Praticando Custos: um estudo de caso nos custos de iluminação externa no Campus Santa Mônica da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia

Abstract

This paper investigates the strategic cost management of public lighting at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), focusing on the Santa Monica Campus. The main objective is to promote improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability by proposing the replacement of conventional lamps with LED lamps. The research emphasizes that cost management should extend beyond mere expense reduction, aiming to strengthen competitive positioning and ensure transparency in the use of public resources. The adopted methodology is action research, allowing for a practical analysis of the interventions carried out. Data on energy consumption and costs associated with the previous lighting were collected using financial reports and direct measurements to establish a baseline. The implementation of LED lamps was closely monitored to ensure adherence to the proposed plan. After the replacement, new data were collected to compare consumption and operational costs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the actions taken. Results showed a significant reduction in energy consumption and operational costs, with savings of up to 80% compared to traditional lamps. The paper also highlights the importance of effective budget planning and managerial training, addressing challenges such as dependence on public resources and administrative complexity. Conclusions indicate that, despite the high initial costs of LED technology, the long-term benefits in terms of savings and sustainability justify the transition. This study contributes to the discussion on energy efficiency in public institutions, proposing a model that can be replicated in other universities.