LED Lighting: Carbon Footprint Reduction and Energy Cost Savings at Prince George's County Parks and Recreational Facilities

Abstract

Through their work with the National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland (UMD), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) commissioned this report from the university’s Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS). PALS works with local jurisdictions throughout Maryland to identify projects and problems that can be taught through university courses where students focus on developing innovative, research-based solutions. The Prince George's Division of Maintenance and Development partnered with Environmental Science and Policy capstone students at the University of Maryland College Park to examine the cost and energy savings when LED lighting, and other energy-saving devices, are used at park system facilities. The facilities analysis allowed Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation to uphold the values of a healthy lifestyle while still providing enriching leisure services.