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Lighting retrofit projects represent one of the best ways for a company to reduce its energy costs.
VENDORS: Check references, test recommendations against proposals, visit past installations and check their financial stability.
STAKEHOLDERS: get all the key stakeholders are involved up front to reduce delays during the project.
Addressing the finance and purchasing teams’ need to understand the costs and savings will help make sure the project hits all required financial hurdle rates. It’s also important to make sure the operations team is aware of the project’s impact on employee productivity and maintenance.
SET NEW LIGHTING LEVEL BASELINES: Include the latest Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA) light level recommendations in your review. IESNA guidelines for your application factor in the difficulty level of tasks being performed as well as the age of your work force. In addition to light levels, consider how the environment is perceived. Retrofitting from lower color rendering (CRI) lamps to higher CRI lamps can improve visibility - even with lower light levels.
Cutting light levels below recommended levels, installing products that increase glare or create shadows can all harm worker and facility productivity.
FACILITY AUDIT: The facility audit is the blueprint for installation. A poor audit can result in change orders, increased costs, missed deadlines and poor application of product. Beware of the rapid audit.
A good audit collects area by area counts of all existing light fixtures, reviews light level readings, identifies obstructions, checks hours of operation and reviews the tasks being performed within the area to make sure that the design selections will be correct for the environment.
Utility companies vary widely in how they bill and awareness of how demand and usage charges are being applied is critical for an accurate evaluation. Make sure to factor in demand charges, taxes and seasonal peak charges to calculate costs and how they are applied. Watch for billing details! Consider a utility who charges a demand charge based on your highest usage of electricity for a month. If you’re using occupancy sensors, are the lights going to be on when the demand charge hits? If so, you’ll only be able to capture the kWh usage savings and not the associated demand savings you might otherwise expect.
CONTROLS & SENSORS: Controls, and occupancy sensors are becoming an important component of retrofit strategies. With controls being increasingly legislated and incentivised with ASHRAE 90.1, Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and utility rebate programs, there is no better way to save money and meet evolving building standards than by turning off or turning down the lights.
Prior to choosing sensors for your facility, consider installing “light loggers” that track occupancy in target areas so that you can get a feel for the savings. Use “program start” ballasted luminaries rather than” instant
start” to assure no loss of lamp life from frequent on/off cycles. And make sure that time and sensitivity levels are set properly during installation.
Not all lighting components work well together in all environmental conditions. Your facility can have a major impact on system performance. Factory temperatures and office occupancy levels affect how fixtures will perform in each environment. Mounting height levels that have temperatures in excess of 55˚C might require “high ambient” approved fixtures. Fixtures that run cooler, last longer - sometimes up to twice as long.
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS: States, federal government, and electrical utilities are actively looking for ways to reduce energy consumption by providing financial incentives. These incentive programs represents an opportunity
for real savings. Programs like Epact, a federal program that offers an accelerated tax deduction for lighting upgrades of up to $.60 per sq foot for projects completed through 2008 is a great example.
For the most up-to-date information on available incentives, ask your project vendor and check with your local utility for all the incentives and rebates available to you.
Workspace lighting should last a long time, so making buying decisions benefit from choosing materials and labor suppliers for the long term. When evaluating suppliers, check the products and associated warranties
being specified for reputation and financial wherewithal to correct problems.
LONG TERM OPERATIONS: A simple way to validate the projected results is to test the proposed retrofit system in a typical area. It’s easy to measure before and after light levels as well as amperage reductions on tested circuits. However, don’t assume that the initial light levels from this test represents what you’re going to have over the long haul.
New lighting systems inherently provide more light than aged systems. Dirt depreciation and lamp degradation curves all need to be considered when evaluating a retrofit lighting systems performance over time. While cutting edge lighting systems maintain more light then ever before, make sure your supplier builds maintenance factors into the proposed system evaluation so that light levels meet your long term expectations.
Maintenance savings also save in the long term because easy to maintain lighting system lowers operating costs and gives the maintenance team more time to focus on the pressing issues of keeping machines and people productive.
