Light It Up, Only When Needed: Fruitland’s Smarter, Energy-Saving Parking Lot

Families visiting Fruitland Elementary may notice something new in the parking lot. At night, the lights are brighter when people are present and dimmer when they are not. This is part of a recent LED lighting upgrade designed to improve safety, reduce energy use, and lower operating costs. 

All parking lot lights at Fruitland have been upgraded to motion-sensor LED fixtures. When someone walks or drives through the area, the lights brighten to full power. When the area is empty, they automatically dim to 50 percent. This approach maintains visibility and security while avoiding unnecessary energy use. 

This project was funded by the 2024 Capital Levy, approved by voters. It reflects the district’s commitment to making responsible investments that support safe schools, protect taxpayer resources, and improve long-term sustainability. 

Why does this matter? After transportation, commercial buildings are Washington state’s second-largest source of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Under state law, school buildings are considered commercial buildings. That means energy efficiency plays a direct role in how school districts manage costs and meet state requirements. 

Washington’s Clean Buildings Act sets energy use targets for commercial buildings, including schools. These targets are measured using Energy Use Intensity, or EUI, which tracks how much energy a building uses per square foot each year. Meeting EUI targets helps reduce emissions, improve building performance, and avoid future penalties. 

At Puyallup School District, energy efficiency is approached thoughtfully and responsibly. Our work focuses on: 

• Operational improvements that make buildings run more efficiently 
• Performance tracking to monitor energy use and savings 
• Energy education and best practices for students, staff, and families 

These efforts go beyond individual projects. Energy-efficient upgrades help reduce utility costs, improve comfort and visibility, and keep more resources focused on teaching and learning. Smart lighting upgrades like the one at Fruitland are one example of how voter-approved investments directly benefit schools and families. 

To learn more, visit the PSD PowerED program at https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/operations/energy-conservation