Lighting
Over the past few years, the University has been upgrading indoor and outdoor lighting across campus with more efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. LED bulbs use less power (watts) relative to the amount of light generated (lumens) and also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by saving energy.
UNC-Chapel Hill has completed installation of LED lighting in 34 buildings, four parking decks and a large portion of site lighting on University properties. The interior LED retrofit lamps and fixtures were installed in chandeliers, track lighting, pendant lighting, downlights and troffers. New exterior LED pole and building wall lighting were installed across the main University campus as well as additional buildings off campus. LEDs have replaced incandescent, metal halide, high pressure sodium and obsolete fluorescent lighting and have 50% or greater energy and maintenance savings. In addition, all new University buildings are being outfitted with energy-efficient lighting.
The University is continuing to identify spaces where LED upgrades will provide similar savings and maintenance benefits.
| Comparison | Incandescent
|
CFL
|
LED
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 1,200 hours | 8,000 hours | 50,000 hours |
| Watts Consumed | 60 | 13 to 15 | 6 to 8 |
| kWh Consumed per Year for a Single Bulb* | 65.7 | 15.33 | 7.665 |
| Annual Operating Cost†($) | 7.227 | 1.6863 | 0.84315 |
| Contains Mercury | No | Yes | No |
| Heat Emitted (BTUs/hour) | 85 | 30 | 3.4 |
| *assuming 3 hours of use per day †assuming $0.11/kWh |
|||