SAVINGS: Consider the life of a lighting system into the savings calculations. The average life of a commercial or industrial lighting system exceeds 10 years. Quality systems cost more, but they also save more over time.
INSTALLATION: To make sure the installation goes as smoothly as possible, review and document all key elements of the installation plan including security access, product storage, recycling, how to manage “found” and
unaudited areas, as well as how updates will be provided throughout the project. While there may always be a few problems on the job, having a plan to resolve them quickly makes for a smoother and more successful installation.
FINANCING: The vast majority of lighting retrofit projects can provide paybacks within 3 years without any additional incentive at all. As an alternative, consider financing your lighting upgrade instead of waiting for the
next rebate or capital budget. A well designed lighting retrofit project will often offer immediate savings opportunity than can be used to fully fund the cost of the project and provide a positive cash flow from the very first month.
SOURCE: Cooper Lighting, a leader in the design of energy efficient lighting systems, can arm you with the information necessary to ensure a successful lighting efficiency upgrade, contact them at www.cooperenergysolutions.com
Representing almost 40% of a commercial facilies utility costs,Done properly, a lighting retrofit program can increase productivity, reduce defect rates and represent a cost advantage against your competitors who haven’t implemented their own efficiency programs. Selecting the right lighting retrofit vendor who will stand behind their product and system designs is key to real savings.
paybacks of less than 3 years are commonplace.
VENDORS: Check references, test recommendations against proposals, visit past installations and check their financial stability.
STAKEHOLDERS: get all the key stakeholders are involved up front to reduce delays during the project.
Addressing the finance and purchasing teams’ need to understand the costs and savings will help make sure the project hits all required financial hurdle rates. It’s also important to make sure the operations team is aware of the project’s impact on employee productivity and maintenance.
SET NEW LIGHTING LEVEL BASELINES: Include the latest Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA) light level recommendations in your review. IESNA guidelines for your application factor in the difficulty level of tasks being performed as well as the age of your work force. In addition to light levels, consider how the environment is perceived. Retrofitting from lower color rendering (CRI) lamps to higher CRI lamps can improve visibility - even with lower light levels.
A poorly designed retrofit lighting system that saves money in energy
costs can take all those savings away in productivity losses, increased
error rates and absenteeism.
Cutting light levels below recommended levels, installing products that increase glare or create shadows can all harm worker and facility productivity.
FACILITY AUDIT: The facility audit is the blueprint for installation. A poor audit can result in change orders, increased costs, missed deadlines and poor application of product. Beware of the rapid audit.
A good audit collects area by area counts of all existing light fixtures, reviews light level readings, identifies obstructions, checks hours of operation and reviews the tasks being performed within the area to make sure that the design selections will be correct for the environment.
Utility companies vary widely in how they bill and awareness of how demand and usage charges are being applied is critical for an accurate evaluation. Make sure to factor in demand charges, taxes and seasonal peak charges to calculate costs and how they are applied. Watch for billing details! Consider a utility who charges a demand charge based on your highest usage of electricity for a month. If you’re using occupancy sensors, are the lights going to be on when the demand charge hits? If so, you’ll only be able to capture the kWh usage savings and not the associated demand savings you might otherwise expect.
CONTROLS & SENSORS: Controls, and occupancy sensors are becoming an important component of retrofit strategies. With controls being increasingly legislated and incentivised with ASHRAE 90.1, Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and utility rebate programs, there is no better way to save money and meet evolving building standards than by turning off or turning down the lights.
Prior to choosing sensors for your facility, consider installing “light loggers” that track occupancy in target areas so that you can get a feel for the savings. Use “program start” ballasted luminaries rather than” instant
start” to assure no loss of lamp life from frequent on/off cycles. And make sure that time and sensitivity levels are set properly during installation.
Not all lighting components work well together in all environmental conditions. Your facility can have a major impact on system performance. Factory temperatures and office occupancy levels affect how fixtures will perform in each environment. Mounting height levels that have temperatures in excess of 55˚C might require “high ambient” approved fixtures. Fixtures that run cooler, last longer - sometimes up to twice as long.
