Sustainable school lighting becomes mandatory

That school boards can save substantially by switching to LED lighting is well known. But now that the Environmental Management Act requires them to take this step toward sustainability, questions arise. Bestled outlines how school boards can best approach this.

By switching to LED lighting, schools can save up to 65% on their existing energy bills. With additional facilities such as sensors, this figure can reach 80%. "Those are hefty sums in the world of education," knows Brent Compeer, lighting specialist at Bestled in Waddinxveen.

The lighting recommendation plan identifies where work light is needed and
Where ambient light will suffice.

To advise school boards in the transition, Bestled offers a lighting advice plan that provides insight into the matter. This lighting advice plan begins with an inventory of requirements. Questions such as "In which rooms is light always needed?", "Where should the light turn off by itself?", "Where is work light needed and where is mood light sufficient?" and "Is a day/night switch convenient?" make the needs clear. "With this, our lighting specialists create an appropriate lighting plan and a customized recommendation," Compeer says. "Of course, the school decides how far it wants to go, as long as the rooms meet the latest standards for classrooms."

Positive effects

Research has now shown, that good lighting not only has a positive effect on the environment, energy bills, students' ability to concentrate and productivity, but also on the working atmosphere. Students at schools with a good lighting plan also use artificial light more environmentally consciously. Compeer: "Surely these are enough reasons to engage in a conversation with Bestled's lighting consultants."