Edenton School Receives Gift of Light

DURHAM, N.C. - Jan. 9, 2014 - PRLog -- An Edenton, NC elementary school received an early Christmas present this November —new LED lighting from Cree, Inc., a market-leading innovator of LED lighting based in Durham, NC. The new lighting replaces deteriorating and potentially hazardous lighting in D.F. Walker Elementary School’s multi-purpose room. The US Green Building Council-North Carolina Chapter (USGBC NC) initiated the collaboration with Cree and coordinated the project as part of Green Apple Day of Service.

An initiative of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Apple Day of Service is part of a global movement to place all children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and other resources are conserved, and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future.

“The new LED lights certainly enhance the environment in the school's multi-purpose room, creating a brighter and warmer atmosphere,” said Allan T. Smith, Superintendent of

Edenton-Chowan Schools.

Now in its second year, Green Apple Day of Service is powered by volunteers who participate in community-based efforts; promoted by media partners and like-minded NGOs; and funded by corporate partners. Complementing Cree’s participation, school electricians volunteered their time to perform the lighting installation at D.F. Walker, with assistance from members of USGBC NC and the local community. W.B. Moore and Sunbelt provided a lift, to facilitate the install.

In addition to alleviating poor lighting conditions and safety issues, the new lighting in the 4,080 square-foot room will save money.  The school will realize ongoing monthly savings on utility bills, and because LED lights last longer than fluorescent bulbs, the school also will save on maintenance costs.

“Cree is proud to participate in the USGBC’s Green Apple Day of Service and help D.F. Walker Elementary enjoy better lighting and save energy and maintenance costs as a result of the new LED luminaires,” said Greg Merritt, Cree vice president, marketing, lighting. “This installation allows students to experience the benefits of LED lighting now and for years to come.”

2,100 service projects have taken place in all 50 states and more than 30 countries for the second annual Green Apple Day of Service, which launched on September 28, 2013. North Carolina had strong participation with more than a dozen projects across the state.

USGBC NC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. As part of this mission, USGBC NC advocates for green schools for all students within a generation. Green schools provide students with a healthier and more productive learning environment, and opportunities to learn about environmental stewardship. USGBC NC has 1,000 members and serves all 100 counties in the state.