Tech Library: A Model for Tomorrow

Appendix J: Interview with Eric Youngquist – Chief Electrician for Facilities Management

Current is fluorescent lighting, measured in different ways: lumens (intensity, slowly decreases over time as light is used), color spectrum (measured in Kelvin), color rendering index.
Index around 75 is desirable, current spectrum is 3500 degrees Kelvin which equates to a warmer, pinker light. 4100 is a whiter, brighter feel.
University required to use lights that are energy saving, which is why they appear so dim (3500 degrees). Currently lighting around the university is being replaced with new T8 lamp upgrades, which are brighter fluorescents that use the same power. T8 can provide varying indexes and degrees Kelvin for same power usage as current 3500 degree lamps.
Upward lighting is an option, useful in computer areas (like main library info commons) because it reduces glare on screens. Installing any new fixtures, however, would be a considerable expense, well beyond the current budget (doesn’t matter really, we’re going to need a lot of money for everything anyway).
Liked the idea of having upward lights along wall and hanging lights over tables, works well for different needs (task light vs. ambient).
Getting power to individual desks for lighting and/or power outlets is also huge expense, but he said individual lamps would definitely be useful for aesthetics (maybe in reference area) as well as ideal for task lighting
Illinois Clean Energy Foundation gives out money to libraries and universities when they undertake new projects to save energy, he has applied for a grant to receive aid, which would definitely be useful/applicable if our project was implemented.
T8 is basic energy saving guideline, can have varying index and Kelvin degrees but he implied that this fluorescent technology is essentially required. The stacked area in the main library has T8 technology if we want to check it out.
For new lighting fixtures similar to those in info commons in main library (upward or downward lighting), cost is roughly $300-400 per 4 ft. fixture.

He said he could provide an estimate for how much it would cost to run power to individual desks as well as better estimates for T8 installation, but needed some time (like a week). He also volunteered to meet with us at the library or elsewhere to walk us through lighting fixtures. Also said do not hesitate to call (847 491-3344) or email (E-Youngquist@northwestern.edu) with other questions.

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