Better Lighting Saves Money

Pilot Project on Efficient Lighting at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

Efficient lighting helps mitigate climate change and save money.
This is illustrated in the report on a model energy saving project conducted at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

With around 300,000 students, UNAM is one of the biggest universities in the world. Its annual electricity consumption of 70,000 MWh makes it an extremely energy-intensive organisation.

In cooperation with UNAM's Instituto de Ingenieria (Institute of Engineering) and Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera (Centre for Atmospheric Research), the lighting in selected areas of the university campus was upgraded as part of a model project.

If the results of the model project are applied to the entire campus, electricity savings of 60 percent could be achieved. The investment of US$ 14 million promises savings in electricity costs of US$ 68 million, thus providing evidence of the viability of efficient lighting. Additionally the quality of light in many parts of the UNAM campus would be significantly improved.

The UNAM example is representative of other buildings in Mexico. It shows that determined use of the energy-saving potential offered by modern lighting technology eases the burden on state finances, enhances user comfort and is an extremely worthwhile investment in efforts to mitigate climate change.

Further information
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 Press Release
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