City of Slayton shines with sustainability upgrades

With the help of CERTs funding, Slayton recently retrofitted all of the interior fluorescent lighting fixtures in both the library and senior center with new LED tube fixtures. More than swapping out bulbs, the city says it was about improving the experience for the people who rely on these spaces.

At the library, where reading, researching, puzzling, and gaming are daily activities, the improved lighting has made a noticeable difference. Finding a good book (or that one missing puzzle piece) is easier than ever. And with more than 35,000 volumes, 700+ movies, and public computer labs, the library’s community impact is significant.

Over at the senior center, the new lights provide a brighter, more welcoming environment for socializing, gathering, and enjoying programs designed for Slayton’s older residents.

In addition to an improved experience, the bills are a bit lighter too!

“In the library we replaced 75 T8 bulbs with LED lights and also 2 exterior wall pack fixtures for a total estimated annual energy savings of 11,467 KWh or $1609.73 per year,” said Jackie Giesen, from the City of Slayton. “In the senior center we replaced 11 T8 bulbs and 4 traditional lighting fixtures with LED's for an estimated annual energy savings of 1707 KWh or $271.64 per year.”

Slayton has been on a roll when it comes to energy efficiency. A few years back, with the help of a CERTs Seed Grant, the city installed solar-powered LED lights to illuminate their welcome signs, creating a bright first impression for visitors. Building on that momentum, Slayton went a step further with a solar upgrade at the wastewater plant, cutting energy costs and improving quality of life (and quality of smells) for residents.

From Slayton’s welcome signs to the bright lights of the library, the city continues to light the way for smarter, more sustainable solutions!