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.

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