The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) is a public library system serving the New Haven, Connecticut region. The library opened in 1887 and has grown to six branches (including one Bookmobile). The NHFPL has 38 full-time staff, nearly 43,000 members, and a collection of nearly 490,000 books.
CHALLENGE
NHFPL had high energy and maintenance costs and poor lighting quality in the Ives Main Library and the Mitchell and Wilson Branches. Upgrades to efficient lighting were identified for these three locations, which had to be completed in a seven-week timeframe to keep the facilities open to the public throughout the process. Having been a previous Fidelity Energy & Sustainability client, NHFPL superintendent Jim O’Hair turned to FES for their solution. He was confident in FES’s proven ability to collaborate with utility companies and commitment to quality and workmanship
SOLUTION
FES completed an LED lighting upgrade for all three locations in the fourth quarter of 2019, allowing NHFPL to take advantage of enhanced year-end utility incentives. The project was completed without interruption to library operations
RESULTS
Providing a full turn-key solution and acting as the liaison between the NHFPL and United Illuminating (electric utility), FES was able to maximize the library’s incentives and reduce overall project costs by 37%. Collectively, the project upgrades will save the libraries $47,000 annually in electrical expenses. All three locations reduced annual carbon emissions, equivalent to removing 39 cars per year from the road. The upgrade significantly improved lighting levels and allowed NHFPL to invest in additional member and guest services.
![Fidelity-Energy-Sustainability-New-Haven-Free-Public-Library-Case-Study-ESC_425x300 Fidelity-Energy-Sustainability-New-Haven-Free-Public-Library-Case-Study-ESC_425x300](https://servicexmep.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fidelity-Energy-Sustainability-New-Haven-Free-Public-Library-Case-Study-ESC_425x300-250x150.png)
EXECUTED BY
Environmental Systems Co.
CLIENT
New Haven Free Public Library
CLIENT REFERENCE
Jim O’Hair
Library Superintendent
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
LED Lighting
PROJECT TYPE
Energy Services
PROJECT SIZE
2,340 T8 Fluorescent Fixtures Upgraded to High Performance LED (All 3 Libraries)
BUILDING TYPE
City, Municipal Building, Library
FES TEAM MEMBERS/ROLES
Patrick Burns, Account Manager
Daniela Iozzo, Project Manager
Mitch Zawacki, Sales Engineer