Since early fall, the Huntington Beach City School District has been quietly transforming classrooms, offices, and campuses, one light at a time, to create brighter, safer, and more energy-efficient learning environments for students and staff. This districtwide LED lighting upgrade was guided by both future-focused planning and evolving state and federal requirements. As aging compact fluorescent light (CFL) fixtures are phased out under California Assembly Bill 2208 and U.S. Department of Energy regulations, the District proactively transitioned to modern LED technology that is safer, more efficient, and better suited for today’s learning spaces.
Partnering with PacificWest Energy Solutions, the District replaced thousands of outdated lights across classrooms, workspaces, and exterior areas with high-quality LED lighting. Much of this work was completed outside of school hours to minimize disruptions and ensure learning could continue uninterrupted throughout the year.
The impact of the upgrade extends far beyond brighter hallways. Improved lighting enhances visibility and reduces distractions in classrooms, helping students stay focused and engaged, supporting academic achievement. Energy-efficient LEDs also use less electricity and require less maintenance, reinforcing the District’s commitment to responsible resource use.
Well-lit spaces play a key role in creating supportive school environments, improving safety, comfort, and overall campus functionality. Existing lighting controls across the District further reduce energy use and extend the lifespan of the new systems, ensuring these improvements will benefit schools for years to come.
This project reflects HBCSD’s Strategic Plan in action, modernizing facilities, supporting student success, and thoughtfully stewarding resources, while quite literally lighting the way to better learning.
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