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS: States, federal government, and electrical utilities are actively looking for ways to reduce energy consumption by providing financial incentives. These incentive programs represents an opportunity
for real savings. Programs like Epact, a federal program that offers an accelerated tax deduction for lighting upgrades of up to $.60 per sq foot for projects completed through 2008 is a great example.
For the most up-to-date information on available incentives, ask your project vendor and check with your local utility for all the incentives and rebates available to you.
Workspace lighting should last a long time, so making buying decisions benefit from choosing materials and labor suppliers for the long term. When evaluating suppliers, check the products and associated warranties
being specified for reputation and financial wherewithal to correct problems.
LONG TERM OPERATIONS: A simple way to validate the projected results is to test the proposed retrofit system in a typical area. It’s easy to measure before and after light levels as well as amperage reductions on tested circuits. However, don’t assume that the initial light levels from this test represents what you’re going to have over the long haul.
New lighting systems inherently provide more light than aged systems. Dirt depreciation and lamp degradation curves all need to be considered when evaluating a retrofit lighting systems performance over time. While cutting edge lighting systems maintain more light then ever before, make sure your supplier builds maintenance factors into the proposed system evaluation so that light levels meet your long term expectations.
Maintenance savings also save in the long term because easy to maintain lighting system lowers operating costs and gives the maintenance team more time to focus on the pressing issues of keeping machines and people productive.
- Reduce the number of lamp and ballast types that have to be inventoried
- Select longer life component technologies that extend maintenance intervals.
- Check sample fixtures to see if access to the ballast compartment is tool-less to shorten time on the ladder.
- For open air industrial fixtures in caustic or high ambient environments, make sure that the components specified will operate at optimal levels.
SAVINGS: Consider the life of a lighting system into the savings calculations. The average life of a commercial or industrial lighting system exceeds 10 years. Quality systems cost more, but they also save more over time.
INSTALLATION: To make sure the installation goes as smoothly as possible, review and document all key elements of the installation plan including security access, product storage, recycling, how to manage “found” and
unaudited areas, as well as how updates will be provided throughout the project. While there may always be a few problems on the job, having a plan to resolve them quickly makes for a smoother and more successful installation.
When implemented correctly, lighting efficiency upgrades can start saving
your business money immediately!
FINANCING: The vast majority of lighting retrofit projects can provide paybacks within 3 years without any additional incentive at all. As an alternative, consider financing your lighting upgrade instead of waiting for the
next rebate or capital budget. A well designed lighting retrofit project will often offer immediate savings opportunity than can be used to fully fund the cost of the project and provide a positive cash flow from the very first month.
SOURCE: Cooper Lighting, a leader in the design of energy efficient lighting systems, can arm you with the information necessary to ensure a successful lighting efficiency upgrade, contact them at www.cooperenergysolutions.com
LEDs have improved rapidly in both luminous efficacy and color quality.
LED’s small form factor make them a good candidate for downlight applications but the high brightness LED products can cause visual discomfort and the constricted thermal environment in downlights can be extremely challenging for LEDs.
The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at the University of California, Davis is developing a downlighting system based on indirect optical designs that will reduce direct LED glare, decrease installation time and improve thermal management. Collaborators include Architectural Energy Corporation (AEC), California Lighting Technology Center, Capri, and Samsung.
Features and benefits include a single central power supply that is utilized for cost savings and energy efficiency. Low Voltage (class 2) wiring between the centralized power supply and the downlights to allow for
easier wiring which allows for easier and cheaper installations. Indirect Optics increase visual
comfort and produces a downlight with uniform brightness. Better Thermal Management from the Indirect Optic places the LED sources in a location where they can be more easily thermally managed, which improves LED output and life. And central power supply architecture allows for easy espandability for additional downlights as well as other LED fixtures such as under cabinet fixtures.
Applicatons for advanced LED downlights include most living and working areas such as residential kitchens and hallways; commercial corridors, conference rooms and breakrooms; and hospitality locations such as restaurants, corridors and lobbies.
