Newport News Public School District has become the first Virginia school district in the area with a significant LED lighting installation by recently installing more than 185 LED exterior luminaires made by Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA. The district selected Cree's THE EDGE security, area and parking structure luminaires to illuminate the exteriors of seven schools: General Stanford Elementary, Greenwood Elementary, Lee Hall Elementary, Palmer Elementary, Crittenden Middle, Booker T. Washington Middle and Denbigh High.
"These energy-efficient lights virtually eliminate maintenance, provide the district with dramatic energy savings and also reflect the community's commitment to sustainability," says Keith Webb, executive director of plant services for the Newport News Public School District. "The LED lighting furthers our goal of enhancing and bettering the learning environment, while saving money for the schools and tax payers," he adds.
In 2008, Newport News School District spent $5.6m on energy costs. In the past four years, it has implemented energy-saving projects including the installation of Cree LED luminaires. Officials estimate that the LED lighting upgrade resulted in annual energy savings of 139,000kWh and a reduction in annual lighting energy costs at the seven facilities by 65%. Officials also estimate a payback of three years for the installation and expect ongoing operational savings due to the extended lifetime of Cree luminaires and the reduced maintenance needs.
THE EDGE luminaires replaced 189 high-pressure sodium and 150 incandescent fixtures, delivering enhanced color quality, uniformity and optimized illumination performance to each of the school's exteriors, it is claimed. The parking lots at all seven schools now meet the sustainable illumination requirements of each school, helping to reduce energy and maintenance costs.
Cree's THE EDGE area, parking and security luminaires illuminate the exterior corridors, walkways and entryways and provide increased visibility around the building perimeters. The lights also provide added safety and security for the school district's students, parents and staff during nighttime activities and events, the firm adds.
"Using THE EDGE luminaires with BetaLED technology, Newport News Public School District demonstrates the financial and performance benefits of switching out incandescent and high-pressure sodium lighting for energy-efficient LEDs," comments Christopher Ruud, VP global sales, Cree lighting.
