Press Release: Neumann University LED Conversion, Aston, PA

Stouch Lighting is pleased to announce completion of an LED retrofit for Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania. Neumann University was looking for a comprehensive turnkey lighting solution to reduce energy costs and improve light levels for the exterior lighting throughout the entire campus. Major updates include street lighting on campus, exterior lighting surrounding buildings and illuminating high traffic common areas, and parking lot lighting.

The project entailed the one-for-one replacement of 306 HID light fixtures with high efficiency LED lights and fixtures. Most of the legacy HID lights were either metal halide (typically on building exteriors and walkways) or high pressure sodium lights (typically illuminating streets and parking lots). Stouch Lighting used its expertise as a lighting distributor to help specify the proper replacement fixtures for the project, and also served as the project manager during implementation. In addition to the huge reduction in energy and maintenance costs that will benefit Neumann University for years to come, we were able to improve light levels by specifying the appropriate light distribution patterns for the new LED fixtures at various locations around campus. For more on the difference between LED and HID lighting in general read here . Or, for a discussion of LED lighting as it compares to low and high pressure sodium lights (the characteristically yellow street lights) read here .

Take a look at a few images of the project before and after the LED retrofit. This first image is a comparison photo between the metal halide lights and the new LED lights:

Metal Halide Outdoor lights replaced with LEDs

In the next image you can really see the impact of a light’s color temperature and color rendering index on its ability to render color to the human eye.

The “before” images above are showing the lighting from the previously existing high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. As you can see, HPS lamps render color very poorly (they have a low color rendering index, or CRI ). Perhaps the only light worse in terms of color rendering is the related low pressure sodium lamp that uses exclusively sodium metals inside the fixture. Low and high pressure sodium lights are the virtually monochromatic yellow lights you often see on streets and in parking lots. They have been the dominant light for organizations like municipalities for several decades because of their high efficiency. It is only recently that they are being surpassed by LEDs in terms of energy efficiency, quality of light, and reduced maintenance costs.

The results of the Neumann University LED lighting conversion are impressive to say the least. The University was able to reduce its existing energy consumption by 63% (a 259,669 annual Kwh reduction). Considering the average cost of a Kwh of electricity is about $0.12, the annual savings total to roughly $31,160. Annual maintenance savings on top of the energy savings were estimated to be $20,967, and greenhouse gas reduction was estimated at 248,856 lbs annually. See the table below for a full comparison or read the case study here :

Light

Used For

Watts/Fixture

Energy Reduction Per Fixture

Total Energy Reduction

Color Temperature or CCT

HPS

Flood Light

400 Watts

-

259,669 kWh ($31,160 annually)

2200K

LED

Flood Light

141 Watts

259 Watts

5700K

HPS

Flood Light

250 Watts

-

2200K

LED

Flood Light

116 Watts

134 Watts

5700K

Metal Halide

Parking Lot

400 Watts

-

4000K

LED

Parking Lot

188 Watts

212 Watts

5700K

Metal Halide

Parking Lot

250 Watts

-

4000K

LED

Parking Lot

116 Watts

134 Watts

5700K

Metal Halide

Decorative

150 Watts

-

4000K

LED

Decorative

60 Watts

90 Watts

5700K

As you can see, replacing both high pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide fixtures with new LED lighting can make a big difference in the cost, effectiveness, and aesthetics of a university campus. Additionally, higher quality lighting with significantly improved color rendering makes for a noticeably improved feeling of safety and security for students, faculty, and administrative staff alike. Unfortunately, HID lamps like HPS and metal halide are still somewhat ubiquitous. There’s a good chance that your facility is still shedding money by using them. If you are interested in learning more about the exciting trend in LED lighting, Stouch Lighting can help. We have the knowledge and expertise to guide your organization through the process of an LED retrofit from start to finish. Contact us today to see how we can help, or use the ROI Calculator above to see how much you can save by making a long-term investment in energy efficient, long lasting LED lighting.

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