Rhode Island College installs upward facing LED lighting in Murray Center with help from OER

Last season, Rhode Island College’s Women’s Basketball team took home the title of Little East Champions and made it to the NCAA Division III Championship Semi-Finals for the first time in history. Now, they get to start off the 2024 season in the Murray Center with brand-new lighting.  

The Office of Energy Resources has taken on a significant energy efficiency project with RIC to replace existing lighting systems with state-of-the-art LED fixtures and integrated controls across four major facilities: the Murray Center, Clark Science Lecture Halls, Fogarty Auditorium, and Penfield Hall.  

OER’s Lead by Example team has been working closely with RIC to provide technical support throughout the completion of the project. Installation has already commenced, and we anticipate completion by January 2024. This endeavor has been funded by OER using proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, complemented by energy efficiency rebates provided by Rhode Island Energy. 

The gymnasium has converted 64 lighting fixtures to LEDs that face upward using the ceiling's white paint to reflect light back onto the court, providing indirect lighting that does not shine directly in players' eyes. This new lighting will not only improve the players’ and spectators’ experience, but it will also provide RIC with major energy savings.  

“We are very excited about the lighting upgrades that were completed in the Murray Center,” said Jim Murphy, Assistant Director Facilities & Operations. “OER has been a great partner throughout this project, and we are proud to be leading by example for other schools to follow.” 

Upon completion of this project, every facility within Rhode Island College will be illuminated with LED lighting—a remarkable achievement in energy efficiency and sustainability.