A CERTs Seed Grant helped the New London-Spicer School District commission a lighting study to compare the best LED retrofit solution for interior lighting and exterior lighting, with a specific emphasis on lighting for the parking lot and sidewalks, including lighting by each entry to the building. The grant allowed the district to finally complete a lighting retrofit and LED lighting upgrade. The primary goal for the lighting in student and staff areas should be brought to a 1 footcandle minimum to improve safety and security of people and property. This is often considered the most important safety element, deterring crime and vandalism, and creating a sense of personal safety.
Securing support from leadership
The project was presented to the New London-Spicer School Board and was formally adopted by the school board. During this process the school board felt that it was important to generate enough savings to pay for the project. The analysis showed that the district would be saving approximately $1,100 per month which would cover the monthly finance amount for the total project. To emphasize the importance of energy efficiency and conservation, the local YES! team partnered with Kandiyohi Power Cooperative and sold LED bulbs to community members.
