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Volume CXXXIII, Number 11 |
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Bowdoin plans new, efficient lighting
JON PEREZ
STAFF WRITER
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| Facilities management plans to replace the costly, inefficient lights in Morrell Gym. (Nancy Van Dyke, Bowdoin Orient) |
After years of wasted electricity and costly energy bills, Bowdoin is currently planning to replace lighting fixtures in Farley Field House and Morrell Gym. Such a change comes in the midst of a growing trend on campus towards conservation.
"Because of the new technology and modern innovations, a greater number of people, today, are turning to more efficient sources of energy," said Mark Pelletier, Electrical Shop Leader. Already, in many places on campus, fluorescent light bulbs have replaced older, iridescent fixtures.
Five years ago, L.E.D., or light emitting diodes, were installed in many of the exit signs on campus. "L.E.D. lights use only a fraction of the power consumption in regular bulbs, but produce the same amount of light," said Mr. Pelletier.
The project, operating on an "as needed" basis, replaces older "browned out" light bulbs with the new energy-efficient L.E.D. fixtures, which have a lifespan of up to 25 years. Similar modifications have been made outside Pine Street and Harpswell Apartments where outdated iridescent bulbs have been replaced with energy-efficient models.
Skeptics of the proposed plan cite differences in costs as outweighing the benefits of the new fixtures. Advocates such as Mr. Pelletier claim, "Though the initial cost seems hefty, the final payback is worth it. And in many cases we are actually saving money in cost-cutting." One example of this is the recent arrival of blue lights all over campus.
Blue lights, named for their "cooler" fluorescent tint, retain high levels of efficacy while also providing an affordable alternative to incandescent bulbs. Producing about the same amount of energy, or "lumens," as a 60-watt bulb, blue lights only use 15 watts. The result is a cheaper and more efficient light that in some cases has a lifespan of up to two years and can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With several building projects underway or planned, Bowdoin has taken the initiative to re-investigate current and future energy practices. This week and next, light consultants will visit campus to discuss possible options for Farley and Sargent gyms. The alternatives have been hi output fluorescent light bulbs. Shaped like giant aluminum lampshades, these bulbs are hi output sources of refracted light that can save the College between 25 and 30 percent in energy costs.
In order to fund such projects, Bowdoin is looking into a number of outside grants concerning conservation and environmental change. Still in its early stages, these and other projects remain possibilities. In the short term, however, groups like Sustainable Bowdoin are urging students to remember to turn off the lights on the way out.
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