San Diego Community College Saves Big Using Cree LED Lighting with SmartCast Technology

When San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) was searching for energy efficient LED lighting for its campus, it chose Cree^® LED lighting to achieve a superior light experience with integrated control capabilities while saving money on energy and maintenance. Using Cree’s high-performing LED lighting with SmartCast^® Technology, SDCCD upgraded its administrative offices with intelligent light while demonstrating a strong return on investment, consuming up to 75 percent less energy and generating over $80K of rebates for instant savings.

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As part of the upgrade to the administrative offices, SDCCD installed Cree CR Series troffers with SmartCast Technology, delivering exceptional lighting performance and essential lighting control without the complex design, installation and set-up of traditional lighting control systems. Featuring Cree’s innovative OneButton^™ Setup, luminaires enabled with SmartCast Technology create their own secure network, learn about their environment and form groups to maximize savings, all with the push of a single button. SmartCast Technology eliminates additional design, wires and set up time often associated with control systems to provide the simplest system available. Exterior campus lighting also received a refresh with the installation of Cree Edge^™ area, security and high output flood lights, creating well-lit spaces that enhance safety.

SDCCD was able to finance the upgrades using Proposition 39 funding. That’s a state program that makes up to $550 million available annually to pay for energy projects that demonstrate efficiency. As well as a strong investment return for eligible education agencies.

So as the second largest community college district in the state of California, SDCCD continues to grow rapidly. It’s tripling their footprint in less than 10 years. Thereby making it more important than ever to make the best use of limited resources. All the while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Finally, more efficient lighting was quickly identified. All as the biggest opportunity for improvement.

Previously, SDCCD used on-bill financing with their utility, SDG&E, paying for projects through energy savings. The new solution allowed the college to completely fund the upgrades through Proposition 39. Also, Cree’s LED lighting solution qualified for additional incentives from the utility.

In conclusion, the new lighting system also offers up to 100,000 hours of life expectancy. Thereby resulting in significant maintenance reductions and savings lasting up to 10 years.

Finally, please visit www.cree.com/lighting/SanDiegoCC to read the full case study and view images of the installation. DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 13, 2015 –