One of the easiest and least intrusive ways to conserve energy on campus is to adjust campus lighting practices.  This involves maximizing the use of day lighting; installing occupancy sensors; switching out old, inefficient fluorescent lights; and replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescents.

Lighting Tips

• Check with the facilities manager to get a list of the kind of lamps that are used in each building.  Suggest switching any fluorescent lights to new, more efficient models with electronic ballasts.  Don’t forget about EXIT signs- they are on every floor of every building and are on 24/7!
• Encourage the installation of occupancy sensors in classrooms and bathrooms.
• Consider de-lamping during lighting retro-fit.  Many spaces are over-lit, and current light fixtures could be swapped out for fixtures containing fewer bulbs.
• Using natural light is also very simple. Instead of turning on the light, open the blinds. When arranging living spaces, place desks and reading chairs near windows so natural light can be used as much as possible. Offices can also be arranged to utilize natural light.