Spring Break
Bulbs cast new light on Thompson Hall's energy bill
Sarah Cash
Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: News
How many resident assistants does it take to screw in a fluorescent light bulb?
At Western Illinois University, RAs of Thompson Hall approached that question on an unusual scale. Back in August, 30 RAs replaced nearly 5,100 incandescent bulbs in the building with an energy-saving alternative. The move began a pilot study to determine how compact fluorescent light bulbs can lower electric output in a residence hall.
Months later, Interim Director of Residential Facilities Matt Bierman said the study has found an average savings of $2,000 per month in electric bills compared to last year.
"I think it's been pretty successful," he said. "As more people bring electronics, that's going to cause kilowatts to go up - cell phone chargers, iPod docks, iPods … all that stuff gets plugged in. For the first time in awhile, the kilowatts have dropped."
The pilot study, according to Bierman, was prompted by various student groups asking, "What are we doing to be environmentally conscious? What are we doing to make sure that we're using our resources wisely?" In keeping with this year's university theme of environmental sustainability, academic buildings had started to use CFLs, and the difference from 60 watts to 15 watts per bulb was substantial. After an energy audit of Thompson Hall, Bierman and officials at the Physical Plant decided to bring the same idea to a residence hall.
"It's time for all of us to do what we can," Bierman said. "It's one of those things … we're purchasing light bulbs anyway, so if we can pay a little more up front and still save, it makes sense to do it that way. We chose (Thompson) because it's big; we felt like it would have an impact."
Thompson Hall Complex Director Matt Zielinski said the light bulb switch-out - which involved heaping bulb crates that arrived a week before school began - definitely had an impact on students, RAs and parents.
"We did have many people mention it when they moved in on moving day, both parents and students. (They would say) 'We use them at home, we're glad to see you use them as well,'" Zielinski said. "We've been working with the RAs to help them understand the benefits of it and what a service it was (to switch bulbs out) … now they can explain it to others."
At Western Illinois University, RAs of Thompson Hall approached that question on an unusual scale. Back in August, 30 RAs replaced nearly 5,100 incandescent bulbs in the building with an energy-saving alternative. The move began a pilot study to determine how compact fluorescent light bulbs can lower electric output in a residence hall.
Months later, Interim Director of Residential Facilities Matt Bierman said the study has found an average savings of $2,000 per month in electric bills compared to last year.
"I think it's been pretty successful," he said. "As more people bring electronics, that's going to cause kilowatts to go up - cell phone chargers, iPod docks, iPods … all that stuff gets plugged in. For the first time in awhile, the kilowatts have dropped."
The pilot study, according to Bierman, was prompted by various student groups asking, "What are we doing to be environmentally conscious? What are we doing to make sure that we're using our resources wisely?" In keeping with this year's university theme of environmental sustainability, academic buildings had started to use CFLs, and the difference from 60 watts to 15 watts per bulb was substantial. After an energy audit of Thompson Hall, Bierman and officials at the Physical Plant decided to bring the same idea to a residence hall.
"It's time for all of us to do what we can," Bierman said. "It's one of those things … we're purchasing light bulbs anyway, so if we can pay a little more up front and still save, it makes sense to do it that way. We chose (Thompson) because it's big; we felt like it would have an impact."
Thompson Hall Complex Director Matt Zielinski said the light bulb switch-out - which involved heaping bulb crates that arrived a week before school began - definitely had an impact on students, RAs and parents.
"We did have many people mention it when they moved in on moving day, both parents and students. (They would say) 'We use them at home, we're glad to see you use them as well,'" Zielinski said. "We've been working with the RAs to help them understand the benefits of it and what a service it was (to switch bulbs out) … now they can explain it to others."
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