Facilities will be replacing 90,000 fluorescent lamps with newer, more energy-efficient LEDs. Not only will they significantly reduce our energy consumption and make for a greener campus, this investment is expected to generate permanent energy savings that will continue well beyond the point when the project pays for itself in a little over a year and a half.

Why are you undertaking this project?

The University of Ottawa is a recognized leader in sustainability, both nationally and internationally, and continuously seeks out opportunities to reduce its consumption by retrofitting its lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. By replacing our lamps with more energy-efficient models, they’ll consume 40% less energy and save the University approximately $748,000 a year. As energy prices are expected to rise over the next five years, and as the campus continues to grow, the impact of these savings will become even more significant.

How much electricity will this save?

The new lamps will use 40% less energy and save 6,000,000 kilowatt hours a year. That’s enough electricity to power 1,500,000 smartphones; 25,000 TVs; or 660 homes for a year!

When do you expect the project to be completed?

Facilities will begin replacing the lamps in early October and the project should conclude in early February 2018. We will attempt to minimize the impact on students and employees by completing the majority of the work between 4pm and 7am.

What kind of lamps are you using?

We are replacing 90,000 T8 fluorescent lamps with T8 light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

What will happen to the old lamps?

The old fluorescent lamps will be sent to a specialized facility where they will be completely recycled in an environmentally-friendly way.

If you notice any issues with the new lamps, please contact the Facilities call centre at 613-562-5800 ext. 2222 or [email protected].