For the past several years, lighting inside the arena of the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex has been a challenge. Although overhead fixtures illuminate the entire floor of the arena, the lighting was so low that it hardly would cast a shadow. But that is no longer the case.
“We have updated the lighting in the arena from metal halide lamps to energy efficient LED (light-emitting diode) technology,” said Lyle Kathol, vice president of educational services. “The difference is like night and day. It would appear that one bank of four lights is brighter than the previous nearly 40 overheard fixtures combined.”
The areas adjacent to the east side of the arena that are designed for storage and others uses have had lighting upgrades as well.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that LED is one of the most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Quality LEDs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting.
In addition, LED is a highly energy efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. LED lights are up to 80-percent more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Ninety-five-percent of the energy in LEDs is converted into light and only five-percent is wasted as heat.
The updated lighting was necessitated as events at the Pohlman Agriculture Complex have evolved over the years from strictly livestock-based to a multitude of activities that have seen thousands of people pass through its doors. In addition to Northeast classes and student activities, this includes large, public events such as the Norfolk Area Homebuilders Home and Garden Show and the Norfolk Lions Club Pancake Feed.
Kathol said, “We are pleased to be able to update the lighting at the Pohlman Ag Complex for our students and our guests. The new LEDs have made a huge difference.”
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