May 25, 2015—As part of a system-wide effort to improve energy efficiency and the campus experience, Toledo Public Schools (TPS) in Toledo, Ohio, selected light-emitting diode (LED) lighting by Cree, Inc., to illuminate the exterior of 42 of its school district campuses.
The lighting is engineered to deliver superior light quality and energy optimization while lowering the total cost of ownership compared to the outdated metal halide and high-pressure sodium alternatives they replace. The schools now feature Cree LED area, canopy, and wall-mount luminaires, saving one school alone an anticipated $355,000 in lifetime energy and maintenance costs for rapid payback while delivering optimized light levels for campus visibility.
“We knew that energy-efficient LED technology was the best lighting solution from the start, and once we looked at the energy saving potential, payback time, and maintenance savings — making the switch was clear,” said Ron Miller, network operations and energy efficiency manager, TPS. “Only Cree offered the unmatched warranty, high-quality fixtures, and breadth of product aesthetics to deliver the performance, value, and lifetime operational efficiencies we sought for the system-wide upgrade. After one month, we’ve already begun to experience the benefits that Cree LED lighting provides.”
TPS anticipates that the new Cree LED lighting system will help reduce energy consumption by up to 69 percent and save up to $125,000 per school in lifetime maintenance costs alone, while improving light quality and exterior aesthetics. Designed to deliver unprecedented optical control, Cree OSQ Series LED area luminaires and CPY Series LED canopy luminaires deliver area illumination for parking lots and entrances, while Cree Edge Series and XSP Series Wall Pack illuminate campus walkways and replace existing accent lighting.
The crisp, white light of Cree’s luminaires helps create a safe atmosphere for students, administrators, and visitors, says the company. As important, the Cree luminaires are backed by Cree’s 10-year limited warranty, providing investment protection.
To read the full case study and view images of the installation, visit Cree’s Toledo Public Schools Web page.
