April 1, 2014
Bucknell University Green Fund Project Proposal Form
Project Title
LED Lighting and Energy Savings in Weis Center for Performing Arts Lobby
Applicant(s)
Marissa Graham (‘16) (mbg010@bucknell.edu)
Stephen Durfee (Facilities, Campus Energy Manager) (spd006@bucknell.edu)
Project Description
Bucknell University can be more effective in selection of light bulbs and endorsement of conservation
behaviors. This small amount of many will be used to purchase and installation of LED bulbs in a
focal Bucknell building. We are proposing a retrofit of the 200 incandescent light bulbs currently
installed in Weis Center for the Performing Arts lobby with LED lights LEDs could greatly improve
the efficiency of our campus’ lighting versus incandescent bulbs and, in turn, reduce energy
consumption. This energy reduction also curtails the emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful
pollutants, like carbon dioxide. In addition, LEDs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent
bulbs, lessening the need for constant replacement and maintenance, and minimizing any landfill
contribution. The tremendous cost savings of $31,792 can contribute to expanding the endowment of
the Green Fund, which can then in turn be used to facilitate other sustainable projects. All of these
benefits save money and contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of Bucknell
University.
Project Origin
For my Advanced Managing for Sustainability course, I was charged with proposing a project
regarding a sustainability initiative for Bucknell’s campus. After deciding to focus my project on
energy savings, Steve Durfee made me aware of the lighting situation in Weis lobby and how it could
be more effective in regard to its usage of inefficient incandescent light bulbs and behavioral norms.
As a result, our research showed LEDs bulbs could greatly improve the efficiency of the center’s
lighting and, in turn, reduce energy consumption. We also recognized the ample educational
opportunities for the Weis center staff and facilities revolving around energy programming and
behavioral norms.
Project Endorsement
Stephen Durfee, Campus Energy Manager
David Eckley, Manager of Electrical Systems and Projects
Sustainability Benefits
● LEDs consume less power than incandescent light bulbs. Therefore, replacing the lobby’s
bulbs with LEDs will decrease electricity consumption by a total of 91%. The decrease in
energy demand from the installation of LEDs will also reduce the need for natural gas from
Bucknell’s Co-Generation plant.
● LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan compared to the incandescent bulbs. Therefore, their
installation and usage will dramatically reduce the demand for replacement lamps. This would
not only save Bucknell money, but would also decrease the amount of resources consumed in
the life cycle of each bulb. There may be some labor costs associated with facilities changing
the bulbs when the bulbs die, but it will be minimal compared to the replacement frequency of
incandescent.
● By having to replace the bulb every 50,000 hours as opposed to every 2,500 hours enables the
workers to significantly reduce the amount of times they have to change the bulb and could
repurpose their time and effort elsewhere.
● Bucknell can reuse (for educational purposes) or recycle all residual incandescent bulbs.
Sustainability Promotion Opportunities
● If deemed viable by this project, LED lighting can become more prevalent on campus and
make a larger impression on the campus community relating to sustainability. Other major
buildings to be considered for LED retrofitting include: The Kenneth Langone Athletics and
Recreational Center, Bertrand Library, and the Elaine Langone Center.
● Using the Automated Lighting Control software to track and report trends of energy usage. We
will survey Weis Center staff members if new lighting is of equal or superior quality, as well as
the Energy Reports will provide measurement verification of energy efficiency. Furthermore,
success will be through the giving custodial staff the knowledge and tools to control the
dimming system
● Advertize Bucknell’s sustainability efforts the lobby post-installation describing the project
and benefits of standardizing LED lighting
 Bucknell as a Living Learning Laboratory: Managing for Sustainability students can design
policies surrounding energy management, Engineering students can construct a light saving
devices, Psychology majors can explore behavioral components and Marketing students can
design an awareness campaign. Steven Durfee and I are continuing to investigate which
behavioral changes will have the greatest impact, the behaviors of students and faculty in
regards to turning off/on lights, and ultimately transform Bucknell into a leader among liberal
arts schools in sustainability.
● Incentives could be offered to staff and faculty to pursue energy savings, such as highlighting
the sustainable actions of the individuals.
● More funds and resources will be allocated to facilities to continue similar projects, as well as
program planning around energy conservation.
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Projected Project Cost and Savings/Reinvestment Plan
(All figures are in U.S. $)
Standard Bucknell conversion rates are available on the Green Fund Website (http://www.bucknell.edu/x64749.xml).
Estimated Total Cost ($): 9,794.00
Estimated Annual Savings ($): 5,941
Simple Payback (Years): 1.65
Additional Data Points required to calculate cost / saving:
We assumed that the price of energy is $0.065 kW.