Although CEE is no longer actively promoting energy-efficient traffic signals, CEE's prior work in this area is detailed in these Web pages. Above are links to resources, case studies, manufacturers and a specification for energy-efficient traffic signals.

The initiative was designed to increase installations of energy-efficient traffic signals across the country and expand awareness of light-emitting diode (LED) technology as a high-efficiency lighting source. In establishing a definition of high efficiency, CEE adopted the ENERGY STAR® traffic signal specification.

In January of 2007 the U.S. adopted new minimum standards for traffic lights, requiring that all equipment meet ENERGY STAR criteria.

When CEE was promoting energy-efficient traffic signals, LEDs represented the only available light source that could achieve the level of energy savings targeted by the initiative. Thus the resources and reference materials on these pages do not include other light sources, some of which may be capable of saving energy at this level.

Traffic signals that use LEDs consume 80-90 percent less energy and generally last 5-7 years, compared to just a year for a comparable incandescent light signal. LED traffic signals also offer significant peak demand savings since they operate 24 hours a day. With this tremendous opportunity for energy savings, CEE's Energy-Efficient Traffic Signal Initiative promoted LED replacements on a nationwide basis.

An LED is a semiconductor device that uses solid-state electronics to produce colored light. The "How do LEDs work?" page gives a more detailed explanation of this technology.

CONTACT
For more information about CEE's Energy-Efficient Traffic Signal Initiative, contact Susan Loucks at 617-589-3949, ext. 205.