Lighting the Way to a Greener Future at Emerald Ridge High School

In November 2023, Emerald Ridge High School's JAG Field became brighter – but the benefits go beyond simply better lighting. Thanks to a partnership between the Puyallup School District and the energy experts at McKinstry, JAG Field's lighting system received a major eco-friendly upgrade that promises both energy savings and environmental gains.

In May 2023, the district decided to evaluate energy use in the field, where traditional lighting was becoming an issue. The old high-intensity lights were inefficient, with many fixtures showing their age, casting dimmer, uneven light across the field and its surrounding pathways. The district knew it was time for an upgrade, but one that would be as sustainable as it was effective.

McKinstry’s solution was a leap forward: swapping the old high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps for new, innovative LED fixtures. These LED lights are brighter and longer-lasting and far more efficient. Alongside this, a wireless control system called the Ephesus Airmesh Hub was installed, making it simple to adjust lighting as needed, with no more wasted energy from lights left on for too long.

After completing the upgrades, McKinstry’s team crunched the numbers, and the results were impressive. In its first year, the new lighting setup cut energy use by 74,037 kilowatt-hours – equivalent to taking ten cars off the road or planting 14 acres of trees! This energy reduction alone is expected to save Puyallup School District around $7,365 annually —funds that can be reinvested into additional facility projects to support students and staff.

"We’re thrilled with the results of this project—not only does it enhance the experience on JAG Field, but it also sets a new standard for energy efficiency in our district," said Les Gerstmann, Assistant Director of Construction Management. "This upgrade allows us to save energy and redirect funds toward additional facility improvements that will benefit both students and staff for years to come."

Looking ahead, McKinstry has provided guidelines to ensure the lighting system continues to perform at its best. By following these steps, the district can continue to save energy and money well into the future. The project marks a significant step forward in the district’s commitment to sustainability and shows just how impactful energy-saving improvements can be.

Emerald Ridge High School’s upgrade to more efficient lighting is part of the district’s vision for a greener future. Through thoughtful changes like these, Puyallup School District is leading by example, lighting the way toward a more sustainable, resource-efficient world for students and families.

PSD PowerEd: The improvements at Jag Field are part of a larger initiative to improve energy management across the district. In addition to the field lighting upgrades, we are upgrading our lighting from fluorescent or halogen to LED fixtures over the next few years if funding is available. These upgrades will help us maximize energy savings, capture rebates, and increase classroom comfort. We are committed to creating a more sustainable and comfortable learning environment for our students and staff.

Learn more on our website https://www.puyallupsd.org/about-us/departments/operations/energy-conservation