Things are looking bright at The University of Toledo, especially at night in the new mall area between Carlson Library and Wolfe Hall on Main Campus.
New LED lights have been installed that are not only brighter than conventional lighting, but offer several other advantages.
LED (light-emitting diode) lighting saves energy, provides better visibility, is environmentally friendly (mercury free), and lasts longer than traditional lighting sources.
The new lights use 50 percent less energy and will pay for themselves in less than nine years. Plus, they last an average of 23 years compared with only a few years for regular bulbs, which saves time and money for maintenance.
“This is the University’s initial foray into LED lighting, but the feedback has been extremely positive, and we plan to expand the initiative as part of our plan to be as energy-efficient as possible,” said Michael Green, manager of mechanical engineering and energy.
LED lighting also was installed on the exterior of the Memorial Field House, which recently received a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. The new lighting is on the north side of the building next to Libbey Hall.
“Those LEDs provide such good lighting that it also illuminates the Libbey Hall parking lot, which enhances safety,” Green said.
The next project will be installing LED lighting with motion detectors in both parking structures before students return for fall semester.
