Charlotte LED Pros continues to successfully complete one of the region's largest educational facility lighting modernization projects, converting 25 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to date to energy-efficient LED technology. This comprehensive initiative replaced over 40,000 traditional fixtures across high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, resulting in annual energy savings of 2.5 million kWh and cost savings exceeding $1,000,000 per year.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools stands as one of the largest school districts in North Carolina and the 17th largest in the nation, serving over 140,000 students across 180+ schools. With a commitment to providing optimal learning environments while managing operational costs responsibly, CMS sought a partner to modernize their aging lighting infrastructure.

The Challenge

CMS faced several critical challenges with their existing lighting systems:

1. Rising Energy Costs

• Outdated fluorescent and HID fixtures consuming excessive electricity
• Annual lighting energy costs exceeding $500,000 across the 25 target schools
• Budget pressures limiting resources for educational programs

2. Maintenance Burden

• Frequent bulb replacements disrupting classroom activities
• High labor costs for an understaffed maintenance crew
• Safety concerns from ladder work in high-ceiling areas

3. Learning Environment Quality

• Inconsistent lighting levels affecting student concentration
• Flickering fluorescent tubes causing eye strain and headaches
• Poor color rendering impacting visual learning materials
• Inadequate lighting in gymnasiums, classrooms and common areas

4. Environmental Responsibility

• District-wide sustainability goals requiring significant carbon footprint reduction
• Community expectations for environmental stewardship
• Alignment with state and local green initiatives

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Charlotte LED Pros developed a customized, phased approach to transform the lighting infrastructure across all schools while minimizing disruption to educational activities.

Technology Selection

LED Fixture Specifications:

• Classroom Areas: 4000K color temperature LED retrofit strip kits with minimum 50,000 hour warranty
• Gymnasiums: High-bay LED fixtures with 150+ lumens per watt efficiency
• Exterior: Weather-resistant LED wall packs and parking lot fixtures
• Emergency Lighting: Integrated battery backup LED exit signs and emergency lights

Performance Metrics

Before LED Conversion:

• Average fixture wattage: 96-128 Watts
• Average annual operating hours: 4,600
• Annual energy use: 9.66 million kWh

After LED Conversion:

• Average fixture wattage: 25W
• Annual energy use: 6.16 million kWh

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Energy Savings Performance

Annual Energy Reduction: 2,500,000 kWh

• Equivalent to removing 385 cars from the road annually
• CO2 reduction of 1,770 metric tons per year
• 62% reduction in lighting energy consumption

Financial Benefits

Total Annual Savings: $1,000,000

• Energy Cost Savings: $600,000/year
• Maintenance Cost Savings: $75,000/year
• Reduced HVAC costs: $55,000/year (LED heat reduction)

Duke Energy Rebates: $1,700,000

• Immediate offset to project investment
• Accelerated ROI timeline
• Validation of energy efficiency measures

Educational Environment Improvements

Student and Teacher Benefits:

• 35% improvement in average light levels
• Elimination of flickering and buzzing
• Reduced eye strain and fatigue
• Improved color rendering for visual learning
• Enhanced safety in parking lots and walkways

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools LED conversion project exemplifies the transformative power of modern lighting technology in educational environments. Through careful planning, quality execution, and ongoing support, Charlotte LED Pros delivered a solution that not only generates significant cost savings but also enhances the learning environment for thousands of students and educators.

This initiative demonstrates that sustainability and fiscal responsibility can work hand-in-hand, providing a model for other industries seeking to modernize their facilities while reducing operational costs.

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Ready to transform your facility's lighting?

Charlotte LED Pros
sales@charlotteledpros.com
(704) 507-2172
www.charlotteLEDpros.com

Schedule your free lighting audit today and discover your savings potential

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This case study represents actual project results. Individual savings may vary based on facility characteristics, existing infrastructure, and usage patterns. All figures are based on measured performance data and utility billing records.