Indoor lighting is crucial for our daily lives as it affects human emotions and moods. In educational institutions, lighting is even more critical due to its impact on student health, behavior, and learning. Studies show natural lighting can significantly improve students' academic performance and health. In contrast, fluorescent lighting can cause health problems, stress, hyperactivity, and anxiety among students, leading to poor learning performance. Therefore, alternative lighting solutions should be identified to promote a healthy learning environment.
One such alternative to fluorescent lighting is LED lighting, which provides the same brightness without causing negative emotions in students. LED lighting has been proven to reduce students' stress and anxiety levels while promoting concentration and focus. Additionally, LED lighting is energy-efficient, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for educational institutions. Schools can create an optimal learning environment that enhances student performance and promotes their overall well-being by opting for LED lighting.
Lighting Solutions for Schools and Classrooms
Use Natural Lighting Effectively
In most schools, natural light sources are incorporated into the design of the building. These sources of natural light can help determine the artificial lighting needs of the school, from large windows to smaller accent windows. While natural light is encouraged, it should not be relied upon solely, as the amount of natural light will change throughout the day. When choosing fixtures, it's essential to consider the amount of natural light in the space, but also keep in mind that there will be times when natural light sources need to be blocked, such as during audio/visual presentations or when there are distractions outside that hinder student learning. Although natural light can improve student focus and performance, it's also essential to have a reliable and appropriate artificial lighting system in place.
Go for LED Lights
- Energy Savings
LED classroom lighting can lead to significant energy cost savings for schools and educational institutions. Electric bills are lower because LEDs consume less power than fluorescent lights. In accordance with the Department of Energy, LED lighting can consume up to 90% less energy than other light sources and last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs, resulting in long-term savings.
- Lowered Maintenance Costs
Schools that use fluorescent lights may have higher maintenance costs over time due to the need for frequent replacement of traditional light sources. This can lead to crew members spending more time switching out light bulbs, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, causing downtime in some facilities. LED school light eliminates the need for frequent bulb changes, allowing maintenance to focus on more important projects.
- Improved Focus Among Students and Staff
Having the appropriate lighting layout can significantly affect the learning environment of classrooms. Older educational lighting technologies like fluorescent bulbs had many issues, such as buzzing, flickering, and toxic mercury. These problems can cause headaches and other distractions for both students and teachers, which can ultimately affect the learning process. With LED classroom lighting, it is possible to eliminate these issues since they do not include any toxic mercury materials. This virtually removes all unnecessary distractions, allowing students to focus on their studies better. LED lights can also help reduce eye strain, essential for students who spend long hours studying. Overall, the importance of having the right lighting layout in classrooms cannot be overstated, and LED classroom lighting can provide an excellent solution to enhance the learning process.
- Health Benefits
LED lights for classrooms and schools have health benefits beyond improving concentration and cognitive abilities. Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts can have carcinogens that harm the nervous system if they break and leak. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specifically advises against using T12 fluorescent ballasts because they can discharge small amounts of harmful chemicals. Switching to LED lighting can prevent carcinogen exposure, helping students and faculty avoid long-term health issues.
Make It Dimmable
Schools can take several steps to manage their school ceiling lights to control energy costs and save money. One of these is to use lighting solutions equipped with dimmable options, reflectors, and timers. School lighting fixtures can lower energy consumption using dimmable options based on the current illumination needs. Reflectors also play a key role in energy savings by ensuring an even distribution of light throughout the school, reducing the need for additional lighting fixtures. Additionally, timers can be particularly useful in managing energy use by ensuring that lights are only on when needed. By taking these steps, schools can significantly reduce their energy costs and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future.
What Kinds of LED Lighting Fixtures Should Be Used to Light a School or Classroom?
When it comes to lighting fixtures for schools and classrooms, there are a few options to consider. Here are a few LED lighting fixtures that might be ideal for your space.
Linear Lights
LED linear lights are an ideal lighting solution for schools and classrooms. They can replace 5-6 metal halide fixtures with just four 4ft LED linear lights, providing the same brightness while saving on energy costs. By choosing LED lights, you can enjoy a variety of white tints and constant lighting output without flicker and noise. This type of lighting can reduce lighting costs by up to 80%, which is why many schools have switched to LED high bay lighting fixtures. They are perfect for lighting up canteens, gymnasiums, and corridors.
Downlights
LED downlights can be installed in hidden areas inside the ceiling without taking up any physical space, which is a major benefit. This gives teachers more room for educational posters, classroom toys, or cubbies to keep students organized. Downlights come in different types, such as gimbal downlights that can be moved in multiple directions and surface-mounted downlights installed just a bit lower than the ceiling height. They can be found in hallways, cafeterias, and bathrooms, helping students and teachers navigate confidently.
Track Systems and Pendants
LED track systems and pendants offer a versatile and efficient lighting solution for classrooms and schools. They are easy to install and provide various lighting options. The LED track system can be used to create a unique lighting design in the classroom, while the pendants can be used to provide general lighting in the cafeteria or gymnasium. Using LED lighting fixtures, schools can create an optimal learning environment that enhances student performance and promotes overall well-being.
Flat Panels
LED flat panels offer a great alternative to traditional lighting systems, especially for schools and classrooms. They are known to provide better lighting quality and offer users a wide range of benefits. For instance, unlike fluorescent lighting, which can cause glare and flicker, LED flat panels enhance focus and reduce eyestrain and headaches, thus helping students stay alert and attentive throughout the day. Additionally, the lighting from LED flat panels is more natural and evenly distributed, which can help prevent drowsiness and increase overall comfort in the classroom. With these benefits in mind, it's no wonder why more and more schools and institutions are switching to LED Flat Panels to enhance the learning environment and promote better student academic performance.
LED flat panels also help our bodies maintain their circadian rhythm by mimicking daylight, keeping students awake and alert. In addition, studies have shown that students are more likely to concentrate on tasks and projects when the color temperature is lower, such as 4000K and 5000K.
Exit/Emergency Light
During hazards or emergencies, LED exits and emergency signs are crucial for safely finding the way out of the building. They are equipped with a battery backup, ensuring they remain operational when needed. These signs also help schools comply with building codes, which require a minimum surface value of five-foot candles and easily distinguishable colors. It is important to note that larger cities may have their own codes, so it is advisable to use approved exit signs. If unsure about the codes in your city or town, reach out to the local fire marshal or inspector for guidance.
Outdoor Lighting
LED area lights are commonly used in school parking lots and around the perimeter to enhance security. They have a longer lifespan than traditional technologies, up to 100,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, and have a high color rendering indexes, making it easier for security cameras to detect any suspicious activity around the school or campus grounds at night. LED area lights come in various lighting distribution patterns, including Type III, IV, and V, designed to optimally light a space with no wasted light. Proper LED area lighting can increase a sense of safety for pupils walking back to their homes from evening study sessions on a school campus.
