Saving Energy: Occupancy Sensor Lighting

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2015

Type of Work

Department

Program

St. Mary's College of Maryland. Environmental Studies Program

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

The author owns the copyright to this work. This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by SMCM for non-commercial research and education. For permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the author.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States

Abstract

In order to supplement campus efforts to reduce carbon emissions, I have conducted research on tactics to reduce lighting energy use. This included the history of sustainable lighting at St. Mary’s College, case studies from other institutions, and technical specifications of lighting options. After I established a substantial body of research on the best options available, a project was devised to implement occupancy light sensors into all of the dormitory hallways. In conjunction with the Sustainability Office and Student Government Association members, grant money has been secured to make this project a reality. When implemented, these sensors will not only save energy and money, but teach a new generation of students the importance of ecological responsibility.