About the Project

A lighting upgrade project at Texas A&M University’s largest library aimed to mitigate considerable shadowing from bookshelves brought on from an earlier energy retrofit. The challenge, however, was to increase light levels while also reducing energy consumption. A combination of replacing fluorescent fixtures with LED and a state-of-the-art intelligent controls system was the answer.

More than 7,700 fluorescent fixtures were retrofitted with 30-watt LED kits and wireless sensors, and the IoT lighting control system enabled task tuning, scheduling, and daylight harvesting. Library staff provided input on desired light levels in specific zones to optimize energy use; as a result, full light output was reduced by 50% and vacancy levels dimmed to 20%, ramping up when motion is detected.

After one year, energy use was reduced by an astounding 83%, verified by the system’s real-time data and surpassing the initial prediction of 70%. TAMU plans to integrate the lighting sensors with the library’s HVAC system to monitor CO2 and humidity—essential for maintaining books—and with its security system for asset tracking.