SIU’s $9.9 million LED overhaul targets major energy savings across campus

Southern Illinois University Carbondale has begun a $9.9 million renovation to replace obsolete fluorescent lighting with LED linear tubes and occupancy controls in 33 academic and administrative buildings. Approved by the SIU Board of Trustees in April, the project is expected to reduce energy costs, maintenance demands and campus emissions when completed in early 2027.

Key takeaways

• LED upgrades will reach 33 SIU Carbondale buildings.

• First-year energy savings are projected at approximately $570,000.

• The system is expected to reduce electricity use by 4.8 million kilowatt-hours annually.

• Ameren Illinois incentives could provide about $150,000 after completion.

• Work will shift primarily to overnight hours during the academic year.

A campus-wide lighting investment

The renovation is SIU Carbondale’s first major indoor lighting upgrade in two decades. Work began during the summer day shift and is scheduled to move to 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. once the fall semester begins, helping limit disruption in occupied buildings.

The project covers facilities including Morris Library, Lawson Hall, Pulliam Hall, Shryock Auditorium, the Student Services Building, the Engineering Complex, Simmons Law School and multiple science and academic buildings.

For contractors and property managers evaluating similar upgrades, the project illustrates the value of planning a campus-wide or portfolio-wide conversion around standardized, spec-ready LED products, installation scheduling and volume purchasing.

Occupancy controls add to LED savings

The new fixtures will use 16 watts compared with approximately 46 watts for a typical two-lamp fluorescent fixture—a reduction of about 65% per fixture. Passive infrared occupancy sensors will switch lights off after rooms remain vacant for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the space.

Offices and classrooms will generally require users to turn lights on at wall controls. In corridors, restrooms, library stacks and laboratories, lights will activate automatically when occupancy is detected. SIU does not expect a significant change in lighting quantity or quality.

That combination of efficient fixtures and controls is relevant beyond higher education. In commercial, industrial and hospitality facilities, reducing burn time can lower operating costs while extending lamp service life. A wholesale lighting partner such as Led Lumenaires can also help project teams compare fixture options, prepare layouts and identify products suited to the application.

Financial and sustainability benefits

SIU estimates the conversion will save about 4.8 million kWh of electricity each year, reducing main-campus electricity purchases by 7.4% compared with fiscal year 2026. The university projects approximately $570,000 in first-year energy savings and expects to receive roughly $150,000 through Ameren’s Illinois Energy Efficiency program.

The reduction in electricity consumption is also expected to prevent 2,774 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually. That is comparable to removing the yearly emissions of 647 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.

Why the renovation is happening now

Rising utility costs were a major factor in the decision. SIU reported a 47% increase in utility rates between fiscal years 2024 and 2026. The university also cited Illinois’ phaseout of certain mercury-containing fluorescent lamps, available efficiency incentives and state energy-code requirements for renovated lighting systems.

LED tubes can last up to three times longer than fluorescent tubes, potentially reducing relamping and maintenance work. For large facilities, warranty coverage, bulk availability and fulfillment speed are important considerations alongside fixture efficiency. Those factors can help contractors and facility teams manage replacements without creating extended procurement delays.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2027, marking a significant shift toward lower-energy lighting across SIU’s Carbondale campus.

Sources

• Shining the light: SIU undergoing major lighting renovation on campus, SIU News.

• SIU Carbondale launches $9.9M lighting upgrade across 33 campus buildings - KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News, KBSI Fox 23 Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News.