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PurposeThis study aims to focus on the use of a survey questionnaire to inform a sustainable lighting design modification of an existing university library on the campus of a large land‐grant university in the Mid‐Western USA and also aims to suggest that a similar methodology may be useful in other facilities' design applications.Design/methodology/approachA 40‐item questionnaire was developed, which sought to evaluate the effect of the existing lighting design on end‐users' perceptions and opinions at the university library and to gather general opinions regarding sustainability from library end‐users. The self‐administered survey asked respondents how much they agreed or disagreed (on a five‐point, Likert‐type scale) with a set of statements about sustainability, their use of the library, and their understanding of and reaction to its existing illumination.FindingsA total of 183 respondents completed and returned questionnaires, the majority of whom indicated that they were undergraduate students enrolled at the university. The survey results indicate that the respondents were aware of sustainability and sustainable lighting; that they were dissatisfied with the library's existing lighting; and that they suggested that these issues be addressed by the university to reduce the library's environmental footprint.Research limitations/implicationsThe study fills a gap in the literature since it documents the application of citizen participation theory to solicit input from stakeholders in an institutional setting to influence facility design. However, the research is limited by the fact that the sample comprised mostly of female undergraduate students.Originality/valueEnd‐users influenced the design development of a university library's lighting renovation. This renovation is ultimately anticipated to lower the energy consumed to illuminate the facility, to increase the end‐users' perceptions of the facility's sustainability, to meet new university guidelines, and to reduce the facility's environmental impact. There are potential applications for the procedures described herein for other facilities in the integration of stakeholders in renovation projects.

This research examined consumers' barriers to adoption of sustainable residential lighting alternatives and explored the impact of infield education on attitudes towards three lighting alternatives: incandescent, compact fluorescent light and light‐emitting diode. The study measured the effectiveness of hands‐on activities and an interactive educational presentation regarding sustainable residential lighting sources. Research objectives included the following: (1) to examine the changes in consumers' intentions to purchase sustainable lighting alternatives before and after residential field tests and educational sessions and (2) to examine consumers' attitudes towards sustainable lighting alternatives. Consumers' attitudes were investigated in relation to their willingness to buy sustainable lighting alternatives. A pre‐test survey was administered to examine the respondents' knowledge of sustainable lighting, their level of satisfaction with their existing home lighting choices and their willingness to consider sustainable lighting alternatives. Participants (n = 105) then performed reading and writing tasks under the three lighting types. Next, the participants were exposed to interactive education sessions explaining the benefits and detriments of the lighting alternatives. The educational area displayed fact sheets, sample bulb packaging and actual lighting fixtures lamped with sustainable and unsustainable sources. The educational presenter encouraged participants to ask questions about sustainable lighting and suggested ways that consumers can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing more efficient technologies for residential lighting. Participants were informed about the initial costs, return on investment, lamp life and lamp waste. The presenter directed the consumers how to properly dispose of bulbs. The findings revealed an increased understanding of the energy efficiency, sustainability and associated costs of the three lighting types. Consumers indicated preferences towards adopting the initially higher priced sustainable lighting particularly compact fluorescent lighting.

A lighting design solution for a proposed, two mile long, pedestrian and bike path was developed. The path, with sections both near to and distant from the roadway, bordered a University campus in the southern US and served to link existing University buildings, a University/community arena and parking. In 2005, research team members examined existing lighting conditions. The team considered existing spill lighting from nearby buildings and roadways. Following industry procedures, they took sample light meter readings utilizing a hand-held lux meter. After a five year delay in Federal funding, construction on the illuminated pedestrian and bike path project commenced. The bike path project, including the installation of high pressure sodium illumination by acorn head pole fixtures, was accepted by Federal and University officials. Immediately after the path's completion in 2012, the researchers re-measured light levels at the site. They compared their pre-and post-installation measurements to the industry recommendations in effect during these two time periods. The researchers also used a digital sky quality meter to determine light pollution in the vicinity of the path. The path is currently in use by the University and community stakeholders.