When the employees at Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG), a technical expertise and project management resource for local jurisdictions within Oregon’s Jackson and Josephine counties, complained of headaches and eye strain from poor lighting, it was time for a change. With the help from program grants for energy improvements, RVCOG upgraded its antiquated fluorescent lighting system with 76 Cree LED fixtures.
 
The 82-watt T12 and 86-watt T8 fluorescent fixtures in the hallways, offices, break room and Council room were replaced with Cree CR24 and CR22 LED troffers. In addition, two 12-watt Cree LR6 LED downlights were installed on the facade of the building.
 
With the switch to Cree LED lights, RVCOG estimates a 62 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to the energy-wasting fluorescent fixtures. Since the Cree LED fixtures are designed to last 50,000 hours, further savings are anticipated from maintenance and labor costs associated with the relamping of the previous fluorescent tubes. Overall, the Cree LED lighting installation will save RVCOG nearly $12,000 during the lifetime of the fixtures.
 
Michael Cavallaro, executive director of RVCOG, reported that there were employee complaints of headaches and eye strain at the office prior to the LED installation. Fortunately, the brighter Cree LED fixtures have allowed employees to see better by reducing shadows and glare. The switch to Cree LED lighting has also eliminated noise and flickering light caused by the fluorescent lights.
 
“The new LED lighting is wonderful,” Cavallaro said. “The employees here are pleased with the superior quality of the lighting. The buzzing sound and flickering light from the old fluorescents has been completely eliminated, and everyone can see better without the glare. All in all, we’re very pleased with the switch to LED lighting.”