The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently awarded the University of Missouri-Rolla more than $700,000 in low-interest loan money to replace or modify lighting systems across campus.

In a previous study by the physical facilities department at UMR, it was determined that approximately 9,800 lighting fixtures on campus were good candidates for energy-saving modifications. The physical facilities department estimates that more than 2.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity will be saved annually after the modifications are made.

UMR will be able to use the utilities savings to pay back the loan, including interest, in four years, according to James Packard, assistant director of physical facilities.

“At the same time, light levels will actually improve, thanks to new innovations in light fixtures and bulbs,” says Packard.

Physical facilities staff members have already started to replace lighting systems in the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building and the Student Recreation Center on campus. All of the planned work on lighting systems around campus should be completed by the fall of 2007.