Studley House: Light Audit

Abstract

Energy consumption in many buildings at Dalhousie University is an expenditure which, in several cases, is able to be reduced. An examination was done into one area of energy consumption, the lighting system within the Studley House residence, a section of Howe Hall at Dalhousie. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were done in order to determine areas of unnecessary energy usage. Interviews with several staff affiliated with facilities, a meeting with the students of Studley House, an on-site lighting audit, a comprehensive document analysis and a cost-benefit analysis were all conducted to provide suitable information as to indicate how much of the equipped lighting system within Studley House would be improved with minor changes. It was found that the existing lighting system in the building could feasibly be improved in several sections, and by changing several of the installed fixtures to more efficient or suitable bulbs, costs would be returned through savings in as little as 3 years.