This commercialization research project is part of the latest PIER portfolio—Lighting California’s Future (LCF).
LED’s small form factor make them a good candidate for downlight applications but the high brightness LED products can cause visual discomfort and the constricted thermal environment in downlights can be extremely challenging for LEDs.
The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at the University of California, Davis is developing a downlighting system based on indirect optical designs that will reduce direct LED glare, decrease installation time and improve thermal management. Collaborators include Architectural Energy Corporation (AEC), California Lighting Technology Center, Capri, and Samsung.
Features and benefits include a single central power supply that is utilized for cost savings and energy efficiency. Low Voltage (class 2) wiring between the centralized power supply and the downlights to allow for
easier wiring which allows for easier and cheaper installations. Indirect Optics increase visual
comfort and produces a downlight with uniform brightness. Better Thermal Management from the Indirect Optic places the LED sources in a location where they can be more easily thermally managed, which improves LED output and life. And central power supply architecture allows for easy espandability for additional downlights as well as other LED fixtures such as under cabinet fixtures.
Applicatons for advanced LED downlights include most living and working areas such as residential kitchens and hallways; commercial corridors, conference rooms and breakrooms; and hospitality locations such as restaurants, corridors and lobbies.
This commercialization research project is part of the latest PIER portfolio—Lighting California’s Future (LCF).
| For additional information on the benefits of converting various lighting applications to LED lighting in the work environment and to learn more about LED Workplace, visit www.ledworkplace.org. |
They are converting all lighting at its Durham headquarters and manufacturing facility to LED lighting and released the results of the first phase of the conversion. The parking lots, entryways, lobby and conference rooms at Cree's headquarters building are now 100-percent lit by energy-efficient, environmentally friendly XLamp(R) LEDs.
Cree's LED Workplace(TM) conversion validates the energy savings, quality of light and reality that LED lighting is now a viable option for business and residential consumers.
In a study of the energy usage before and after the lighting conversion, Cree confirmed the energy savings of the newly installed LED lights.
The findings indicate that in total the new LED lights use 48% less energy than the incandescent, fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lights they replaced.
The combination of the energy savings, reduced maintenance and disposal costs and the environmental savings demonstrate that LED lighting is now a real alternative to traditional lighting solutions.
Duke Energy Collaboration
Cree's local utility, Duke Energy, is collaborating with Cree to explore the benefits of LED lighting. "Our customers are always interested in understanding how to save money through energy efficiency, so we make it our business to support innovative technologies such as LEDs," said Ted Schultz, Duke's vice president of energy efficiency.
"We expect our energy efficiency plans to be approved next year (2008) and are committed to having a complete line of lighting solutions available for customers," said Schultz. "At that point, we expect to have programs developed that will take advantage of LED technology."
"Conventional wisdom is that LED lighting is years away from widespread adoption. The truth, however, is that the performance of Cree's LED technology enables real LED lighting solutions today," said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. "The conversion of Cree's site demonstrates that the LED Lighting Revolution is well underway and will illustrate the benefits in energy savings, maintenance costs and environmental impacts."
Cree also announced that it has launched a new website to share the results and implementation details of the LED Workplace lighting conversion with other organizations.
...will include lighting vendor information and the light, energy and maintenance metrics that form the basis for LED lighting's cost savings. This site will also feature other LED Workplace installations.
MARCH 3, 2008 — Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market leader in LED
solid-state lighting, today announced that it has completed the
acquisition of privately held LED Lighting Fixtures, Inc.
This acquisition expands Cree’s market opportunity by providing direct access to the lighting market. Cree's business now encompasses LED chips, components and lighting solutions. It further enables Cree to drive retrofit solutions to convert existing lighting infrastructure to energy-efficient lighting and to accelerate the adoption of LED lighting.
“We are out to lead the LED lighting revolution and to obsolete the lightbulb,” said Chuck Swoboda, chairman and chief executive officer of Cree.
Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting retrofit solutions, and semiconductor solutions for backlighting, wireless and power applications.
