California college uses light sensors to save energy
An education centre in Orange County, California, is using innovative technology to set an energy-saving example to the surrounding area.
According to the Lariat News, the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP) in Tustin has been fitted with light occupancy sensors throughout its 68-acre campus.
By automatically turning off lights when classrooms are not in use, the college is significantly reducing electricity bills and prolonging the life of its lightbulbs.
As ATEP was built with the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate in mind, a number of other energy-saving measures have also been implemented on the site.
To complement the occupancy sensors, each building was positioned to maximise the amount of natural light it receives, thereby reducing the need for an artificial substitute.
Tere Fluegeman, head of marketing and public relations at ATEP, said that the emphasis on energy efficiency has a positive impact on people studying and working there.
"Both students and staff love the environmental and energy efficient features and I think it helps them take pride in taking care of the campus," she told the news provider.
ATEP opened in August 2007 and its student body has grown from 400 to 1,100 in two years.
