CCES Performs Evaluation of Exterior  Lighting for College

Climate Change & Environmental Services (CCES) performed an evaluation of the exterior lighting for a large college campus in New York City. While crime and other security issues were considered not a problem, the college understood that there were unlit spots in sections of its campus giving the perception of security issues, and that a number of lighting fixtures were broken.

CCES performed a comprehensive exterior lighting survey of the entire college campus, taking light meter readings during evenings approximately every 10 meters. Readings were recorded and compared to foot-candle standards used at other colleges to determine areas that are likely underlit given their use. In addition, fixtures with missing or broken lights were recorded.

Using Google Earth images throughout the campus, CCES developed maps of the campus showing the light meter readings and indicating areas that were underlit compared to recommended levels at college campuses. In fact, most of the exterior of the campus was determined to be underlit. Areas most walked through and most underlit were identified and highlighted to help the college prioritize their upgrade. Broken fixtures were also identified. Finally, the college committed to replacing broken lamps and upgrading and adding new fixtures to raise campus lighting levels with LED lamps wherever possible.