Brief: UNM begins extensive South Lot lighting additions

According to a UNM press release, a project to install new LED lighting in the UNM South Parking Lot will have students feeling much safer in the early morning and evening hours.

The project is already underway and is scheduled for completion at the end of September. 

“We have designed a lighting system to increase visibility and safety for UNM students and visitors who park in this lot and attend sporting events,” Angel Becerra, project manager and engineer for PPD Engineering and Energy Services, is quoted as saying in the press release.

The release states that this project will replace existing light fixtures with new LED light fixtures, add new light poles to the east and west sides of the parking lot and bus stop, as well as add occupancy sensors and bi-level controls to all light fixtures.

The new fixtures will have special technology to direct light away from the adjacent residential area to where light is needed most, according to the release, and will also reduce the amount of light pollution in the area. 

According to the release, bi-level controls will also be added to the lighting system. These will dim the lights to 20 percent when the lot is not occupied, and the entire lighting system will be programmed to automatically shut off after midnight.

During past events, stadium lights were used to supplement light to the South Lot, but that won’t be needed after this project is complete, according to the release.

The project is expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 30 percent due to the scheduled programming, sensors and LED lamps, according to the release.

The new lighting in that particular area is an initiative that has roots in the Associated Students of UNM's attempt to gather input from students on what they'd like to see to feel safer on campus. The project will cost about $170,000.