CONTACT: http://www.cree.com
This acquisition expands Cree’s market opportunity by providing direct access to the lighting market. Cree's business now encompasses LED chips, components and lighting solutions. It further enables Cree to drive retrofit solutions to convert existing lighting infrastructure to energy-efficient lighting and to accelerate the adoption of LED lighting.
“We are out to lead the LED lighting revolution and to obsolete the lightbulb,” said Chuck Swoboda, chairman and chief executive officer of Cree.
Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting retrofit solutions, and semiconductor solutions for backlighting, wireless and power applications.
CONTACT: http://www.cree.com
... includes lighting vendor information and the light, energy and
maintenance metrics that form the basis for LED lighting's cost
savings. This site also features other LED Workplace installations.
Visit the Q&A section to get answers to common questions like:
LED lighting is currently being used in workplace installations, including:
- Overhead lighting for conference rooms and office spaces
- Recessed lighting for hallways, bathrooms, breakrooms, and more
- Exterior lighting for parking lots, walkways and entrances
Learn how energy savings and workplace productivity mount up when LED lights were installed in the featured installations and discover the potential savings achieved by installing state-of-the-art LED lighting.
Learn how LED lighting is lowering lighting costs for a variety of workplaces:
Visit the Q&A section to get answers to common questions like:
Question: I own a small business and am intrigued by the cost savings and environmental friendliness of LED lighting. How can I get started?
Answer: LED lighting offers economic value in many applications, including outdoor lighting and indoor down lights and accent lighting. Please contact the listed vendors on this website for information relevant to your specific applications.Question: How do I go about converting my facility to LED lighting?
Answer: An LED lighting conversion usually includes three types of solutions: complete replacement of the existing fixtures, retrofit of existing fixtures with LED components, or simple plug-compatible bulb replacements. For each of these, the existing wiring and power can often be used. For Cree, as an industrial operation, our electrical is at 277VAC. We adapted the installation as needed to assure the LED fixtures matched our site electrical systems. The vendors listed on this website should be able to provide a solution to match your needs.
LED City Initiative Yields Benefits Beyond Energy Efficiency
When Raleigh, N.C., the first LED City, and Cree, Inc. turned on new LEDs in the municipal parking garage, people’s opinion of the quality of the lighting improved threefold.
Raleigh exchanged the previous garage
fixtures and their dull orange light for LED fixtures with bright white
light, and people felt safer. The number of respondents who perceived
the garage as “very safe” increased by 76 percent after the LED
fixtures were installed, according to a survey by Mindwave Research of
Austin, Texas.
Cree produces LEDs that provide a new source of energy-efficient light that can serve as the foundation for cost-effective lighting solutions. Lighting Science Group Corporation of Dallas, Texas, supplied the LED fixtures installed in the Raleigh garage.
“LED technology provides a clear benefit to municipal infrastructure, as well as to the citizens it serves,” said Charles Meeker, mayor of Raleigh. “This survey shows that LEDs can do more than improve light quality. In addition to the proven environmental and energy efficiency benefits the city has already documented, the survey shows that LEDs’ bright white light can help improve public feelings of safety in city spaces.”
The survey results showed that the parking garage generated a more positive reaction from most of the respondents after the addition of LED fixtures:
Raleigh agrees to become the nation’s first LED City.
The LED City initiative focuses on installing LED lighting, based on Cree’s energy-efficient LEDs, throughout the city to save energy and money and boost the quality of life for its residents by using the best lighting technology commercially available. As a result, the city has improved the energy savings and lighting of its municipal city parking facility, the first of a series of projects aimed at delivering the environmental and economic benefits of LED lighting throughout Raleigh’s “living laboratory.”
Research Note:
The two surveys of 200 people each were conducted on behalf of Cree, Inc. by Mindwave Research, Inc. The pre-installation survey was conducted November 11-13, 2006, and the post-installation survey was conducted February 5-8, 2007.
Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.
When Raleigh, N.C., the first LED City, and Cree, Inc. turned on new LEDs in the municipal parking garage, people’s opinion of the quality of the lighting improved threefold.
