The Albuquerque Convention Center, a multi-purpose event complex with more than 270,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, recently selected energy-efficient LED lighting from LED chip, lamp and lighting fixture maker Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA to improve the facility and provide better illumination for visitors.
Powered by Cree TrueWhite Technology and Lutron controls, the LED luminaires deliver superior light quality to the East Complex of the Convention Center, while reducing the center's annual lighting energy usage from an industry-standard 40% to just 7.6% of its total energy usage (saving 32.4%). Energy-saving strategies implemented include occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, task level tuning, scene selection and event scheduling.
"As a multi-purpose facility, high-quality LED lighting can truly enhance meeting and event spaces, making the Convention Center more attractive to tourists while lowering electricity use and maintenance costs," says Tony Gurule, energy and sustainability program manager for the City of Albuquerque. "We conducted a study of various LED lighting manufacturers, and Cree and Lutron, with complementary lighting and controls, offered the ideal solution for us," he adds.
Backed by a 10-year warranty, Cree's CR Series LED architectural troffers, CS Series LED linear luminaires and both the SR6 and LR6 LED architectural downlights provide a combination of high efficacy, light quality and color consistency. Combined with a Lutron EcoSystem control system, the LED lighting installation is expected to deliver more than $120,000 in annual maintenance savings and a reduction of more than $100,000 in annual energy costs, adding up to a rapid payback.
Due to the LEDs, the center can now tailor the lighting according to each occasion-whether it is a large event or more intimate use of the space, adding a new dimension to the convention center staff's ability to sell the space, it is claimed.
Initiated as part of Albuquerque's Energy Council Three Percent Program (which sets aside 3% of capital improvement bonds specifically for energy-conservation projects), City officials also plan to renovate the West Complex of the Albuquerque Convention Center with Cree LED lighting and Lutron controls as a result of the improved color quality and reduced maintenance in the East Complex.
