Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) announced that Arizona State University (ASU) has joined the Cree LED University® program, an international community of universities working to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient LEDs across their campuses. ASU has equipped six parking structures with more than 2,000 LED fixtures and has replaced 6-inch incandescent downlights in the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law rotunda with energy-efficient LED downlights.

Working with APS Energy Services, ASU replaced more than 2,000 150-watt metal-halide fixtures with 78-watt LED low-bay luminaires in six parking structures. By replacing the existing metal-halide fixtures and lamps, ASU anticipates reducing energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatt hours per year, which can be compared to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 208 passenger vehicles. The move to LEDs could deliver annual savings of up to $127,000 in energy and maintenance costs, and the new fixtures are projected to last 50,000 hours, or approximately three times longer than a typical metal-halide bulb.

The Cree LR6 recessed downlights in the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law rotunda consume 85-percent less energy than the incandescent fixtures they replaced, and are designed to last 50,000 hours, compared to approximately 1,000 hours for an incandescent bulb.

“By installing energy-efficient LED lighting, ASU is continuing to pursue sustainability efforts across its campus,” said Deb Lovig, LED programs manager at Cree. “Not only are they promoting environmentally conscious projects, but they are also helping to instill these principles in their students and lead other universities by example.” ASU joins LED University participants in evaluating, promoting, and deploying LED lighting as they work toward increasing energy savings, protecting the environment, reducing maintenance costs, and providing better light quality for improved visibility and safety.