Students are often at the forefront of the latest trends. Schools, on the other hand, wait for all of the evidence to be in before jumping on board. The evidence is now concrete and LED lighting really is the clear winner for the educational environment. Here are five reasons why:
Lower cost
While an upgrade to LED fixtures does requires an initial capital expenditure, over the long run, they are a real money saver. This is because LED lighting is the most energy-efficient option on the market today. They last a long time--8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescents--and use very low energy. In fact, LEDs use only 20 to 25 percent of the energy it takes to light traditional incandescent bulbs, leading to massive energy cost savings and quick ROI for anyone that adopts them.
Better learning environment
Everyone knows that lighting can set a "mood." Not only does it work for romance, it can help in the classroom too. A 2016 study published in the Optics Express journal indicates it may help students' performance. The study examined a number of different lighting conditions and with LED luminous ceiling lighting, researchers found, “The 6500K lighting condition led to the highest level of physiological alertness while the 3500K condition was the most ‘relaxing.'" The study demonstrated that students scored better on academic tests because the 6500K condition "led to stimulation of higher alertness states."
Minimal maintenance
Because LEDs use a semiconductor to convert electricity into light, they can be six or even seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights. This reduces the need to replace them since they last so much longer. Not only does this save money on the purchase of the lights, but leads to significant time, energy and cost savings for maintenance crews. Little needs to be done to keep fixtures working and it allows maintenance staff to focus on more critical issues.
>>Explore all the benefits LED Lighting has to offer>>
Utility rebates
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Program rewards buyers for purchasing energy efficient LED lighting. Depending on your school's location, you may be able to receive rebates from the ENERGY STAR Program, the federal government, your local state or municipal government, and even your local utility provider. These rebate programs will help reduce your initial capital expenditure.
Potential LEED certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the international recognition of green building. Buildings must meet certain criteria to earn a LEED Certification, one of them being energy efficiency from LED lighting.
Being "green" isn't always easy, but can be very beneficial. LEED certification is a highly sought-after credential, and it is the industry's gold standard for an environmentally sustainable building. It gives validation that your school is having a positive impact on the environment by saving energy, water and other resources. It also provides proof that you are spending less money to operate your school and you are reducing impacts on student, teacher and staff health and comfort. If you’re ready to maximize your school’s potential, consider LED lighting.
