Lighting Upgrade For Salesian College – Bosco & Mannix Campuses
During the second term school holidays July 2020, 471 new LED lighting fittings were installed across both campuses of the College; approximately 87% of all light fittings across the College are now LED.
Under the auspice of the Essential Services Commission (ESC), the College participated in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program which targets the reduction in energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by decommissioning inefficient fluorescent light fitting and installing LED lighting. As a key component the program, large energy retailers are required to acquire Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) to meet annual targets set in Victorian legislation. By installing LED fittings throughout the College, the works create VEECs (certificates) that are handed back to the retailers. The greenhouse gas savings associated with the installation the LED battens and decommissioning the fluroscent fittings determines the number of VEECs (certificates) that can be created.
LED lighting consumes 80% less energy than conventional lighting and lasts longer reducing operational costs. LED’s have an exceptionally long operational life of 50,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs (Fluorescent) may only last an average of 1,000 hours. Many LED lighting solutions will run for up to 25 years before needing a replacement. LED’s are free from harmful chemicals like the mercury found in fluorescent lights, and do not need toxic or combustible gases to produce light. They are recyclable and produce at least 80% lower CO2 emissions compared with conventional incandescent and halogen lamps.
Modelling of energy use and $$ spent on operating the inefficient fluorescent light fitting was completed prior to the changeover program.
It is anticipated that the newly installed LED fittings will generate the following savings:
- 69,024 kwH (Kilowatt hours) in electricity usage or 73.86 tonnes of CO2 equivalent that is reduced per annum
- $17,304 in electricity bills per annum
The College will continue striving to reducing its carbon footprint. The next stage of works will be changing over the outdoor lighting stock to LED’s thereby continuing to reduce CO2 emissions and saving on electricity bills.
Mr Peter Knight
Facilities Manager