Survey Shows Public Feels Safer in City Spaces Lit by LEDs
Raleigh exchanged the previous garage
fixtures and their dull orange light for LED fixtures with bright white
light, and people felt safer. The number of respondents who perceived
the garage as “very safe” increased by 76 percent after the LED
fixtures were installed, according to a survey by Mindwave Research of
Austin, Texas.Cree produces LEDs that provide a new source of energy-efficient light that can serve as the foundation for cost-effective lighting solutions. Lighting Science Group Corporation of Dallas, Texas, supplied the LED fixtures installed in the Raleigh garage.
“LED technology provides a clear benefit to municipal infrastructure, as well as to the citizens it serves,” said Charles Meeker, mayor of Raleigh. “This survey shows that LEDs can do more than improve light quality. In addition to the proven environmental and energy efficiency benefits the city has already documented, the survey shows that LEDs’ bright white light can help improve public feelings of safety in city spaces.”
The survey results showed that the parking garage generated a more positive reaction from most of the respondents after the addition of LED fixtures:
- Both men and women felt significantly safer post-installation: 74 percent rated the garage as feeling “very safe,” while only 2 percent did not feel safe. These figures contrast with the pre-installation numbers: Only 42 percent felt “very safe” with the original lighting, and 13 percent did not feel safe.
- The percentage of respondents who gave the garage an overall rating of “excellent” increased by 100 percent. The number of people who rated it as “poor” decreased from 8 to 1 percent.
- The lighting quality of the garage was “excellent” according to 86 percent of the respondents, a 258-percent increase from pre-installation respondents. The number of people who rated it as “poor” decreased from 18 to 2 percent.
- The cleanliness of the parking garage was perceived as “excellent” by 76 percent of the respondents, while only 58 percent rated it this way before the LEDs were installed, showing a 31-percent increase.
Raleigh agrees to become the nation’s first LED City.
The LED City initiative focuses on installing LED lighting, based on Cree’s energy-efficient LEDs, throughout the city to save energy and money and boost the quality of life for its residents by using the best lighting technology commercially available. As a result, the city has improved the energy savings and lighting of its municipal city parking facility, the first of a series of projects aimed at delivering the environmental and economic benefits of LED lighting throughout Raleigh’s “living laboratory.”
Research Note:
The two surveys of 200 people each were conducted on behalf of Cree, Inc. by Mindwave Research, Inc. The pre-installation survey was conducted November 11-13, 2006, and the post-installation survey was conducted February 5-8, 2007.
Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.
In 2007 Cree and Raleigh, North Carolina, Launch Nation’s First “LED City” with Cost-Saving Municipal Lighting
Raleigh Recognizes Greater than 40 Percent Energy Savings as Municipal Garage Switches to LED Lighting.“The economic benefits for municipalities to invest in LEDs include:
- saving energy
- reducing environmental impact
- improving the quality of light
The “LED City” initiative will create a “living laboratory” to deliver the economic, environmental and usage benefits of LED lighting to the urban residents.
The project is focused on validating both the cost savings and technology capabilities of LEDs through an installation of LED lighting in Raleigh’s Municipal Building parking deck.
Both Cree, Inc. and Raleigh public officials expect the LEDCity initiative to serve as a model for other cities that are considering implementing energy-efficient infrastructures.
As part of the commitment to creating an “LED City,” Raleigh plans to deploy LED lighting, through its living-laboratory initiative, to serve a number of lighting applications over the next 18 months including:
Cree, the City of Raleigh and Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSGP) of Dallas, TX, also announced initial results of the first installation of the LED City initiative. LED-based lighting fixtures, provided by Lighting Science Group, were installed by Amtech Lighting Services in the Raleigh Municipal Building parking deck in December 2006. Progress Energy, Raleigh’s primary electric utility provider, says the floor equipped with LED lights uses over 40 percent less energy than the standard lighting system. Plus, according to Progress Energy’s research, the quality of light in the garage is greatly improved.
