Address: University of Minnesota, Housing & Residential Life, Comstock Hall East, 210 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Project Overview:

The University of Minnesota retrofitted more than 7,400 inefficient T12 lamped, magnetic ballasted fluorescent light fixtures with modern solid state ballasts and high efficiency T8 lamps in eight residence halls on the Twin Cities campus. The lighting retrofit has improved the quality of light provided in the students’ living spaces, study areas, common areas and dining facilities, while saving money and reducing The University’s carbon footprint.  The project cost was $404,000, with a payback of 2.6 years. The University will receive a $142,772 rebate from Xcel Energy for the improvements and save about $100,000 annually. 

In 2008, the University set a goal to reduce campus energy consumption by five percent, saving $2.25 million annually and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tons per year. The five percent goal was met in March 2010, approximately three months ahead of schedule, due mostly to an aggressive building recommissioning program. 

As of November 1, 2010, efficiency improvements implemented since April 2008 save the University more than $3 million annually in energy costs. The Residence Hall Lighting Retrofit is just one example of the hundreds of projects implemented as part of this overall energy efficiency initiative.     

Benefits:

• Operating Savings – approximately $100,000 annually
• Energy Savings – 1,654, 951 kWh annually
• Carbon Savings – approximately 1,374 Metric Tons annually

Partners:

This was a cooperative effort funded by The University’s Department of Housing and Residential Life, with engineering and project management provided by the Facility Management Department’s Energy Management Group.