The university’s energy management team estimated that by replacing the existing high bay fixtures, it could slash energy consumption by approximately 40 per cent
Objective
Television broadcasts, sustainability needs, a uniquely domed roof and a restricted installation schedule made the lighting retrofit of Princeton University’s L. Stockwell Jadwin Gymnasium challenging. As part of the ‘Campus Wide Lighting Efficiency Upgrade Programme’ designed to reduce carbon emissions, promote cost savings and limit waste, Princeton University decided to convert more than 100,000 outdated lighting fixtures to more efficient LEDs in facilities across the campus. One of the largest and most visible initiatives in the programme was the conversion of 839 lighting fixtures that illuminated the main floor of the 23,225 square metre world-class Jadwin Gym.
Challenge
In addition to being energy efficient, long-lasting and easy to maintain, the LED lights also needed to be ‘television broadcast ready’ and meet rigorous standards for colour rendering (CRI), light levels, spectral temperature and spectral distribution. What’s more, the university’s facility managers also wanted to maximise energy savings by creating a level of control for the new lighting that is rarely found in university athletic arenas. This was critically important for Princeton, because of the size of the complex and its different uses. Jadwin Gym is not only home to the NCAA-level basketball court and indoor track, but also hosts special events that have included speakers such as the Dalai Lama, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Eddie Murphy. It also serves as a location for the annual university prom, concerts and for large forum dinner events.
Solution
By replacing the existing high bay fixtures, Princeton University’s energy management team estimated energy savings of approximately 40 per cent. Optimising the controls would add an additional 20 to 40 per cent to energy savings. It was estimated that the total investments made in the Jadwin Gym lighting upgrade could be recovered in less than six years.
Lighting experts at Diversified Lighting Associates (specifiers) and DesignLights (designers) considered the efficiency requirements and challenges of the space, particularly the up-lighting in the basketball arena where the roof comprises three interlocking shells. In addition, lighting controls were key, given the vast area of the building. With a space the size of eight football fields, facility managers wanted the ability to both illuminate the entire space for large events and reduce lighting levels with precision – down to a specific row in the spectator bleachers.
After several years of R&D analysing multiple manufacturer samples, the university and its partners chose long-lasting and efficient Hubbell Industrial Lighting’s LED Lunabay series of high bays, specially designed for retail, gym and industrial spaces. The LED high bays provided Princeton with long-lasting, highly efficient lighting, and enabled the appropriate light levels and CRIs required by the NCAA for the televised broadcasting of games.
