Summary
The Eastern Greene High School (EGHS) gymnasium was constructed in 2009 and furnished with 44 lighting fixtures. Most gymnasium floors are sanded down to bare wood and refinished after every 5-10 years based on the usage of the gym floor. The institution is used for various activities, including PE classes, school and community events. Such options grant the gym warrant to be properly maintained for comfortability. The refinishing of the floor would make it easy for the repainting of lines and the school logo, which would in turn make it an appealing place for visitors and fans. Replacing the lighting system and refinishing of the floor would therefore make the gymnasium more attractive and provide more opportunities for future generations.
Problems
- Old bulbs malfunctions
- Rare fixtures
- Outdated fixtures
- Expensive
- Difficult to maintain
- Improper fitted floor
Proposal
LED Lighting System
With the relevant focus on eco-friendly products, there is a need to have a lighting system which does not consume much energy. The current lighting system at the EGHS gymnasium is power-hungry and contains rare spare parts, which, if found, are expensive. In that case, it will be important to replace the lighting system with a modern one with low voltage and conservative to the environment and nature (Cooper, 2017).
Global Perspective of LED lights: LED lights have been preferred as the best option based on their lighting capacity, availability, and inexpensive price. Through laws and policy, environmental bodies such as United Environmental Programme (UNEP) expect humanity to take care of the environment. Many countries are also gearing efforts towards environmentally-friendly practices, including recycling waste and limiting carbon footprint. It is, therefore, important to create awareness of upcoming technologies that can be used to reduce carbon emissions. The LED lighting system has been applauded as one of the most efficient lighting fixtures which conserve the environment.
Advantages: Installing LED lighting fixtures is associated with advantages of energy efficiency, elimination of toxic elements, extended lifespan, and a visual that appeals to funs and visitors. LED lights have been tested and found to be 80% more efficient as compared to the traditional lighting system, including incandescent and fluorescent lights (Cooper, 2017). Much of LED’s energy is converted to light, and only an insignificant amount of it produces heat. Other traditional lighting systems convert up to 95% of energy into heat, with only 5% used as light (Cooper, 2017). In addition, LED lights have been found to draw less power as compared to traditional lighting systems. For instance, an 84-watt traditional lighting system can be replaced by a 36-watt LED lighting system (Cooper, 2017). Intuitively, less energy use has been associated with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Aesthetic Value: On the other hand, LED lights are used as an aesthetic value which contributes to the success of an establishment. Bright space for keeping memories of events is evident with the LED lighting system as it desists a dark alleyway across all corners in a room (Cooper, 2017).
Equipment’s: LED lights, switches, and electrical cables.
Working Place: EGHS gymnasium.
Cost: 44 LED fixtures @ $300 each Lighting fixtures, $13,200.
Sanding and Refinishing Gym Floor
Advantages: Flooring in a sporting facility is an important element as it provides safety and high-performance surface for training, enjoying sports and full talent maximization, while preventing injury and accidents at all costs. Basically, the gym floor has to be well-maintained. It is ought to be smooth, clean, dust-free, and free from scratches and cracks. Gym floor sanding is important as it preserves the beauty and extends the life of the floor.
Refinishing Period: It should be refinished after every 5-10 years depending on the usage (Armstrong, 2017). In the underlying case, the EGHS gymnasium is used frequently, and therefore, sanding will be an essential part of maintenance. To this end, the school will have to procure professionals who have the appropriate equipment and profound experience for a fast, safe, and efficient sanding of the floor.
Time Needed: The process of refinishing the gym floor will begin by sanding and removing the old game lines and layers of finish across the raw wood. This process should take roughly a day, and in the next days, scratches ought to be removed, followed by repairing the cracks and replacing wood which seem deteriorated. After the completion of the repair work, the floor will be resurfaced, and a new finish will be laid down (Armstrong, 2017).
Working Place: EGHS gymnasium
Equipment: A specialized sanding machine is used to refinish the floor, while sanding and grit are cleaned prior to sealing. Applying two coats of MFMA on the floor is done, while game lines, logos, and other images are painted on the sealed surface. After the paint is dry, the other two coats are applied, and the floor is left to dry. The whole process is estimated to take a week of work and another one of waiting. It is important to note that other works such as plumbing and electrical works can be executed simultaneously. These tasks can proceed at the same time since none interferes with the operations of the other.
Cost: $3/sq. 6536 amounting to $19608.
Table 1: Cost and estimates.
Best Practices
In regards to comparing facilities in our area or across the state of Indiana, I had the distinct pleasure of coaching and officiating over the past 26 years, and this time, I have visited numerous incredible venues. These experiences have allowed me to see firsthand the venues that were memorable due to their visual appeal, fan and player experiences. Eastern Greene has the capability to provide this type of venue for our community and its visitors. With such improvements, our facilities will provide better game experiences for officials, coaches, players, and fans. Furthermore, our community will have more opportunities to host sectionals, invitations, and other ECA events that provide visitor traffic to our community.
Outcomes
From the analysis of this proposal, it will be of the essence if the school adopts the suggested changes in the lighting fixtures and sanding of the floor associated with the following advantages:
- Safety
- avoiding legal charges associated with environmental pollution.
- energy efficiency,
- elimination of toxic elements,
- extended lifespan,
- good visual,
- bring memorable moments,
- nurture many talents
- place where events and discussions are held.
References, “Best Practices” and Description
- Armstrong, L. (2017). Gym floor refinishing tips and cost. Restoration Master. Web.
- Cooper, S. (2017). Top 5 benefits of LED lights for the environment. Spirit Earth Awakening. Web.