School, Academy and University projects are an important part of the Dextra Lighting project portfolio, lighting areas in a creative & efficient way to enthuse both students and staff.
When selecting the correct lighting for schools and universities, there are several factors worth considering, including energy efficiency, student comfort, lighting control and ongoing maintenance. Some of the key areas are explained in a little more detail below.
Dextra Lighting succeeds in bringing value both in terms of product and energy use, quick lead times & the flexibility to work within defined holiday periods.
- Energy costs have risen circa 89% since 2021
- Savings of 70% + achievable (*dependant on current fittings installed)
- Paybacks within 3 years (*dependant on hours building occupied)
- Reduces CO2 emissions
- Enhances the environment for all
- Free of charge survey and energy report
- UK Manufactured product
- Standard product, bespoke design and retro-fit gear trays
- Comprehensive on-site warranty
- Exemplary service
Harvesting daylight in education lighting
Before we consider which light sources are best suited to school lighting, college lighting and university lighting projects, it is important to first consider natural daylight. Harvesting any available natural daylight through windows, skylights, light tunnels and light wells can create a more pleasant, motivating and productive learning environment. Daylight not only enhances visual comfort but also drastically reduces energy consumption during daylight hours.
To make the most of any available natural daylight in an education lighting project, nearly all Dextra luminaires can be supplied with a method of daylight regulation. Installing occupancy and daylight sensors will help minimise energy usage by automatically adjusting light levels based upon area occupancy and natural light availability. When a space is unoccupied or there are sufficient levels of natural daylight, sensors control a luminaire to dim or turn off altogether, reducing energy waste. Find out more about our range of daylight and occupancy sensors.
LED Lighting
LED is the light source of choice for educational lighting projects primarily because it is highly energy efficient, long lasting and robust, making it a popular choice for school lighting projects.
When compared to traditional fluorescent light sources, LED lighting consumes far less energy, reduces maintenance costs, is fully dimmable, offers extended lumen maintenance and operates efficiently at a wide range of temperatures.
LED lighting also benefits from a wealth of wireless control options designed to simplify installation and offer local or centralised control and monitoring of complete systems.
Colour rendering & temperature
Designing a scheme, for any nursery, school, college or university lighting project, with luminaries offering a high CRI (colour rendering index) ensures accurate colour representation. When it comes to educational institutions, visual clarity is extremely important, particularly in creative areas such as art studios, science labs, sports centres and design and technology rooms.
Another important consideration, tying in well with a need to maximise natural daylight, is white tunable lighting control. White tunable luminaires have the ability to alter their colour temperature in order to replicate the patterns of natural daylight, which in turn stimulates the production of hormones such as Melatonin, Serotonin and Cortisol, bringing with it a number of health benefits in education lighting applications. This approach to classroom lighting can positively impact students’ focus, productivity and overall well-being by supporting their natural circadian rhythms.
Illuminance
Whilst horizontal and vertical illuminance levels are extremely important, in learning environments, it is also important to consider cylindrical illuminance. Teaching is a mobile and interactive activity, so considering the cylindrical illumination on the pupil’s faces will ensure there is a good level of visual communication with the teacher. This will require uniform lighting from all directions whilst ensuring that horizontal illuminance levels are between 300-500 lux and UGR is below 19.
Aesthetic
While functionality is often the first consideration it is important not to completely disregards aesthetics. Intelligent lighting design, utilising unobtrusive luminaires with the correct blend of direct and indirect lighting can create a much more visually appealing and motivating learning environment. This will have a positive influence upon mood, enthusiasm and engagement of students and faculty staff.
Ultimately lighting design should take into consideration the specific needs of each area within a school, college or university, such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories, sports halls, dining halls and common areas. It is also important to comply with lighting guides, regulations and standards whilst also endeavouring to create an environment that promotes learning, focus, positivity and wellbeing. Some of the key guides and standards consider are:
- British and European Standard 12464-1 (Lighting of Indoor Work Places)
- Lighting Guide 5: Lighting for Education
- Education (School Premises) (England) Regulations 2012: Regulation 8
- The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010: Regulation 23E
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Regulation 8
