Loyola’s energy upgrades deliver nearly $500,000 in rebates and major savings
Loyola University New Orleans has received $489,115 in Energy Smart rebates after completing campus-wide efficiency projects between 2023 and 2025. The improvements, including LED lighting upgrades and central plant modernization, have cut electricity consumption by about 22% and are generating an estimated $700,000 in annual electricity cost savings.
Key takeaways
Loyola received $489,115 through Entergy New Orleans’ Energy Smart program.
Campus electricity consumption has declined by approximately 22%.
The university estimates about $700,000 in annual electricity savings.
A chilled water optimization project is saving roughly $50,000 per month.
LED lighting, automation and building controls were part of the upgrade strategy.
The results demonstrate how coordinated infrastructure improvements can reduce operating expenses while improving campus reliability. For contractors, property managers and facility leaders planning similar work, the project also highlights the value of combining lighting upgrades with mechanical and controls improvements rather than treating each system as a separate investment.
Modernizing Loyola’s central plant
Loyola’s Central Plant accounts for approximately 37% of the university’s energy use. Modernization efforts included chilled water system optimization, enhanced building automation and a new Building Management System designed to improve operating efficiency and provide greater control over campus systems.
One chilled water project is producing about $50,000 per month in energy and operational savings. The improvements are also intended to reduce maintenance demands, strengthen infrastructure reliability and improve occupant comfort across the campus.
LED lighting supports broader efficiency goals
LED lighting upgrades were completed alongside other infrastructure improvements. High-efficiency lighting can reduce electricity demand, extend replacement cycles and improve visibility in academic, administrative and common areas. Those benefits are especially relevant for large facilities where lighting operates for long hours and maintenance access can be costly.
For projects requiring large quantities of commercial-grade fixtures, Led Lumenaires helps contractors and facility teams evaluate spec-ready SKUs, bulk availability and fast fulfillment. Its Pro Support services can also assist with product selection, layouts, large quotes and identifying potential utility rebate opportunities.
Rebates improve project economics
Energy Smart, an energy-efficiency program developed by the New Orleans City Council and administered by Entergy New Orleans, provides financial incentives for qualifying upgrades. Loyola’s rebates helped offset the cost of its multi-year modernization program while increasing the return on investments that will continue producing savings.
The program has paid more than $86 million in incentives to over 176,000 participants since launching in 2010, according to the program information provided by Loyola. For commercial and institutional projects, confirming eligibility early can help teams select compliant equipment, document projected savings and incorporate rebates into the project budget.
A practical model for facility managers
Loyola’s experience shows how lighting, controls and mechanical upgrades can work together to deliver measurable savings. The university plans to reinvest operating efficiencies in its educational mission, while other large property owners can apply the same approach to reduce utility costs and support long-term capital planning.
Led Lumenaires provides wholesale LED solutions for commercial, industrial and architectural applications, with volume pricing, warranty support and product guidance for contractors, property managers and hospitality teams pursuing similar efficiency goals.
Sources
Loyola University New Orleans Celebrates Nearly $500,000 in Energy Smart Rebates and Major Campus Energy Savings, Loyola University New Orleans.
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