Energy Efficient Lighting in Historic Buildings

Panel: Commercial Buildings: Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Authors:
Barbara Smith, Wisconsin Division of Energy Services
Cheryl Rezabek, Wisconsin Division of State Facilities
Jim Mapp, Wisconsin Division of Energy Services
Jim Cavallo, Kouba-Cavallo Associates

Abstract

Historic buildings provide for visitors a rendering of the past that emphasizes the beautiful and the grand and reinforces a sense of pride of place. Historic buildings can leverage these positive associations to effectively demonstrate energy efficiency technologies. This paper reports on the incorporation of modern, energy efficient lighting into the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Orpheum Theater (a historic movie theatre), the University of Wisconsin Memorial Student Union, and the Governor's Executive Residence. These historic buildings serve as highly visible role models showing how much energy efficient lighting can be incorporated into sensitive public showcases. Technologies used include CFL, cold cathode CFL, and high color temperature lighting. There is a review of barriers to implementation that are prominent in historic buildings, such as color rendition, historical accuracy, wiring limitations, and aesthetic non-obtrusiveness. Approaches used to overcome these barriers will be outlined. Methods of demonstration are described, including public tours and displays and other methods. Results support the thesis that energy efficient lighting improvements were feasible, aesthetically acceptable, and reduced costs for both maintenance and energy savings.