Danville, Virginia, announces that it has joined the Cree LED City® program, an international initiative promoting the deployment of energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. The city has installed Cree LED lights in the Danville Water Treatment Plant and the Adult Detention Center in response to the Go Green Virginia initiative sponsored by the Virginia Municipal League (VML).

The Virginia Municipal League started the Go Green Virginia program to encourage local governments to reduce energy usage and promote sustainability. As part of the initiative, the Green Government Challenge is a friendly competition designed to promote the implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce the carbon emissions generated by both the local government and the broader community.

The two installations of LED lighting will aid in Danville’s green efforts. The city installed Cree LR24 luminaries in the filter room of the Water Treatment Plant, replacing outdated fluorescent fixtures. Plant operators have reported improved productivity and increased task efficiency, due to the better quality of lighting. LED lighting has also reduced potential labor costs by approximately $75 dollars per hour for fluorescent bulb changes. The installation in the Adult Detention Center, part of a room renovation, involved retrofitting a conference room with Cree LR6 and LR24 luminaries to replace incandescent bulbs. 

The city is also exploring the possibility of an LED streetlight demonstration in the downtown area and is currently installing smart meters across its utility service area.