Advanced lighting controls on California campus

The Academic Core Buildings project at Ohlone College, Fremont, Calif., creates state-of-the art learning spaces and transforms the campus environment by revitalizing the campus “main street,” opening scenic views, and improving wayfinding and accessibility. An advanced lighting control system is implemented to help the campus achieve its aggressive energy conservation goals. The lighting control system complements the 2-MW photovoltaic (PV) array already installed on campus and the central utility plant’s earth-coupled bidirectional cascade chiller system with heat-recovery chillers to generate chilled water and heating hot water. The earth-coupled system allows heat energy to be stored in the ground for later use. Waste heat is used to heat a large outdoor swimming pool.
 
The lighting control system design implements multiple strategies for optimized energy savings: Efficient daylight harvesting takes advantage of the abundant natural light from the exterior façade design. Automatic control, both vacancy and occupancy sensing, is used in most spaces. Time-based control scheduling is found in most common spaces, with additional setpoints to adjust the light level output when a load shed signal is sent. Task tuning is available in all classrooms, conference rooms, and shared spaces. Personal control is showcased in all office areas for user control and comfort.
 
This project was designed to exceed the energy code requirements of the California Title 24.

Robert J. Garra Jr. is vice president at CannonDesign. An engineering leader who understands clients and their goals, Garra applies his project leadership and industry knowledge across the firm’s market segments, while providing strategic direction to the engineering group. He effectively manages integrated projects by encouraging multidisciplinary, high-performance design teams among CannonDesign, contractors, and clients. He is a Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2013 40 Under 40 award winner.

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