by Shane Henson — December 12, 2012—More than 130 Sheetz retail gas locations have lowered their energy guzzling through the installation of state-of-the-art light-emitting diode (LED) lighting by Cree Inc., a provider of lighting products, LED components, and semiconductor products for power and radio-frequency applications around the world. According to Cree, the installation of energy-efficient Cree interior and exterior lighting at the gas stations will deliver a 45 percent reduction in energy costs for interior lighting and a 50-55 percent reduction in exterior lighting compared to the antiquated lighting it replaced.
Cree Edge area and flood luminaires and 227 Series canopy luminaires replaced the exterior metal halide lighting fixtures, providing enhanced color quality, uniformity and optimized illumination performance, says Cree. Additionally, 46 of the 131 upgraded Sheetz locations are illuminated with CR14 linear luminaires and CR6 downlights, updating the original fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights.
According to Sheetz, Cree LED lighting will provide a significant return on investment. From Cree’s near maintenance-free operation to the more than 50,000 hours of longevity, Sheetz expects a reduction in maintenance costs and to considerably lower the amount of kilowatt-hours of electricity used annually. The lighting is beneficial in other ways as well, says Sheetz.
“We are a customer service-focused brand and Cree’s high-quality LED lighting makes our stores appear brighter, more visually appealing, and helps us deliver a safer feeling atmosphere for our customers,” said Doug Knisely, director of building and petroleum construction for Sheetz. “We continue to reinvent ourselves and bring innovation to our industry, and as we open new locations in our six-state footprint, we look forward to utilizing Cree LED lighting to help us maintain our commitment of quality to our customers.”
