This past weekend, Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) and Habitat for Humanity of Durham celebrated the completion of the world’s first Habitat for Humanity house lit entirely with LED fixtures and bulbs. Durham-based LED manufacturer Cree sponsored the construction of the Habitat house and Cree employees assisted as volunteers on the project. The house includes Cree’s award-winning CR6™ LED downlight, as well as other LED products featuring Cree LEDs from MSi and TESS (Top Energy Saving System Corp.).

The 251st house built by Habitat for Humanity of Durham is now the home of the Rahlan-Ksor family, originally from Vietnam, who previously lived in a one-bedroom apartment. Located in Southwest Central Durham, it is the first home built together by Cree and Habitat Durham. In addition to the local partnership in Durham, Cree also previously announced a three-year, US$1.5 million pledge to provide its high-efficiency LED downlights for all new Habitat homes built in the U.S.

“We’re pleased to not only provide energy-efficient LED lighting products to Habitat for Humanity homes across the U.S., but also to help build a sustainable and affordable home for one of our hometown families,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. “The Rahlan-Ksor family can now enjoy homeownership with lower electricity costs than a standard home, and even if they use the LED lights six hours a day, they shouldn’t need to change them for the next two decades.”

“We thank Cree and its employees for their dedication to supporting and building this house, as well as helping show that affordable housing can be green, especially with the help of LED lighting,” said Miguel Rubiera, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of Durham. “Our 251st house is an example of the Habitat house of the future.”

About Cree
Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and making energy-wasting traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications.

Cree’s product families include LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. Cree solutions are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, backlighting, electronic signs and signals, variable-speed motors, and wireless communications.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.