Since 2006, Central Oregon Community College, COCC, has worked with Energy Trust of Oregon to complete 14 lighting upgrade projects across its campuses, which now save more than $55,000 annually.

COCC worked with Energy Trust to improve the classroom environment in Pioneer Hall on its Bend campus by upgrading T12 lamps to energy-efficient T8 LED lamps. Similar upgrades were made at the bookstore to enhance customer and employee experience. Outside Pioneer Hall, COCC upgraded exterior lights to give security staff better visibility at night and make students feel safer.

On the Redmond campus, lighting upgrades were made throughout four buildings, as well as parking lots and driveways. Even the new parking lot at the Chandler Lab building was equipped with LEDs. “When we’re creating a schedule for lighting upgrades, safety is typically the most important factor,” reported Ryan Stock, facilities maintenance manager, COCC. “Another benefit of LEDs is that they rarely need to be replaced. We also prioritize lights that are hard to get to, like the nine lights in the two-story library rotunda.”

Lighting upgrades are also planned for the technology shops, which require high-performance lighting. Dimmers will be added in the main campus yoga studio for a calming atmosphere. And on various campuses, COCC saves energy with energy-efficient lighting in new construction and in campus housing.