LED Lighting Upgrades for Schools

The cost of living crisis has impacted everybody, from homes to businesses. Schools have also experienced a dramatic increase in their energy bills, with some schools and colleges seeing their bills rise by more than 100%.

Tackling this energy crisis requires schools to invest in themselves, and one of the best options is to upgrade to LED lighting in the classroom. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we possess a combined 65 years of experience in supporting the UK’s education sector for all their electrical needs.

Contact us to learn more about upgrading your lighting to energy-efficient LEDs now.

What type of lighting is best for schools?

Lighting solutions must provide the illumination and energy savings schools expect whilst remaining compliant with the latest UK regulations. LEDs are the best solution, with estimated savings of up to 90% on your monthly energy bills.

One school in Lancashire invested £15,000 in new LED lighting and was highlighted in a government study for its substantial energy savings. It demonstrates how valuable LED upgrades can be without compromising safety or enjoyment in the classroom.

Are there lighting regulations for schools?

Health and safety are paramount within the education sector, thus mandating minimum illumination levels for schools. Specific recommendations also exist in the form of British Standard 12464-1 (Lighting of Indoor Work Places).

Other regulations related to school lighting include:

• The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  
  

• The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010
  
  

• Education (School Premises (England) Regulations 2012

However, illumination levels depend on the activity and the environment within the school. All luminaires must provide sufficient illumination to the walls and ceiling. Plus, the minimum standard differs depending on the age of the students. 300 lux is recommended for young people and 500 lux for adult education establishments.

How many lumens for school LED lighting?

Specific light levels don’t differentiate between different lighting types, meaning LEDs must provide the same illumination as any other type of lighting. However, lux must be converted into lumens, which depends on the formula:

Lumens = Lux x Area (m2)

Here’s a basic rundown of starting points for recommended lighting levels by area:

·  Corridors – 100 lux

·  Entrance Halls – 200 lux

·  Canteens – 200 lux

·  Libraries – 300 lux

·  Classrooms – 300 lux

·  Laboratories – 500 lux

Sufficient lighting means using the formula above. As you can see, matters can get complicated fast, so we recommend contacting our team to help you ensure ongoing compliance with UK school lighting standards.

What to consider when planning a lighting upgrade for a school

Transitioning to LEDs to improve your school’s lighting output requires careful consideration to get the most out of it. Examples of elements to concentrate on include:

School Lighting Standards – Ensure that every part of your school has enough lumens to comply with minimum and recommended UK school lighting standards.

Temperature/Colour – LEDs are highly versatile, meaning you can find the temperature and colour conducive to learning. Generally, cool blues and whites are ideal for concentration, whereas warmer colours are better for relaxing students.

Brightness – Get the best possible brightness to avoid too many shadows whilst providing enough illumination throughout the classroom.

Cost – Each school has a budget. Establish how much room you have in your budget to invest in LEDs. Schools may also be eligible for various tax credits when upgrading to environmentally friendly LED lighting.

Placement – New fixtures and fittings must be positioned to prevent too much glare, including from computer screens and smartboards.

Benefits of LED lighting upgrades in school

LED lighting delivers untold benefits to schools. Some of the reasons to upgrade to LED lighting now include:

1. Save up to 90% on your energy bills, accounting for tens of thousands of pounds annually.

2. LEDs last up to 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

3. Access more accurate and higher quality lighting, with superior focus and colour rendering.

4. Enhance productivity and focus young minds with the power of high-quality LED lighting.

5. Make the sustainable choice with the greenest lighting option available today.