LED chip, lamp and lighting fixture maker Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA says that the University of North Carolina (UNC) has selected Cree LED lighting to help its institutions operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. The university's aim is to reduce energy usage by at least $25m over seven years (energy consumption per gross square foot for all state buildings in total is to be reduced by 30% by 2015, based on energy consumption for the 2002-2003 fiscal year). An alliance of 13 UNC campuses and several affiliated organizations, spanning 27 million square feet, will use Cree LED luminaires, including the CR24 architectural LED troffers.
"This University-wide lighting project will help advance our energy reduction goals, lower maintenance expenses and improve ROI [return on investment]," says Miriam Tripp, special projects officer at UNC General Administration. "Reducing energy consumption is the right thing to do for our environment, our students and the taxpayers who support us. Ultimately, the related cost savings enable UNC institutions to focus on our core mission of great teaching and research."
"The UNC lighting installation will be a great showcase for how entire university systems can leverage LED lighting to reduce operating expenses and create well-illuminated spaces from classrooms to dormitories and beyond," said Mike Bauer, vice president of lighting sales, Cree. "We're pleased to work with UNC to help deliver the energy savings necessary to meet their sustainability goals."
UNC, together with Johnson Controls, conducted an extensive energy audit and identified lighting and lighting controls as avenues to help meet their energy goals. Johnson will oversee the program and will leverage Cree LEDs across the system-wide contract.
