Lighting plays a critical but often overlooked role in making the University of Maryland campus safe and welcoming after dark. From pedestrian pathways to parking lots, Facilities Management’s (FM) Electrical Services Exterior Lighting team is responsible for keeping more than 2,600 pole lights operating smoothly across campus.
The work involves much more than replacing a bulb. FM follows standards set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), which emphasizes using light responsibly — minimizing pollution, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring safety without overlighting. FM also aligns its efforts with the university’s sustainability goals, including LEED guidelines.
“We determine light levels using IESNA recommendations,” said Rob Hermstein, FM’s Executive Director, Operations, Maintenance & Utilities. “That means lighting areas appropriately without excess, and always with a focus on environmental impact.”
How it Works: Inspection and Response
FM inspects all campus pole lights monthly using a GIS-based mapping system that pinpoints the location, type, and condition of each light. That proactive approach is complemented by reports from campus community members, which can help FM identify lighting problems between inspection cycles.
When a light is reported as being out, FM responds quickly, but repairs can be more complicated than swapping a bulb. Salt and meltwater from winter weather, for example, can create short circuits in the system, leading to power faults that affect multiple lights. These more complex repairs require skilled electrical work, and FM often brings in contractors to help supplement in-house crews during busy periods.
In February 2025, for instance, more than three dozen campus circuit issues were resolved in a single month. During that time, FM also deployed portable lighting towers and contracted additional support to address outages around McKeldin Mall and other high-priority areas.
Sustainability in Focus
FM has invested heavily in energy-efficient lighting upgrades across campus. More than 90% of the university’s pole lights have now been retrofitted with LED fixtures or bulbs—an improvement that reduces energy consumption by more than 50% while maintaining appropriate lighting levels.
The major lighting upgrade for McKeldin Mall in summer 2025 showcases FM’s dual commitment to safety and sustainability. The project replaced older metal halide fixtures with new LED technology, increasing lighting levels from less than 0.5 to 2 foot-candles along sidewalks while reducing energy use by over 40%. Redesigned pole placements and fixture angles keep lights clear of the tree canopy, further improving visibility.
Behind the Scenes of a Big Campus
Managing lighting across such a large and varied campus presents ongoing challenges. “The system was built over decades with a mix of technologies,” said the FM expert. “We’ve spent millions improving it, but older infrastructure and weather-related wear still require constant attention.”
Community support helps. FM encourages students, faculty, and staff to report any lighting outages or issues, such as overgrown trees blocking light, to the Customer Response Center at 301-405-2222 or via Facilities Service Central.
Whether you're walking to class, heading home after an evening event, or simply enjoying the campus at dusk, FM’s efforts help keep your path well lit—and energy-smart.