As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce energy usage by at least $25 million over seven years, the University of North Carolina (UNC) General Administration has selected high-performing LED lighting by Cree, Inc. to help system institutions operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. An alliance of 13 UNC campuses and several affiliated organizations, spanning 27 million square feet, will leverage Cree® LED luminaires, including the revolutionary CR24™ architectural LED troffers, to deliver fast payback, energy efficiency and superior light quality.

“This University-wide lighting project will help advance our energy reduction goals, lower maintenance expenses and improve ROI,” said 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.”

Designed to last up to 100,000 hours, Cree CR24 troffers feature dimming capabilities for easy lighting-control integration. CR24 LED troffers are powered by Cree TrueWhite® Technology, delivering beautiful white light with superior color accuracy and consistency.

“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.

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.