Best Practice Action 4.6
GreenStep City Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals No. 4
Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor public lighting.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 6
Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
- The Minnesota Division of Energy Resources operates the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program for cities to lock in verifiable ongoing energy savings through performance contracting of deep retrofits - including exterior and interior building lighting - without capital appropriations. GESP is most appropriate, as a rule of thumb, for situations including at least one of the following: city utility bills are around $150,000 or more; possible project cost is around $350,000 or more; city population is around 10,000 or more.
- Use the International Dark-Sky Association Outdoor Lighting Basics guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
 |
Address high energy use lighting first, such as any ice rinks/athletic fields, working with the local utility as appropriate. Report relamping of parking lots/ramps under BPA 4.7. |
 |
Relamp/improve two-thirds of building/facility lighting. |
 |
Relamp/improve all building/facility lighting. |
Who's doing it
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
All but 3 parks have had their exterior lights replaced with LED Dark-Sky compliant lighting. All community centers have had this done as well. The city is in the process of relighting the rest of their municipal buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
All City buildings have been converted to LED.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Hutchinson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Remove and replace existing Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium wall packs with full cut-off LED wall packs. Performance has caused continued implementation of this LED technology at all City facilities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Better color rendering for safety/security and improved efficiency of lighting that runs more than any lighting.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Paulson (City staff) | jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-234-5682
Partners:
Lakeville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
Since 2011, the City has relamped three parking lots at City facilities with Dark Sky compliant LED lighting. Any interim replacements for wall packs and bollard lighting at facilities are Dark Sky compliant LED. The City as a plan for the relamping of exterior lighting at all City facilities with LED beginning in 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ann Messerschmidt (City Staff) | amesserschmidt@lakevillemn.gov | 952-985-4528
Partners:
Lexington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
All the cities street light and exterior lights on city buildings have been upgraded to LED lights.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: BP 4 Action 6
For more information contact:
Brenda Beaudet (City Staff) | brenda.beaudet@cityoflexingtonmn.org | 763-784-2792
Partners:
Royalton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
City of Royalton relamped the exterior lighting for all city buildings with LED lights that comply with the Outdoor Lighting ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
All city buildings meet the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Lighting__Ord._51.pdf
For more information contact:
Partners: MN Power
Saint Cloud -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Completed for all facilities as part of the Street Light Improvement Project.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners:
Wyoming -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
a lighting audit was performed by Xcel energy and CCE on all city facilities. Once the audit was completed the city council authorized LED lighting in all city facilities including, the Wyoming library, Wyoming city hall, Wyoming fire department, Wyoming public works and Wyoming police department. All internal and outdoor lighting was replaced at all facilities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Total installed costs of all lighting were $ 28,570.12. The city received a $6, 755.00 utility rebate from Xcel energy resulting in a final cost of $21,815.12. With the LED light conversion the city will save an annually amount of $4,982.03.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Robb Linwood (City staff) | rlinwood@wyomingmn.org | 651-462-0575
Partners: Xcel energy, Center for Energy and Environment CCE
Coon Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Coon Rapids singed a Detailed Engineering Study Agreement with McKinstry in 2009 to complete a performance contract totaling over $800,000 for both electric and gas savings due to implemented Facility Improvement Measures in various city projects. Between 2010 and 2012, various projects were completed to achieve utility savings. Part of this included exterior building improvements through higher quality lighting that consumed less energy which decreased annual exterior lighting electrical consumption by 51%. These projects were completed at City Hall, Police Station, three Fire Stations and Public Works.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Colleen Sinclair (City staff) | csinclair@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6485
Partners:
Farmington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: N/A
Implementation details:
The city is continuously updating the lighting at its facilities by replacing old bulbs with LED's. Most exterior lighting at city facilities have been replaced with LED's and will be standard for maintenance staff to replace future lighting with LED's.
Fire Station #1 - Parking lot lighting is 100% replaced with LED's.
Fire Station #2- Exterior of building and parking lot is 100% replaced with LED's.
Police Station- Exterior of building and parking lot is 100% replaced with LED's.
Senior Center- Exterior of building 100% replaced with LED's.
Fire Station #1 - Parking lot lighting is 100% replaced with LED's.
Fire Station #2- Exterior of building and parking lot is 100% replaced with LED's.
Police Station- Exterior of building and parking lot is 100% replaced with LED's.
