Is the education industry’s reactive approach to lighting resulting in wasted energy and money?

Many educational establishments prioritise what they perceive as the most critical areas, often overlooking the long-term impact of outdated, inefficient lighting systems.

Lighting will more often than not sit under larger infrastructure projects like heating and boilers.

This reactive approach, coupled with a lack of project management expertise in this area, leaves many schools operating under inadequate and energy-draining fluorescent lighting, despite legal mandates to transition to safer, cost-effective LED alternatives.

Phil Brown, Product & Marketing Director at NVC Lighting, explains the potential negative impact of neglecting lighting and how to take simple, cost-effective action to address the issue.

High-quality lighting plays a vital role in creating an environment where students thrive and educators perform at their best.

Thoughtfully designed lighting not only enhances alertness and mood but also supports academic achievement by reducing distractions and promoting a comfortable visual setting for both students and staff.

In addition to supporting learning, proper lighting is essential for safety. Well-lit areas help prevent accidents, improve visibility during emergencies, and contribute to a secure school environment.

On the other hand, poor lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, decreased concentration, and safety hazards, all of which negatively impact wellbeing and productivity.

The Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) Lighting Guide LG5 references lighting, offering guidance on appropriate lighting design in educational settings, recommending 300 lux fittings for general classroom tasks and 500 lux for reading, writing, and practical tasks.

Meanwhile, the UK Government is mandating that fluorescent lighting is phased out by 2027 in order to facilitate a transition to more energy-efficient alternatives such as LEDs, which comply with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives.

However, during school site surveys, it is increasingly evident that the importance of lighting is often overlooked or underestimated.
Of course, this isn’t a case of active neglect; more a lack of understanding and a need for proper guidance.

Often, a lighting system will be specified as part of a wider survey and not necessarily by lighting specialists.

This often leads to the installation of a set-up that broadly works, but is not an optimised, holistic solution.

In a climate where energy efficiency and associated costs are more important than ever for education establishments to keep on top of, the negative impact of inefficient, ineffective lighting cannot be overlooked.

Upgrading to LED lighting can lead to significant cost savings and improved energy efficiency. LEDs consume less power, have a longer lifespan, and can offer a relatively quick payback period. This investment not only reduces operating costs but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly building.

At NVC Lighting, they typically carry out free of charge site surveys, accompanied by product recommendations and an energy savings calculator which shows the savings that are possible in a clear and easy to digest way.

Recently, they worked with Bradford Grammar School (BGS), a high-performing independent grammar school, facing significant challenges due to outdated fluorescent and incandescent lighting systems across its historic and modern facilities.

Rising energy costs and a desire to reduce its carbon footprint intensified the urgency for action, so together they embarked on a major lighting upgrade scheme that replaced inefficient systems with advanced LED technologies throughout the entire school.

The installation incorporated products from NVC Lighting’s product portfolio, including the versatile YALE PRO luminaire, STERLING LED panels, and DENALI bulkheads, ensuring durability, low energy consumption, and adherence with low glare requirements.

These solutions not only met but exceeded the requirements for a high-performing educational facility.

By implementing NVC Lighting’s cost-effective and high-quality commercial lighting solutions, BGS has achieved annual energy savings exceeding £65,000, reducing its monthly energy costs by 34% - saving more than £5,500 per month.

The shift to LED lighting has also significantly lowered maintenance requirements due to the systems` long lifespan, further driving cost efficiency.

By partnering with NVC Lighting, educational institutions benefit from expertise in delivering effective, energy-efficient lighting solutions.

These products meet the highest standards of quality, ensuring that your facility offers an optimal learning environment. They can offer an end-to-end service such as free on-site surveys, lighting design service, and technical guidance.