Under our commitment as Canada's Green University™, UNBC continues to upgrade and modernize its lighting and control systems. Old fluorescent fixtures and electronic ballasts are removed and replaced with high efficiency LEDs. Fixtures with integrated occupancy sensors are installed in large common areas and individual occupancy sensors are integrated into office light switches. Controls systems also ensure lighting is swept off at night when the buildings are unoccupied, or when no motion has been detected for a period of time.
During the 2019/2020 academic year, over 2,800 new high-efficiency LED fixtures were installed across 4 buildings on campus. We can expect nearly 710,000 kWh in annual savings as a result of these upgrades, equating to reduced electrical costs of at least $42,500/yr!
We'd like to thank everyone for their support and patience during this major energy conservation project that will benefit UNBC for years to come. For information about how the some of the new controls work for offices, lecture theatres, and research labs visit the PowerPoint link below. If you have any questions please contact the Facilities Management department or the UNBC Energy Manager.
Upgrading lighting and control systems results in a number of key benefits:
- Significant energy savings
- Enhanced light levels and quality
- Operational improvements through upgraded controls systems
- Reduced utility costs
- Reduced maintenance and operational costs
- Longer product lifespan
2019/2020 upgrade areas included:
- Research Lab - all floors
- Charles J. McCaffray Hall - basement and first floor
- Agora - all floors
- Enhanced Forestry Research Lab - growth pods
Key details of the 2019/2020 upgrades include:
- Installation of 2,810 new fixtures
- Total utility bill savings exceeding $42,500 per year
- Total electrical savings of more than 708,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year*:
- Research Lab - 306,600 kWh/year
- Charles J. McCaffray Hall - 105, 750 kWh/year
- Ehanced Forestry Research Lab - 77,200 kWh/year
- Agora - 218, 750 kWh/year
* The average B.C. household consumes approximately 11,000 kWh/year.
