Given recent research proving that a comfortable classroom is instrumental to student performance, many companies are striving to keep up with demand for the latest in technology to improve the learning environment. Two such innovators are CREE, Inc. and Lutron Electronics, developers of automated LED technology for classroom lighting solutions. Recognizing that proper lighting has been tied to increased student performance, higher standardized test scores, and reduced fatigue levels, these companies have partnered to design one the most ground-breaking illumination systems in the world. Each brings their own expertise to the table, combining state of the art LED lighting and “smart” technology that sensors room activity and light levels.

• CREE LED Technology

A description of how CREE LED lighting works is central to understanding its advantages in educational institutions. The technology works by forcing electrical current through special energy conducting material. On the other end are light emitting diodes that become illuminated as part of the process. CREE excels at this innovative illumination solution, incorporating high efficiency lighting that’s eco-friendly and mercury free. LED technology comes with a low maintenance cost and, as such, is quickly replacing the wasteful incandescent bulbs and fluorescent bulbs of the past. 

• Lutron Solutions for System Control

With an appreciation of how CREE LED lighting works to lower energy consumption and costs, you can see the benefits of programming its operations. Lutron has developed technology that enables users to gain control over their lighting, automating certain aspects of the solution while allowing for manual functions as necessary. The system incorporates sensors that measure occupancy in a classroom or read the illumination levels of natural light filtering in through the windows. These modules communicate with a ceiling mounted control box that dims or turns off the LED lighting in a room, thereby prolonging the life of the LED devices. Additional control boxes can be implemented that give users manual control to override the automatic operations.

• Partners in Luminary Innovation

CREE and Lutron recently partnered to coordinate efforts to introduce proper lighting in schools, resulting in improved student performance, teacher job satisfaction, and reduced energy costs. Lutron’s innovative “smart” technology is embedded into CREE’s pioneering LEDs to create the most advanced lighting solution available. Students and staff are exposed to higher quality illumination, decreased eye strain, headaches and fatigue. Studies have also shown how CREE LED lighting works to increase productivity and elevate alertness levels, especially in mid-morning and mid-afternoon when the human body's circadian rhythms cause grogginess. 

At the same time, the product of the CREE - Lutron partnership has resulted in lowered energy costs for educational institutions where the technology has been implemented. Not only are electric bills lower, but the cost of broken bulbs and other maintenance expenses are reduced.

By combining the CREE's energy efficiency and high quality illumination LEDs with the innovative automation technology developed by Lutron, the companies have come together to create a superbly advanced lighting system. The benefits of installing these solutions in the classroom are an improved educational experience that's conducive to learning.

When Western Energy Control Solutions took the opportunity to represent two of the top manufacturers in the lighting industry in southern California, we knew we were doing something a little different.

Offering Cree™ and Lutron™ product lines gives our clients the best possible opportunity to achieve aggressive goals for energy efficiency while using the top of the line products in terms of innovation and performance. That made sense to us. Instead of trying to be everything to everybody, our philosophy is to carry the top lines in selected product categories. Our business model seeks to create a family of products that don’t complete with each other but complement each other. We choose the top lines, become experts on our chosen brands and in doing so, we are better able to serve our customers in a way that achieved maximum growth and success.

How is that different? Most lighting companies represent hundreds of different lighting lines (and often there’s a lot of overlap in what those lines offer). Frankly, it’s impossible to be an expert on that many different lines of solutions and advise clients about which solution is best for them. At best, a company that offers hundreds of lines may know a little bit about a lot of things.

We thought a different approach was better. That’s one reason our plan is to never carry more than 10 product lines. Not only do we end up offering better quality products this way, but also by focusing on fewer (and better) products, we know this stuff inside out. That means when you come to us for advice about lighting or energy solutions, we know what will work for your specific situation. And if there’s ever a problem, we know how to take care of it. And we also know that the lines we choose are going to be around for years to come.

Is different really better? Our clients seem to think so. We’ve experienced tremendous growth. Even in a tough economy our focus on offering the best products and the most knowledgeable, expert services has enabled us to grow more than 30 percent in most of our markets. But what’s most important is that it enables our clients to know that they can count on getting the very best solutions for their business.  

We think different is better when that difference is focused on quality products and outstanding expert advice and service. If that’s a difference you’d like to see in the lighting and energy solutions you choose for your business, shoot me a note. I’d love to help you come up with a solution that will meet your needs—and exceed your expectations!