When Chicago’s Byrne Elementary School needed additional space to serve its growing student body, Candor Electric stepped in with the expertise to deliver a new annex that is as energy-smart as it is student-focused. The project illustrates how advanced lighting strategies and low-voltage innovations can transform a school into a more sustainable, efficient, and dynamic learning environment.
Lighting has a profound impact on how students learn and teachers teach. At Byrne, Candor equipped each classroom with four unique lighting zones, giving staff the flexibility to adjust illumination for lectures, group work, or presentations. To further enhance efficiency, daylight harvesting sensors were installed to automatically dim electric lights in response to available sunlight.
By maximizing natural light, Byrne reduces reliance on overhead fixtures during peak daylight hours. Studies show that daylight harvesting strategies can reduce lighting energy use by 20–40% annually, depending on building orientation and occupancy. For Byrne, this could mean tens of thousands of kilowatt-hours saved each year — lowering operating costs and shrinking the school’s carbon footprint.
Candor also integrated a low-voltage Cat 6 control backbone, which manages both 120v and 277v lighting systems with precision. This modern approach allows for granular control, faster communication between devices, and future-ready flexibility.
Low-voltage LED systems typically consume 50–70% less energy than traditional fluorescent lighting, while offering longer lifespans and reduced maintenance. For Byrne Elementary, that translates into significant long-term cost savings for the district, freeing up resources that can be redirected toward educational priorities.
Over the course of nine months, a team of 15 IBEW Local 134 electricians brought Candor’s vision to life. Beyond lighting, Candor distributed emergency power, electrical wiring, and integrated a building automation system that keeps electrical and mechanical systems in constant communication. The result is a facility designed to operate efficiently from day one — and for decades to come.
“This project was truly a team effort,” said Superintendent Matthew DiFiore. “From management and site supervision to our apprentices, everyone took pride in delivering a building that not only serves the community but also saves energy for the district.”
For Candor Electric, Byrne Elementary isn’t just another project — it’s an example of how thoughtful electrical design can elevate both education and sustainability. Through daylight harvesting, advanced low-voltage systems, and seamless system integration, the school is empowered to reduce energy consumption by up to 40% in lighting costs, lower utility bills, and provide students with healthier, brighter classrooms.
Byrne Elementary’s annex proves that when innovation and expertise come together, schools can become models of efficiency and inspiration for the next generation.
