Point Webster Middle School Gets New Interior Lighting

Over the past two months, almost 1,100 interior light fixtures at Point Webster have been replaced with new LED fixtures and occupancy sensors. The new light fixtures are installed in classrooms, offices, hallways, and restrooms. While this work was pursued to save energy, it has also resulted in brighter lighting. Point Webster Middle School Principal Christine Barrett said, “[I’m] grateful to the Public Buildings department for securing the grant that funded these upgrades to our school. The new lighting enhances the educational environment for all of our students and staff and complements the design of this 100-year old building.”

When school occupancy patterns are back to pre-Covid 19 schedules, the new lighting and occupancy controls are projected to save approximately 167,000 kWh each year.  This represents a savings of more than 78% of the electricity traditionally used, preCovid, for lighting at Point Webster.

This work was funded largely through a $200,000 state Green Communities Competitive Grant, which provided more than half of the cost of the project. National Grid also provided a rebate covering slightly more than twenty percent of the project cost because of the expected electricity savings, and the balance was paid for with City funding. Because the cost of the project was able to be largely paid for using State grant and National Grid funding, the City’s share will have a payback period of only 2.5 years, compared to reduced electricity costs.

To limit disruption of students’ learning and to address public health concerns, the lighting work was completed over winter recess and also in the late afternoons and early evenings.  The Green Communities program provides technical assistance and funding, allowing MA communities to apply for grants to save energy in municipal properties. Quincy was designated as a Green Community in December 2011. The City hopes to be able to apply for another Green Communities grant later this year.