Cree, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity International announce a three-year, $1.5 million pledge to provide high-efficiency Cree LED downlights for the kitchens in all new Habitat homes built in the United States.

The Cree LED kitchen lighting packages can help reduce energy costs for Habitat homeowners, as kitchens generally see some of the highest lighting energy usage in a home, according to ENERGY STAR®.

More than 1,500 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the U.S. will have access to the lighting package, which features Cree’s newest LED downlight, the CR6™ downlight. The CR6 downlight is designed to last 50,000 hours, which is more than 22 years if the lights are used six hours a day.

These LED downlights exceed ENERGY STAR criteria, consuming 85-percent less energy than an incandescent and 55-percent less energy than a compact fluorescent.

Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, noted that Cree is partnering with Habitat affiliates to provide lighting products that enable more energy-efficient homes. Products and materials that reduce energy costs make homes even more affordable for Habitat partner families and also help to protect the environment. This is going to make a huge impact in helping the company develop sustainable communities.