What new energy-saving technology does Traina, Jefferson, Math/Physics, Geography and Jonas Clark have in common? Brand new occupancy sensors, that’s what!

You might call them motion sensors, but they’re smarter than that — they read fine degrees of heat in motion, not just motion. An initiative of Clark’s Climate Action Plan, over 2,100 sensors were installed in these buildings last month, converting 80 percent of all fixtures to smart lighting and potentially saving up to 160, 530 kWh while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70 metric tons per year at peak use. To put those numbers into perspective: that’s the CO2 equivalent of 8,750 gallons of gas or 10 light bulbs burning 3 hours a day for 160 years!

“The occupancy sensors are there to compensate for human frailty,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jenny Isler. “If you forget to turn out the lights, the sensor will do it for you — but they don’t replace turning out the lights as you leave a room. That’s where the real savings are, in taking initiative and building green habits. Technology is there for support, not to be the solution.”

Orientation was recently completed for staff in the buildings. Please notify Physical Plant x 7566 if the sensors need adjustment.