Toronto becomes second LED City, joining Raleigh, NC in LED Lighting Initiative
Toronto’s Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) announced that the city will join Raleigh, North Carolina in a city-wide initiative to install LED lighting throughout the city’s infrastructure.
In February 2007, Raleigh city officials launched an “LED City” program aimed at fostering collaboration among city development groups as they install energy-efficient lighting that will be more cost effective and environmentally friendly to our cities. Raleigh launched the program with LED manufacturer, Cree.
TABIA will be evaluating, installing and marketing the use of LEDs across multiple lighting applications in the next several months. They plan to deploy new solar-powered lights in city parks as well as LED lighting in parking garages and local architectural lighting. The city recently unveiled a high-profile LED installation – the CN Tower’s new lighting scheme in June 2007.
To date, Toronto has shown itself to be a leader in LED education and adoption. TABIA has been aggressively marketing the benefits of LED usage to area residents and businesses, encouraging locals to participate in a holiday lighting exchange and to use LED retail displays. Toronto’s public statement to become an “LED City” shows its support for the Canadian legislative agenda to focus on energy efficiency.
Cree chairman and CEO, Chuck Swoboda stated, “Toronto and Raleigh understand how important it is to set the pace for a new generation of energy-conscious citizens and government leaders. LED technology is clearly making progress towards widespread adoption for government, commercial and residential applications. We are pleased to be part of the revolution in lighting, making an important positive impact on our world.”
For more information, read the press release at http://www.cree.com/press/press_detail.asp?i=1184161665008