Senior Center- Exterior of building 100% replaced with LED's.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Partners:
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
BRIGHT UPGRADES FOR THE
APPLE CAPITAL
The whole project included the following upgrades to LED:
6 bridge lights (bulb replacement)
1 city welcome sign light (bulb replacement)
3 outdoor wall packs (fixture replacement)
1 outdoor pole light (fixture replacement)
12 high bay lights in our maintenance shop (fixture replacement)
26 4-foot linear tubes in our maintenance shop (lamp replacement)
1 street light on Main and Walnut (fixture replacement)
APPLE CAPITAL
The whole project included the following upgrades to LED:
6 bridge lights (bulb replacement)
1 city welcome sign light (bulb replacement)
3 outdoor wall packs (fixture replacement)
1 outdoor pole light (fixture replacement)
12 high bay lights in our maintenance shop (fixture replacement)
26 4-foot linear tubes in our maintenance shop (lamp replacement)
1 street light on Main and Walnut (fixture replacement)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/comprehensive-lighting-upgrades-noticeable-sign-citys-values?mc_cid=a87a89eee3&mc_eid=7773f84894
For more information contact:
Bill Waller (City staff) | BWaller@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov | 507-895-2595
Partners:
New Prague -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
All new City facilities use LED lights and are dark sky compliant. As fixtures are in need of replacement, we have been replacing them with LED/dark sky compliant fixtures.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
Partners:
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City replaced standard Wall Pack fixtures on park buildings, the Water Plant, and on the Ice Arena with Dark Sky compliant fixtures and LED bulbs. It is common practice to replace old lighting with LED fixtures at municipal buildings, including well houses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Partners:
Savage -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The Building Services Division was request by City Administrator to install energy efficient outdoor lighting starting in 2017. To date there have been many upgrade projects, including:
2017: City Hall/Police parking lot
2018: Library and Post Office, ELC
2019: Depot
2020: Fire Stations 1 & 2
2017: City Hall/Police parking lot
2018: Library and Post Office, ELC
2019: Depot
2020: Fire Stations 1 & 2
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Upgrades improve lumen output (light capabilities) and reduce annual operating costs. Total annual energy savings is approximately $14,400 per year.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityofsavage.com/home/showpublisheddocument?id=1202
For more information contact:
Jay Scherer (City Staff) | jscherer@cityofsavage.com | 9528822652
Partners:
Austin -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
When fixtures are replaced they are replaced with Dark Sky compliant fixtures (this is in progress)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Janet Anderson (Community volunteer) | janetanderson2840@gmail.com | 5072190680
Partners: Engineering Department
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The city of Bemidji has replaced exterior lighting for multiple cities owned buildings and facilities. These lights are both LED and dark sky compliant. This action has been complete on facilities such as hockey rinks, parks, and city owned buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Bloomington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Existing exterior metal halide and HPS light fixtures on buildings and walkway bollards have been replaced with Dark Sky Compliant LED at the Civic Plaza and Public Health Buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steve Gurney (City staff) | sgurney@BloomingtonMN.gov | 952-563-4606
Partners:
Detroit Lakes -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Light fixtures at our new Police Department are all LED and dark sky compliant. We also purchased all new outdoor Christmas decorations that are LED energy efficient.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Bridget Penton (City Staff) | bpenton@cityofdetroitlakes.com | 218-846-7133
Partners:
Kasson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2012, exterior buidling lighting on City Hall and the two parking lot lights replaced with LED Dark Sky compliance lights.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Nancy Zaworski (City staff) | financedept@cityofkasson.com | 507-634-6321
Partners:
LaPrairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
1/8/2015
installed 16 new street lights on a corridor street that is 1 mile long. The new lights are LED and “Dark Sky” compliant.
installed 16 new street lights on a corridor street that is 1 mile long. The new lights are LED and “Dark Sky” compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Long Beach -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Worked with Xcel Energy to put in LED energy efficient bulbs along the exterior of the Community Hub and adjoining parking lot lighting systems so that they are Dark-Sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mike Pfeiffer (Elected Official) | mikep@longbeachmn.org | 320-634-6710
Partners: Xcel Energy
Mendota Heights -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Lighting in three of the four parks in Mendota Heights that have it (Wentworth, Friendly Hills and Marie) are on timers to limit the amount of energy used and light pollution emitted when the park facilities are not in use. Mendakota Park has trail security lighting that is compliant with the Dark-Sky Initiative.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Partners:
New Brighton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
All exterior wall pack lighting on the Public Safety Facility (Fire Station) have been replaced with LED. We have also retrofitted have the wash bay, oxygen room, and laundry room with LED's.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Craig Schlichting (City staff) | craig.schlichting@newbrightonmn.gov | 651-638-2056
Partners:
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Energy efficient lighting is used as often as possible. Dark-Sky lighting is not required, but generally used on all lights other than streetlights. In In 2015, the city installed two new energy-efficient LED fixtures on the south side of West Metro Fire Station #3.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Roseville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city's LED Retrofit Four Year Plan (2013-2016) requires the use of energy efficient,Dark-Sky lighting when relamping or improving exterior lighting of city-owned buildings. Apprroximately 25% has been completed.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Johnson (City staff) | Ryan.johnson@cityofroseville.com | 651-792-7049
Partners:
Saint Anthony -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has identified in the Facilty Assessment Report and has scheduled replacement of existing fixtures in accordance with the reports recommendations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jay Hartman (City staff) | jay.hartman@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us | 612-782-3314
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Parking ramps lights have been replaced high pressure sodium lighting with fluorescent.
At the Science Museum and RiverCentre ramps, there are automatic dimming lighting.
At the Science Museum and RiverCentre ramps, there are automatic dimming lighting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kurt Schultz (City staff) | kurt.schultz@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 651-266-6590
Partners:
Sauk Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City replaced a box light in the fire station parking lot with a Dark-Sky compliant light.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marilyn Patterson (Community volunteer) | mpp03@charter.net | 320-258-5300
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Susan Zarling, State Signal and Lighting Engineer, MN Dept. of Transportation: 651/234-7052, susan.zarling@state.mn.us