals from lurking in wait without being detected. This new lighting also elevates the quality of our students' after-hours experience. In addition, the plan to use LED is a perfect match for our video surveillance system."

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