Houston Lights go LED

The city of Houston moves to convert all the bulbs at its traffic stops to LEDs, aiming to save energy and money.

1 minute read

December 17, 2008, 11:00 AM PST

"Although the 'light-emitting diode,' or LED, traffic signals will cost 16 times more than incandescent bulbs, their seven-year lifespan is six years longer.

'We want to use energy-efficient lighting and make energy-efficient improvements for the same reason that Wal-Mart does, and that is to reduce costs and save money over the long run and to give Houston a competitive advantage, said Mayor Bill White.

The project is one of several "green initiatives" in the works at City Hall, including establishing new energy-reducing building codes, installing solar panels, buying renewable power and hybrid vehicles and vastly stepping up city recycling programs.

Because debt will be used to finance the project - paid for with funds from energy savings - the cost will go up over the life of the new bulbs by several million dollars, according to a detailed analysis produced by the Public Works and Engineering department."

FULL STORY: City Council gives green light for LED traffic bulbs

Thursday, December 11, 2008 in Houston Chronicle

Energy Environment Government / Politics Texas Houston Energy Efficiency Streetlights LED Solar Lights Light Bulbs View More

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