Crookston

UMN Crookston Ready to Roll With Better Lighting

September 2021

Although Covid-19 delayed implementation, lighting upgrade and installation occupancy sensors are coming into one of the most heavily used academic buildings on campus, Dowell Hall.

This seed grant allowed us to get the design work done and we now have a ‘shovel ready’ project that will have a great chance of being funded

Katy Chapman, Sustainability Coordinator, University of Minnesota - Crookston

Sometimes a pandemic gets in the way of the best laid plans

“COVID-19 delayed our progress and has also delayed our implementation of the installation of this project due to budgets having to be utilized for products needed to keep campus safe from COVID-19,” notes Katy Chapman, Sustainability Coordinator, University of Minnesota - Crookston. “Otherwise, the project went very smoothly and we are excited to have the design work done so that when we are given the green light to spend funds, we can implement this energy and money saving project.”

After the installation of the LED lights and the occupancy sensors, Ms. Chapman intends to hold a seminar to educate the public about how doing a couple of simple things (changing lighting to LED and adding occupancy sensors) can save money, and also help us along the path towards climate neutrality.

Ms. Chapman is optimistic about the future of the project. “This seed grant allowed us to get the design work done and we now have a ‘shovel ready’ project that will have a great chance of being funded when the U is looking for low dollar quick turnaround projects that can be done.  We are confident this work will get done thanks to the design work the CERTS grant allowed us to complete.”

Clean Energy Focus: LED lighting and occupancy sensor design
CERT Seed Grant: $5,000
Total Project Cost: $7,700
Other Funds: UofM staff time
Project Team: Katy Chapman, UMC Sustainability Director; David Danforth, UMC Director of Facilities and Operations; Aaron Sigette, Ottertail Energy
People Involved and Reached: 10

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