Bulbs cast new light on Thompson Hall's energy bill

By: Sarah Cash

Posted: 2/20/08

How many resident assistants does it take to screw in a fluorescent light bulb?

At Western Illinois University, RAs of Thompson Hall approached that question on an unusual scale. Back in August, 30 RAs replaced nearly 5,100 incandescent bulbs in the building with an energy-saving alternative. The move began a pilot study to determine how compact fluorescent light bulbs can lower electric output in a residence hall.

Months later, Interim Director of Residential Facilities Matt Bierman said the study has found an average savings of $2,000 per month in electric bills compared to last year.

"I think it's been pretty successful," he said. "As more people bring electronics, that's going to cause kilowatts to go up - cell phone chargers, iPod docks, iPods … all that stuff gets plugged in. For the first time in awhile, the kilowatts have dropped."

The pilot study, according to Bierman, was prompted by various student groups asking, "What are we doing to be environmentally conscious? What are we doing to make sure that we're using our resources wisely?" In keeping with this year's university theme of environmental sustainability, academic buildings had started to use CFLs, and the difference from 60 watts to 15 watts per bulb was substantial. After an energy audit of Thompson Hall, Bierman and officials at the Physical Plant decided to bring the same idea to a residence hall.

"It's time for all of us to do what we can," Bierman said. "It's one of those things … we're purchasing light bulbs anyway, so if we can pay a little more up front and still save, it makes sense to do it that way. We chose (Thompson) because it's big; we felt like it would have an impact."

Thompson Hall Complex Director Matt Zielinski said the light bulb switch-out - which involved heaping bulb crates that arrived a week before school began - definitely had an impact on students, RAs and parents.

"We did have many people mention it when they moved in on moving day, both parents and students. (They would say) 'We use them at home, we're glad to see you use them as well,'" Zielinski said. "We've been working with the RAs to help them understand the benefits of it and what a service it was (to switch bulbs out) … now they can explain it to others."

For the past three to four years, old light bulbs in public areas such as Thompson's front lobby have been phased out. Since each fluorescent bulb cost $2.74, the massive changeover was delayed until University Housing and Dining Service's operating budget could handle the $14,000 bill. Students will not see any increase in fees to reflect the change because the funds were taken from the operating budget which holds back some funds every year, according to Bierman.

By next school year, all but one residence hall will have its incandescent light bulbs phased out; the remaining hall will use up incandescent bulbs still in stock. Bierman said he will be pleased if the CFLs last three years since incandescent bulbs last less than one year.

The other difference between bulbs is the light color: the new bulbs produce a bright white light, while the old offer a yellow light. However, some students say they can hardly tell a difference between the two bulbs.

"The rooms are not necessarily bright, there isn't really a fluorescent look to it - the light seems the same as the old light bulbs," said Ben Haydem, freshman law enforcement and justice administration major and Thompson resident.

Although Haydem said he had not realized what type of bulb was being used, he thought the changeover was a positive move.

"I definitely think it's a great thing that we can use these light bulbs," Haydem said. "If it was just one house you couldn't see the big picture, but because Thompson uses so much energy, you can really see a difference."