Significant upgrades across the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. With the support of Hawaiʻi Energy’s rebate programs, UH Mānoa has completed several energy-saving projects including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and LED upgrades that reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
“These projects happening around campus are all important steps toward a more energy efficient campus and ultimately becoming a ‘net-zero energy’ campus,” said engineering student Nicolas Atkins.
Lighting the way
Several buildings on the UH Mānoa campus have transitioned from outdated, inefficient lighting systems to new LED installations.
Teams replaced nearly 1,800 dim, high-pressure sodium lights in the Zone 20 parking structure, saving UH Mānoa around $470,000 on its annual energy bill and earning a rebate amount for $260,000 from Hawaiʻi Energy for this retrofit.
UH Mānoa’s Office of Sustainability, Hawaiʻi Energy, and UH Athletics teamed up to improve the lighting at the Stan Sheriff Center. Funded by the UH Mānoa Green Revolving Fund, 139 outdated lights were replaced with state-of-the-art LEDs, bringing the arena up to broadcast quality while cutting energy use by 462,630 kWh annually. That’s more than $138,000 a year saved in electricity—plus a $46,000 rebate from Hawaiʻi Energy to reinvest in future projects.
The Institute for Astronomy machine shop upgraded its 20 HighBay fixtures, earning nearly $750 by improving lighting quality and reducing maintenance. On top of the rebate, the new lights are projected to save enough energy to power a 10-minute hot shower for 40 days, or 5,645.26 kWh annually—resulting in about $1,600 in savings per year.
The Agricultural Science Building’s 29 downlights and 12 corn cob lights were replaced, earning a $532 rebate and cutting annual energy use by approximately 8,011 kWh per year.
“Small but impactful upgrades like this help us move closer to our sustainability goals,” said Miles Topping, director of sustainability at the UH Office of Sustainability. “By switching to LED lighting, we’re not only cutting costs but improving lighting quality, reducing maintenance and also contributing to a more energy-efficient campus.”
Additionally, one of the latest initiatives includes the installation of an advanced HVAC occupancy control system at Sakamaki Hall, which earned an estimated $13,642.20 rebate. This system is designed to optimize HVAC usage, reducing energy consumption during off-peak hours and when the building is unoccupied.
For more on UH Mānoa’s energy efficiency, go to the UH Office of Sustainability.
