Cree is addressing the world's energy and climate change challenges through the introduction of energy-efficient lighting. As supplier of LED products, we consider ourselves stewards of the new energy economy. This new economy requires a strong public-private partnership and commitment to changing the way we think about and consume energy.

But first, we first have to understand the core issue that is causing us to rethink our current technology and how innovation can solve for it.

Here is what we know about lighting technology today:

* According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 22 percent of the electricity used in the U.S. is for lighting. Think about how many lights are on 24/7 in loading docks, office buildings and other public places.

* The highly touted compact fluorescent lamp can provide energy efficiency in some applications but can't address the entire lighting market.

* Widespread deployment of LEDs has the potential to reduce the electricity used by lighting by more than 50 percent -- perhaps the single greatest impact of any current technology.

LEDs are already more efficient than CFLs, last up to a decade longer and don't contain mercury, a lethal neurotoxin. They can also help reduce landfill bulk and hazardous materials, as well as cut down on the need to build new coal-powered power plants.

These days, we hear about producing electricity from alternative sources such as solar and wind energy, which is good, but energy efficiency exists today and is easy to do. Energy efficiency means changing the way we consume lighting -- from turning off lights when we are not in a room to making smart purchasing decisions when it comes to replacing a fixture or a bulb.

We work with businesses and municipalities every day that carefully consider how they can make the most of shareholder or taxpayer money with new lighting strategies and decisions on energy efficiency. Raleigh officials have made the commitment to evaluating and adopting LED technology throughout the city infrastructure -- and in doing so became the first "LED city" in the world. The city recently installed more than 500 LED fixtures to light the underground parking deck at its new convention center, saving the city more than $75,000 in energy and maintenance costs in the first year alone. We hear similar stories as other cities from Austin, Texas, to Ann Arbor, Mich., adopt LEDs.

North Carolina is on the right track with recent legislation that addresses energy efficiency as a key element of the regulations addressing alternative energy and sustainability.

State and local governments must work with the utilities and utility commission to develop programs that encourage citizens to adopt energy-efficient LED lighting through rebates and loans. Building codes and energy requirements for new buildings should reflect the performance available with LED lighting rather than taking the easy road by installing century-old bulb technology. Businesses and homeowners should demand more products and innovations from the lighting industry that can help decrease energy bills and create an environmentally sound work space or living space.