- garage and parking lot lights
- street lights
- architectural and accent lighting
- portable lighting
- pedestrian and walkway lighting
As leaders in one of America’s fastest growing cities, it’s our civic responsibility to invest in the future and ensure the highest possible quality of life and safety for our citizens in generations to come,” stated Charles Meeker, Raleigh mayor. “We believe that the cost savings and benefits of LED lighting are real and achievable today.”
“Today’s announcement represents a milestone toward large-scale adoption of clean, energy-efficient technologies,” commented Kateri Callahan, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).“Raleigh’s progressive commitment to becoming the first ‘LED City’ will no doubt serve as a model for other cities seeking to improve energy consumption and reduce negative impacts on the environment. We commend Cree and the City of Raleigh for helping support our mission of achieving a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security.”
“The City of Raleigh is willing to set the pace, and we invite other municipalities to join us in developing energy-efficient civic centers,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree CEO and chairman. “This leading-edge effort establishes an important driver for LED adoption within the United States.”
About the City of Raleigh, N.C.
The City of Raleigh is the municipal government for North Carolina’s capital city. Raleigh’s reputation for the high quality of living has grown the population to more than 350,000. The City is proud to provide the leadership, direction and daily services that have contributed to Raleigh being among America’s most livable cities.
About Lighting Science Group Corporation
Lighting Science Group Corporation (www.lsgc.com) designs and sells highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions based on its proprietary Optimized Digital Lighting® (ODL®) technology. The Company's patented and patent-pending designs and manufacturing processes enable affordable, efficient and long-lasting LED-based lighting systems to be quickly deployed in existing lighting applications and produce immediate cost savings and environmental benefits. Products include low bay fixtures for parking garages and industrial facilities, MR-16, R30, R25, G11, G25, candelabra and flame tip bulbs, which can be purchased at store.lsgc.com.
About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices in solid-state lighting, power and communications products for energy performance and efficiency. Key to Cree’s market advantage is its materials expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for chips and packaged devices that can handle more power in a smaller space while producing less heat than other available technologies, materials and products.
Cree licenses its technology into multiple applications, including alternatives in brighter and more-tunable light for general illumination, backlighting for more-vivid displays, optimized power management for high-current, switch-mode power supplies and variable-speed motors, and more-effective wireless infrastructure for data and voice communications. Cree customers range from lighting-fixture makers to defense-related federal agencies.
Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.
More than 20% of the electricity generated
in the U.S. is used for
lighting.
Approximately half of this energy is wasted by lighting empty rooms or as heat produced by inefficient lamps. But it's easy to save money and energy with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and fixtures. They meet strict energy efficiency and quality specifications, using up to 75% less energy and lasting up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
The new generation of ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are longer lasting, brighter and much more efficient than lighting of the past. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting is diverse, versatile and elegant, with an energy efficient solution for almost every lighting fixture type and any design need.
CFLs
- ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs save up to 75% in energy consumption compared to standard bulbs.
- ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs last six to ten times longer than traditional lighting.
- CFLs have light quality closest to daylight.
- There are many shapes, sizes and color temperatures available for all household applications.
- CFLs are ideal where lights are on for long periods of time or are difficult to reach.
CFL Disposal
CFLs should be disposed of properly with other household hazardous waste products such as paint, batteries and thermostats.Avoid throwing out spent CFLs in the household trash.
Check with your local or municipal government entity responsible for solid waste or household hazardous waste collection for CFL disposal options.
Some communities offer disposal or recycling programs that accept spent CFLs.
Visit http://www.lamprecycle.org to research the disposal laws and recycling programs in your state.
Energy Star standards and specifications are developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a non-profit corporation supported by electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy efficiency industry representatives. These entities work together to make affordable, energy-efficient products and services available in the marketplace.
Hard-Wired Fixtures
ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures use pin-based CFLs that last 10,000-20,000 hours. Many ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures carry at least a two-year warranty. ENERGY STAR models are available with dimmable ballasts. Available ENERGY STAR fixtures are appropriate for any design
application and include ceiling rounds, pendants, wall sconces,
under-cabinet lighting, chandeliers, bath-bars, and outdoor lighting.
