by Teri Boggess N.C. Energy Office Communications Staff
UNCW/Jamie Moncrief
Light switch brings
big savings A project that reduces workload, improves quality and slashes costs 93 percent would be worthy of a standing ovation. In this case, the project really is on stage, and a hearty Broadway-style “Bravo!” can be directed toward UNCW. The university’s 1,015-seat Sarah Graham Kenan Auditorium achieved a 93 percent reduction in the annual energy consumption required for its stage lights by switching 33 of its inefficient incandescent fixtures to light emitting diodes, or LEDs. The $56,216 lighting project was part of a $1.8 million campus energy upgrade that was partially funded with a $533,166 U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program Grant for Government, Universities and State Agencies from federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money administered by the N.C. Energy Office for the N.C. Department of Commerce. Stage lighting cost savings of about $2,500 per year will come from reducing annual kilowatt hours from 35,798 to 2,559. This change also reduces greenhouse gas emissions about 37,727 pounds per year. “Although this was a relatively small project, it demonstrates the savings that can be realized through the intelligent application of energy-efficient principles,” said
Herbert Eckerlin of the Center for Energy Solutions’ Energy Management Program in NC State University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Besides slashing energy costs, the new fixtures give Kenan Auditorium crew and performers lighting quality and options they have not had. “Not only do the new lights offer a full color spectrum, but colors can be changed or added at the push of a few buttons from our lighting console,” said Norman Bemelmans, director of cultural arts and pianist who performs under the new lights. Replacing the individual stage lights with long-lived LEDs also reduces maintenance costs, reduces the load on the air conditioning system and makes the conditions more comfortable for performers in about 180 events at the facility each year. “The comfort level for the performers onstage has dramatically increased. The incandescent lights would cook the people on stage,” said Steve Sharpe, an engineer and project manager in UNCW’s Office of Facilities. “Now, there is no appreciable heat gain when performing under the new LED lights. This will help to ensure that premium performers have the best experience possible and return because it’s a comfortable and enjoyable place to work.” fall 2012
UNCW Magazine
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