Opportunity
As the economy forces school districts to slow or even halt capital improvement plans, many are focusing on what can be done to improve the efficiency and environmental quality of existing facilities.
The Department of Energy reports that state and local agencies are planning to invest more than $60 billion in the next three years to build or renovate schools.
Now is the time for school districts, government and community leaders, and parents to recognize that sustainable products, such as LED luminaires, are a catalyst to significant improvements in energy efficiency in the nation’s K-12 schools.
Solution
In 2008, the school district spent $5.6 million on energy (electric and gas) costs. This figure is declining dramatically as numerous energy-saving projects are implemented such as the newly installed Cree® exterior luminaires at seven district schools; General Stanford Elementary, Greenwood Elementary, Lee Hall Elementary, Palmer Elementary, Crittenden Middle, Booker T. Washington Middle and Denbigh High.
Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) is the first district in the area with a significant LED luminaire installation. NNPS selected Cree Edge™ area luminaires to replace 189 existing high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting fixtures and about 150 incandescent fixtures at seven district schools.
Cree Edge™ parking structure luminaires brought dramatic results, delivering enhanced color quality, uniformity and optimized illumination performance.
The parking lots at the schools now meet the sustainable illumination requirements of each school while substantially reducing energy and maintenance-related costs for the district and taxpayers.
Benefits
Energy-efficient and sustainable Cree Edge™ canopy luminaires illuminate exterior corridors and entryways and Cree Edge™ security luminaires provide increased visibility around the building perimeters.
The improved illumination performance along walkways and perimeters provides a safe and welcoming environment for students, parents and staff during nighttime activities and events.
Additionally, the well-illuminated school buildings make it is easy for patrols to spot potential vandals to the school property.
These combined results for all seven schools exceeded the expectations of Keith Webb, Executive Director of Plant Services for the district.
“These energy efficient lights virtually eliminate maintenance, provide the district with dramatic energy savings and also reflect the community’s commitment to sustainability,” said Webb.
There are more green improvements the school district is seeking to fund through their capital improvement program and through in-house upgrades. Green schools create healthy environments conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money.
Products Used
