November 3, 2025
$3.3 million on electricity on campus, which contributes to approximately 9,455 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions. We purchase approximately 12,500 MW of electricity each year for campus lighting.
One easy way to reduce our emissions is to reduce our energy consumption. NMU has the goal to convert half of our lighting on campus to LED by 2030 and all of the lighting by 2040.
LED lighting is better for the environment mainly due to its energy efficiency, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with electricity consumption. LEDs also have a much longer lifespan, creating less waste from frequent replacements. Also, LEDs do not contain toxic elements like mercury found in some traditional bulbs, making them safer to handle, recycle, and dispose of.
Over the past year, on September 24, NMU has converted to LED lamps in Magers, Cohodas, and Weston. Within Weston, 4,224 fluorescent lamps were replaced this summer. This allowed for a 62.5% reduction in lighting load for the building. The project cost $122,116.00, with payback being less than 4 years, and is estimated to avoid an annual operating cost of almost $32,000.00.
This reduction will help offset the additional electrical load of the new addition to Weston Hall.
