Lighting system upgrades brighten YMCA facilities

From 2017 to 2019, YMCA of the North invested in lighting upgrades across several facilities, including locations in Minneapolis, supported in part by the City of Minneapolis Green Cost Share program.

Projects included upgrades at the Blaisdell, North Community Harold Mezile, Hiawatha, University, and Emma B. Howe NE facilities, among other locations. With improved safety, reduced energy use, and cost savings from these projects, YMCA had more resources to invest in its programs supporting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Fitness and wellbeing centers and community response hubs faced much uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Y’s investments in cost-effective clean energy at its facilities helped reduce operating costs during a challenging time for the nonprofit and communities it serves.

When the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for social services, direct programming and financial assistance at these locations, the investments in cost-effective clean energy technology proved timely.

“We provide a vast array of youth and family programs and services at these locations,” Martin explained. “During COVID, these programs and services became even more critical and our community response hubs have been distributing meals and basic necessities, offering distance learning, hosting blood drives, providing access to technology, connecting people to resources for housing, employment, and much more at these sites in Minneapolis.”

“By saving money on utilities, this allows for more program dollars to be spent on critical priorities addressing the increased needs of the community especially during the ongoing pandemic,” Martin said. Martin estimated quick payback periods on these projects with returns on investment ranging from two to three years, depending on the location.

In addition to benefits of the technology from a facilities’ perspective, Martin also noted these projects improved visibility and safety for facility users and community members both inside and outside the YMCA buildings, as well as positive environmental and sustainability impacts.

“At the YMCA, we believe environmental sustainability is rooted in our commitment to social responsibility,” Martin said. “LED lighting and photocell replacement reduces our energy footprint and furthers us as a leader in having a positive environmental and social impact.”

While this has been a challenging year for fitness and wellbeing centers and community response hubs like those the YMCA of the North operates, there is greater need for the services and programming that the Ys offer than ever. With support from the Green Cost Share program, YMCA was able to invest in facility upgrades that improved safety and resulted in cost savings that have been reinvested in the organization’s programming and services during this difficult time.