UQ's Energy team recently shone its elecricity-saving spotlight on the PACE building: on 21 April, 717 compact fluorescent lights (CFL) in the corridors, common areas and toilet blocks of PACE were switched over to more energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The project represents a significant saving for UQ and the environment: the new LED lights will save 196,691 kWh per year, which equates to $29,700—meaning that the new fixtures are 64% more efficient than the old fluorescents. The switch will also reduce the PACE building's peak energy load by 21.3 kW.
So what makes LEDs such a switched-on choice for the environment? They're generally four to seven times more efficient than their typical incandescent or halogen counterparts, last up to 10 times longer than halogen bulbs and emit very little heat compared with other types of bulb. LEDs sure know how to light up a room!
