With a new year fast approaching, schools and educational institutions have a valuable opportunity to reflect on how they can enhance their learning environments in 2025.

For those responsible for refurbishment budgets, this period offers a chance to begin seeking opportunities that can be integrated over the summer holidays.

Of course, there will be some issues that need urgent correction, but prioritising upgrades that improve day-to-day life for students and staff while contributing to long-term operational goals will always be the ultimate target for development.

Among the various options available to achieve this, lighting emerges as an ideal investment: it is cost-effective, can be implemented with minimal disruption, and delivers lasting benefits across multiple fronts.

Phil Brown, Product & Marketing Director at NVC Lighting, explains how modern lighting systems can play a crucial role in creating a brighter, more engaging atmosphere that enhances focus and concentration.

The education sector is a dynamic and demanding environment, where the choice of lighting is more than just a practical consideration, it’s pivotal.

It’s not just about creating the right learning conditions to help improve student performance, safety, and well-being. Lighting can also help schools and colleges tackle rising energy costs and enhance their sustainability credentials.

As we move into 2025, these are all becoming increasingly crucial considerations – luckily it’s never been a better time to invest in new lighting.

LED Lightings – Cost & Energy Efficiency

In recent years, commercial LED lighting solutions have emerged as the innovative choice for education establishments, both in new build and refurbishment projects.

Those responsible for the specification process for new educational establishments, or facilities managers in charge of the buildings ongoing maintenance programme, have embraced LED lighting at a rapid rate.

They consume significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent fittings, which translates into substantial cost savings for educational buildings.

This can be into the tens of thousands of pounds per year dependent on the size of the building, so payback on investment might be a lot quicker than you think.

The long lifespan of LED solutions further reduces ongoing maintenance and replacement costs as well. These huge energy savings have a massive impact on a building’s carbon footprint, significantly enhancing sustainability and environmental credentials.

Creating a Better Learning Environment

Next are the benefits to the overall learning environment. There are so many room types in an educational setting, from the classrooms and sports hall to the kitchens, science labs, reception area, exit doors and workshops, each of which will have its own lighting needs and requirements.

What’s critical is installing lighting that will improve academic performance, encourage concentration and engagement, and enhance the occupant’s mood and behaviour. LED lighting offers superior quality and control, mimicking natural light more effectively than conventional options.

In classrooms for example, for compliance with BS EN 12464, illuminance at desk level should be 300-500 lux for most classrooms, with 0.6-0.7 uniformity. Glare also needs to be considered carefully, which can prevent students from seeing their teacher, or the whiteboard, clearly. Glare also prevents teachers from making eye-contact with pupils and in the worst case can cause headaches, tiredness, and absenteeism.

Reducing the contrast between ceiling and the light fittings is one way to reduce glare, with the unified glare rating (UGR) recommended to be <19.

Making It Happen

At NVC Lighting, we offer a complete end-to-end service for educational establishments, including site surveys and assessments, technical support, and design services. Our commercial LED lighting products are high quality and UGR (glare) compliant, coupled with a seven-year warranty as standard.

What’s more, all our products are easy to install and maintain and integrated with leading smart lighting control technology, systems can be managed effectively to maximise energy savings and positively impact student and staff performance, safety and well-being.

For more information on NVC Lighting’s extensive range of solutions for educational facilities and its service offering, visit www.nvcuk.com.

Research has shown that well-designed lighting contributes to better academic performance, supporting students in achieving their potential. Additionally, improved lighting is a key component of campus security, deterring unwanted activity and making school facilities safer.

energy-efficient lighting aligns with sustainability targets, helping schools reduce their carbon footprint while lowering ongoing utility costs.

By investing in lighting upgrades, schools can create a learning environment that is not only safer and more inviting but also financially and environmentally sustainable—a smart choice for the future.