Iowa casino picks green lights

Nov. 1, 2011
Diamond Jo Casino, located on the Port of Dubuque in Iowa, recently installed energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting by Cree, Inc., Durham,

Diamond Jo Casino, located on the Port of Dubuque in Iowa, recently installed energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting by Cree, Inc., Durham, N.C. The casino upgraded its existing lighting to Cree's LRP-38 LED spotlights throughout the 188,000-square-foot entertainment facility, including the gaming floor, hallways, reception and meeting rooms.

“By upgrading our casino with energy-efficient LED lighting we are continuing our commitment to saving money, sustainable practices and improving the quality of life in the community in which we work and live,” said Todd Moyer, general manager of Diamond Jo.

Diamond Jo Casino evaluated almost 30 LED lamp options before deciding on Cree's lamps to replace 750 of its existing incandescent downlights. The casino lights remain on at all times, so installing lamps designed to last 35,000 to 50,000 hours (depending on application) promises significant energy and maintenance savings. In maintenance alone, Diamond Jo anticipates reducing costs by nearly $23,000 a year.

According to Crescent Electric Supply Co., which supplied the lamps, the switch to LEDs can save Diamond Jo Casino more than $46,000 in electrical costs annually, generating a one-year payback and ongoing savings of almost $70,000 per year.