University Implements Lighting Control Project

SmartWatt

Mississippi State University is adding another component to its sustainable campus initiative. MSU has partnered with SmartWatt Energy to implement a large-scale energy efficient lighting and lighting control project, commonly referred to as SmartLighting. The project will remove more than 14,000 outdated T-12 and HID lamps throughout the campus and replace them with high-efficiency lighting and lighting controls technologies, which will allow the lighting to be automatically turned off when not in use. MSU's goals are to improve interior lighting quality, while reducing energy consumption across facilities. The project will decrease air pollution and environmental damage, and will have the same effect on the environment as planting 866 acres of trees or removing 558 cars from the road each year. SmartWatt provided an investment-grade lighting audit of campus facilities to prioritize the project rollout. The campus will upgrade up to eight total buildings, which account for approximately one million square feet of space. Average annual energy savings are anticipated to be nearly $400,000, with annual maintenance savings projected to be more than $80,000. The entire $3.5-million phase one project is self-funded and financed by the university through costs savings achieved from the improvements. For more information about SmartWatt, visit www.smartwattinc.com. Sid Salter | Public Affairs