New Haven Libraries

New Haven Libraries

IVES LIBRARY, MITCHELL LIBRARY AND WILSON LIBRARY

The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) is a public library system serving the New Haven, Connecticut region. The library opened in 1887 and has since grown to six branches (including one Bookmobile). The NHFPL has 38 full time staff, nearly 43,000 members and a collection of nearly 490,000 books.

CHALLENGE

NHFPL had high energy and maintenance costs along with poor lighting quality in the Ives Main Library and the Mitchell and Wilson Branches. Upgrades to efficient lighting were identified for these three locations which had to be completed in a seven week timeframe in order to keep the facilities open to the public throughout the process. Having been a previous client of ESC, NHFPL superintendent Jim O’Hair turned to ESC for their solution. He was confident in ESC’s proven ability to collaborate with utility companies, and commitment to quality and workmanship. 

SOLUTION

ESC completed an LED lighting upgrade for all three locations in the fourth quarter of 2019, allowing NHFPL to take advantage of enhanced year-end utility incentives. The project was completed without interruption to library operations.

RESULTS

Providing a full turn-key solution and acting as the liaison between the NHFPL and United Illuminating (electric utility), ESC was able to maximize the Library’s incentives, and reduce overall project costs by 37%. Collectively, the project upgrades will save the libraries $47,000 annually in electrical expenses. All three locations reduced annual carbon emissions, equivalent to the removal of 39 cars per year from the road. The upgrade not only significantly improved lighting levels, but also allows NHFPL to invest in additional member and guest services.