Adequate lighting is an important component of campus safety and security, especially after dark. To review and assess lighting needs, the Energy Services Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) team conducts lighting tours of campus twice a year.
Held at night, the lighting tours allow EDS and tour participants to identify areas where lighting needs improvement, to observe changes in tree and shrubbery growth that might impact lighting efficiency, and to highlight the impact of previous lighting installations and improvements. Representatives from Facilities Services, UNC Police, student government and other campus units often participate in these tours, which are open to the University community.
Each tour focuses on a specific area of campus. Participants in the November 2024 tour covered the area between the Ackland Art Museum, the Naval Armory, Caudill Labs and Hill Hall. As the group travelled the area, maintenance and improvement needs were identified, such as bollard light outages outside Swain Hall and Caudill Labs and surface mounted lighting outages on the front of Gardner Hall. An area outside the steps to the Morehead Chemistry Labs was identified as needing additional lighting, and in other areas, recommendations were to increase the illumination of existing fixtures. Along several walkways, notes were made so that Grounds Services could trim tree growth that was blocking lights from fully illuminating walkways.
These observations guide ongoing efforts to enhance campus lighting, especially for walkways used frequently after dark. Improved lighting not only increases safety but also fosters a sense of security for the campus community. Anyone with a concern about campus lighting or who is interested in participating in a walking tour is encouraged to call Electric Distribution Systems at 919-962-8394 to share feedback or get involved.
