# University Saves Big with LED Lighting Upgrade

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/10/university-saves-big-with-led-lighting-upgrade/
- Published: 2015-10-29T19:52:23-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Universities Cut Emissions with LED Lighting

Universities across the U.S. are stepping up for the climate. Many now pledge to
achieve carbon neutrality. One of their first big moves? Replacing outdated lighting
with energy-efficient LEDs.

The University worked with Cree, a leading LED lighting company, to install [Cree® CXB Series](https://www.creelighting.com/products/indoor/high-bay-low-bay/kbl-series),
providing an unmatched combination of high performance and affordability to [replace energy-wasting fluorescent](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/led-light-super-bowl-2015-first-played-ever/)
and HID luminaires. The installation helped the university save more than $200,000
in energy and maintenance savings and delivering a payback of less than two years.

One feature of the CXB Series that BGSU did not anticipate was because the CXB Series
luminaires are instant-on; staff had to learn they could turn the lights on and 
off as needed.

### LEDs Save Energy and Cut Costs

LED lighting slashes energy use by up to 75%. It also lasts longer and reduces maintenance
needs. Because of this, schools see fast returns on investment. More importantly,
LEDs lower carbon emissions and help campuses hit sustainability targets.

### Campus-Wide Lighting Upgrades

As a result, institutions are updating thousands of fixtures. From classrooms to
dorms, LEDs are lighting the way forward. At the same time, universities pair these
upgrades with solar power, efficient HVAC systems, and smart controls.

In the education community, it is difficult to come up with funds. In support of
the PCC commitment and need for a budget, a few years ago, students set up the Student
Green Initiatives Fund, an optional $5.00 per semester fee to further environmental
[sustainability on campus](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/exploring-eco-friendly-university-college-campuses/).
Cree’s CXB Series helped the university gain swift approval to use the fund to cover
half of the project’s cost through rapid payback and emissions reductions.

### Meeting Net-Zero Goals

Many campuses now set net-zero targets for 2030 or 2050. To get there, they need
fast, measurable progress. LED retrofits offer exactly that. They’re visible, cost-
effective, and easy to scale.

### Better Light for Better Learning

Moreover, students and staff support the changes. Brighter, more natural lighting
improves learning environments. And because LEDs produce less heat, they reduce 
cooling needs as well.

### A Brighter, Greener Future

LED lighting continues to provide a cost-effective solution for educational facilities
For it’s acting as a cornerstone for net-zero and net-positive carbon footprint 
initiatives, freeing dollars for more direct investment in other initiatives.

In the end, lighting upgrades do more than lower energy bills. They send a clear
message. One bulb at a time, universities are leading the way toward climate action
and a greener future.

### Strong Conclusion: Lighting the Way to Climate Leadership

Universities aren’t just talking about sustainability—they’re proving it. By upgrading
to LED lighting, they’re making bold, measurable progress toward climate neutrality.
These changes aren’t just smart—they’re urgent.

Because the climate crisis demands real solutions, campuses are acting now. LED 
retrofits are a powerful first step, but they also set the tone for deeper transformation.
Every fixture replaced, every kilowatt saved, moves them closer to a carbon-free
future.

In a world where action matters more than promises, universities are lighting the
path forward—for students, for communities, and for the planet.

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

[⌊university goes LED⌉⌊university goes LED⌉[

Please visit lighting.cree.com to read the full case study and view images of the
installation.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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