Ireland's Electrical Magazine 92 Aug-Sept

LIGHTING

AS THOUGHTS TURN ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ ENERGIA TAKES A LOOK AT THE PROVEN BENEFITS OF UPGRADING TO LED LIGHTING IN THE CLASSROOM… 5 benefits of LED lighting in schools

L ED lighting is more energy-efficient, has a longer lifespan and is very durable. But did you know that schools that have upgraded to LED lighting often see improvements in academic performance among students? So, why is LED lighting better than other artificial lighting such as fluorescent lighting? 1. Increased student focus and performance LED lighting can increase productivity, participation and learning when compared to incandescent or CFL bulbs. Because of this, students who learn with LED classroom lighting tend to perform better than those who learn under fluorescent lighting. LED lighting is designed to suit students’ educational requirements throughout the day. Teachers have the ability to control the colour, temperature, and dimming capability of the light. This can help students concentrate in class and focus better on their work. Studies have shown that cooler temperatures (4000K-5000K) can help with concentration, which in turn can lead to other educational benefits such as improved memory recall and fuller information comprehension. Those who learn under fluorescent lights, on the other hand, tend to be sleepier and are less concentrated, leading to poorer grades. 2. Better quality light LED technology provides consistent lighting performance and doesn’t cause glare or flickering that can negatively impact students and teachers. Using LED lighting also improves light direction. More illumination on working surfaces is achieved with LED’s ability to provide fully directional downlighting. Low illuminance of light in the classroom has been linked to slower reading, reduced concentration, poor posture and long-term weakened vision. 3. Better sleep According to a recent study, lighting that mimics day-lighting can improve cognitive

“…schools that have upgraded to LED lighting often see improvements in academic performance among students.”

performance in students and assist with changes in the students’ circadian rhythms. Sunlight and LED lighting provide full-spectrum light, which triggers our circadian rhythm by hormonal response. This is important for mental cognition. 4. Guaranteed energy reductions & savings LED light bulbs are easily recyclable and free from mercury, making them more environmentally friendly. They are also more energy-efficient than other lighting solutions on the market. Energy reductions can be achieved between 50-80% by switching from traditional lighting to LED. Sensors and timers can be added to the lighting system to ensure energy isn’t wasted when classrooms are empty or the school is closed. LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs (50,000+ hrs), reducing the need for costly maintenance. Thousands or even tens of thousands of

euros can be saved by schools each year by switching to LED.

5. Health benefits One of the main reasons schools are now choosing LED lights is that these lighting systems don’t contain harmful contaminants. Some fluorescent lights may contain mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can cause long-term side effects if exposed. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PCBs are organic pollutants that can harm the environment. High levels of the substance can also cause harm to humans.

To find out more contact lighting@energia.ie or visit energia.ie/business

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