Portable Fixtures
ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures use pin-based compact fluorescent circline or 2D bulbs which last an average of 10,000 hours.
- ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures are relatively cool to the touch at 100° F, a sharp contrast to some halogen torchieres that can reach up to 1,000° F.
- ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures are available for little more than the cost of standard torchieres but can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the life of the fixture.
Recessed Lights
ENERGY STAR qualified recessed cans use one-third to one-quarter of the energy of standard incandescent recessed cans. ENERGY STAR qualified recessed cans use bulbs that last up to ten times longer than incandescent reflector lamps. Qualified models operate much cooler, eliminating ‘hot spots’ in the building shell. ENERGY STAR recessed cans are brighter, necessitating fewer cans to
produce the same light level as an equivalent incandescent recessed can
lighting system.
While ENERGY STAR recessed cans generally cost more than incandescent recessed cans initially, the savings on lighting and space conditioning costs can pay for itself within a few years.
Ceiling Fans with CFLs
ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans sometimes include compact fluorescent light kits, which generate 70% less heat and save up to 75% in energy costs compared to standard incandescent kits.
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
800-539-9362
info@northwestenergystar.com
http://www.nwalliance.org/.
Electrical surges are just one home and office electrical hazard! There are more. Get the information you need to protect people you care about...and your property.
The Electrical Safety Tool Kit
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Office Electrical Safety Checklist
Be Safe At Work
News Releases to send to the MEDIA and GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
Safety matters. And responsible parents, teachers and office managers take the time regularly to upgrade the training and behavior guidelines that keep the people they care about safe. These checklists are a good start, and they're free. The only price is your action.
SOURCE:
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
1300 North 17th St. Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209
info@esfi.org | Phone: 703-841-3229
Electrical Safety Tool Kit - Downloadable PDFs
The electrical safety Tool Kit provided by Electrical Safety Foundation International includes statistics on electrical hazards and tips you can use to stay safe. Organized by each season, this information can help you develop your own newsletters, web site material and safety campaigns to increase electrical safety awareness 365 days a year.Click here to download the handy Safety Checklist PDFs
The Electrical Safety Tool Kit
HOME CHECKLISTS
Indoor Electrical Safety Checklist
Outdoor Electrical Safety Checklist
Extension Cord Safety Checklist
Mr. Plug Fun Books for Pre-K and K-3
Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Electrical Safety
WORKPLACE CHECKLISTS
Office Electrical Safety Checklist
Be Safe At Work
News Releases to send to the MEDIA and GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
Safety matters. And responsible parents, teachers and office managers take the time regularly to upgrade the training and behavior guidelines that keep the people they care about safe. These checklists are a good start, and they're free. The only price is your action.
SOURCE:
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
1300 North 17th St. Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209
info@esfi.org | Phone: 703-841-3229
Basic and cost-effective lighting efficiency for businesses
- Turn off lights (and other equipment) when not in use. High utility costs often include paying for energy that is completely wasted by equipment left “on” for long periods while not in use.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), wherever appropriate. CFLs cost about 75% less to operate, and last about 10 times longer. Their prices are dramatically lower now than when first introduced.
- Install switch plate occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn lighting off when no one is present, and back on when people return. Even good equipment can be installed wrong, so don’t install the sensor behind a coat rack, door, bookcase, etc. It must be able to “see” an approaching person’s motion to turn on the light before, or as they enter an unlit area.
- Adjust lighting to your actual needs; use free “daylighting.”
- To prevent glare, eyestrain, and headaches, do not “over-light.” Too much light can be as bad for visual quality as too little light - and it costs a lot more.
- Install ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs. These exit signs can dramatically reduce maintenance by eliminating lamp replacement and can save $10 dollars per sign annually in electricity costs while preventing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Consider upgrading from older T12 (1.5" diameter) tubes with magnetic ballasts to more efficient T8 (1" diameter) fluorescent lamp tubes with solid-state electronic ballasts.
