The University of Minnesota is once again taking steps toward being more energy efficient. Within the U’s “It All Adds Up” campaign, the Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has begun to make high-efficiency lighting changes. Starting in above ground locations, Northrop Auditorium Garage and Church Street Garage, PTS has been switching out fixtures to LED and adding sensors. All parking structures will be upgraded over the next two years; meanwhile, surface lots will be upgraded in 2014-15.
The project began with an assessment of 13 University parking structures and concluded with agreement upon the installation of two types of sensors in each structure. The first sensor is a daylight-sensing. At times when there is adequate natural light in the parking area, the lights will be dimmed to 25% of full output (for safety and security purposes the lights do not completely shut off).
The second type of sensor installed is motion sensing. These sensors will be triggered by both vehicle and pedestrian activity. These sensors will control the lights in large sections instead of individual lights, again for safety and security purposes.
Last but not least, the structures are retrofitted with LED fixtures. LED lights are proven energy-efficient options and will last an estimated 23 years with 24/7 operation at full output.
The cost of all upgrades is approximately $3.3 million. The result will be a 52-58% energy savings increase (translating to an annual energy cost savings of approximately $350,000 per year if all covered level light fixtures are replaced in all of the parking structures).
