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PROJECT
lighting Watson Clinic LLP of Lakeland, FL, is one of the largest multi-specialty medical clinics in the southeast, with more than 220 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties.
Florida Clinic Lights Way To Efficiency Medical facility enjoys energy savings and more light from a system that pays for itself.
T
hroughout the years, Watson Clinic LLP, at
Compared with the halogen lights the clinic previously
the clinic’s lobby, conference room, procedure room,
its main clinic in Lakeland, FL, and 17 other
used, LED technology offered energy savings, control-
X-ray room, and exam room.
locations in Polk, Pasco, and Hillsborough
lability, fixture efficiency, and maintenance savings due
Picklesimer chose to replace the clinic’s 75-W halo-
counties, has initiated numerous facility advancements
to the longer life of LEDs. Additionally, increased lu-
gen lamps with Cree LR6 LED downlights that deliver
to ensure the quality and affordability of the care it
mens/W is driving efficacy improvements, leading to
attractive ambient light and energy savings to improve
provides. As advanced lighting technology has become
significant operating and maintenance cost reductions.
the look of healthcare spaces, along with their bottom
more accessible and affordable, the clinic’s lighting system became a focus for improvement.
Aside from energy and costs savings, LEDs are mer-
lines. Powered by TrueWhite technology, the indoor
cury free, unlike fluorescents. Users of LEDs don’t have
LED fixtures can deliver the combination of efficacy,
According to the U.S. Energy Information Admin-
to worry about proper recycling methods or potential
90+ CRI (color-rendering index), and consistent warm
istration (EIA), Washington, 250 healthcare organiza-
fixture breakage associated with fluorescent tubes and
or cool color temperatures.
tions spend nearly $8.8 billion on energy each year to
lamps that could lead to hazardous mercury exposure.
Watson Clinic also installed Cree CR22 and CR24
meet patient needs, so it is no surprise that the energy
In addition, healthcare facilities have rigorous
troffers. The LED troffers deliver clean, crisp light, creat-
needs at Watson Clinic are significant. Founded in
lighting requirements. Doctors and nurses must have
ing flush ceilings that offer low-glare lighting for patient
1941, Watson is one of the largest multi-specialty med-
high luminosity and superior color rendering to make
and staff comfort and help reduce the operating budget.
ical clinics in the southeast with more than 220
accurate diagnoses. The patient experience is another
Also powered by TrueWhite technology, the CR22 troffer
board-certified physicians representing more than 40
factor. Appropriate lighting can mean less stressed,
provides a minimum 90 lumens/W (LPW) standard effi-
medical and surgical specialties.
more comfortable patients who have better outcomes
cacy, while the CR24 luminaire delivers as much as 5,000
and leave with a greater feeling of satisfaction.
lumens of 90+ CRI light at 90 to 110 LPW. Both fixtures
Realizing that inefficient lighting could play a significant factor in energy usage, Watson Clinic’s assis-
After carefully evaluating a number of LED op-
tant director of facilities, Gary Picklesimer, sought to
tions, Picklesimer chose Cree Inc., Durham, NC, be-
Cree also enabled Watson Clinic’s introduction of
identify a lighting solution that would meet the clinic’s
cause the company, “offered the best product from a
0-to-10-V dimming control as it rolls out daylight harvest-
growing needs. He launched a study of the main clin-
design, cost, and functional standpoint.”
ing throughout its buildings. With daylight harvesting, as
ic’s lighting infrastructure to assess how to cut costs while looking to improve operational efficiency. Picklesimer identified LED lighting as a solution. 44
COMMERCI A L BUIL DING P RODUC T S
JAN/FEB 2015
cbpmagazine.com
are designed to last 50,000 to 75,000 hr.
Over a two-year period, Watson Clinic implement-
the sun rises the lights dim from the edge of the rooms to
ed an expansive lighting renovation that included the
the middle, saving energy and providing consistent light-
upgrade of more than 100 fixtures in areas spanning
ing throughout the day. Lighting, using the same fixture
