Ohio District Flips the Switch on LED Lighting To Reduce Energy Costs

Ohio's Goshen Local School District recently retrofitted its buildings with LED lights for a projected energy cost savings of $61,000 each year.

The district worked with an energy consultant to find upgrades with a fast return on investment. LED lighting topped the list by driving "aggressive savings" through factors such as "the availability of compelling rebates, reduced labor by eliminating the need to replace fluorescent ballasts, improved HVAC efficiency through cooler LED fixtures and the use of sensors and controls to further reduce energy use," according to a news release.

"The return on the investment was a huge part of our decision-making. We looked at all of the items our district needed, from a new roof to weight equipment for the kids to new technology. We were able to contract for those projects and more because we changed the lights, from the energy savings we achieved by moving to Orion LED lighting," said Todd Shinkle, treasurer at Goshen Local School District, in a prepared statement. "We expected to save $61,000 annually, and in actuality it is on pace to be much closer to $100,000, and that savings helped us make a real impact for our students, and do it almost debt-free."

After settling on the lighting upgrade, the district partnered with CM Mockbee, which installed more than 3,900 Orion LED Troffer Retrofit (LDR) fixtures. Upon completion, the 2,800-student district was awarded a $130,160 Smart Saver incentive check from Duke Energy.

"Before we were not only wasting energy, but also had inferior, high-maintenance products lighting our schools. Now with Orion's fixtures, we're able to be excellent stewards of our districts' limited dollars. We have a more professional and inviting learning environment, with happier students and teachers," added Shinkle. "School districts should not assume they can't afford to upgrade to LED lighting. If you look at what you are spending now on energy and maintenance — the amount of time it takes to change the ballast, and how often you have to change them — quickly you'll find it is very cost-effective to move to LED right now."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

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