Bright Beginnings nursery
Fairfield, CT – When Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Program expanded from one facility in Stamford, Conn., to a second location in nearby Fairfield, lighting wasn’t necessarily a top priority of the new construction.
The preschool facility was designed to provide a safe, secure, educational, and enriching environment for infants and children 6 months to 5 years old. The decision to incorporate energy-efficient lighting came about after the new construction was already underway. A United Illuminating engineer saw the building construction and approached Bright Beginnings owner Rajat Gupta with options and programs to support energy and money savings in the school.
Bright Beginnings classroom
United Illuminating, a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., provides programs and services through the Energize Connecticut initiative to help businesses strategically manage energy use — making them more efficient and providing long-term cost savings. The added bonus comes with upgrades and improvements that create a more attractive and comfortable space.
Upgrading to all high-efficiency LED lighting for the interior and exterior would save the school approximately 29,372 kWh or $5,286 annually on projected energy costs versus standard lighting solutions. The impact of the look and feel of the bright lighting made a significant positive impact aesthetically.
Exterior of Beginnings Early Childhood Program in Fairfield
“The quality of the lighting is amazing; it doesn’t feel like we’re indoors,” said Gupta. “Our goal for the project was to save money, but overall the environment is more visually pleasing and comfortable. Employees and parents have commented on the difference.”
Energize Connecticut programs connect schools, businesses, facilities, manufacturers, and municipalities with resources to achieve smart energy solutions.
“We assist our customers by identifying areas for improvement, finding qualified contractors and vendors, and providing incentives and financing available through Energize Connecticut programs to support their projects,” said Donna S. Wells, director Energy Services Commercial and Industrial, United Illuminating.
Energy-saving improvements can reduce operating costs by addressing key areas of building and maintenance. A range of energy-efficient measures and improvements are available, including upgrades to lighting, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, and natural gas. Bright Beginnings also incorporated a high-efficiency HVAC system in their construction, estimated to save 9,663 kWh or $1,739 annually.
Energize Connecticut programs are a partnership of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, and local electric and gas utilities and are funded by a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-efficiency programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1-877-WISE.USE.
