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SCHOOLS
Lighting for education
By Steve Willis, technical manager of Luxo
C
orrect lighting is Although there is a lot more One thing that needs to be
important in all areas to lighting design than just avoided is the use of any
of life, but if we were meeting the recommended light tungsten lamps; I have seen
to quantify which levels for various activities, the many schools where areas have
activities require the use of up to date lighting been refurbished with energy
highest quality of light, then software can go a long way to saving lighting in classrooms
lighting for education would be helping to achieve not only the and libraries, only to find 10 or
fairly near the top of that list. desired light levels on the 12, 150W PAR 38 tungsten
Why should we consider working plane but also the spotlights in the reception area
lighting for education so desired ambience and effects using as much energy as two or
important? Well, lighting on other room surfaces. The three classrooms.
impacts on the ability of our introduction of projection Following is a break down of
children to learn and be equipment and smart boards the main areas within a school
stimulated, it also affects the has added new challenges to or college with a brief note on
feeling of wellbeing within the the lighting design, and the new the things to consider from a
learning environment. It is well Part L has increased the lighting point of view.
documented that poor lighting pressure to come up with more
can lead to behavioural energy efficient solutions and Classroom
problems, and can affect the encouraged the use of lighting It would be foolish for anyone to
minds ability to concentrate, as controls. say they had the perfect
well as the obvious problems of classroom luminaire, or lighting
eyestrain, headaches and Energy savings layout, because classrooms are
fatigue. The latest generation of high used for so many different
Of course any lighting system efficiency fluorescent lamps (T5 activities. It is important to
has to be sustainable and HE lamps) along with the use of consider all activities that may
energy efficient, it is no good well designed luminaries has take place in the classroom
giving our future generations meant that energy usage can be including the possibility of the
what we consider perfect cut dramatically which has a room being used for evening
lighting to learn in, if we are at knock on effect reducing heat classes. Adults require higher
the same time jeopardising the input into the class area, which levels of light for similar tasks,
sustainability of the is important in ICT rooms. A hence a classroom which is also
environment they will be living twin 35W louvred T5 fitting can used for evening classes needs
in when they grow up. be used where an older style to be lit to 500 lux rather than
There is guidance available 2x58W prismatic luminaire was 300 lux, the decision then needs
for lighting in schools and the normally installed giving at least to be made as to whether
educational environment, 40% energy savings. dimming or separate switching
although it is not always easy to Lighting controls can be should be used to give the two
find, and often information from added to give further energy light levels. As with any other
other interior lighting guides savings. A few years ago the working environment all the
needs to be adapted. One only lighting control you would room surfaces need to be
publication which gives some be likely to find in the class considered, such as display
good guidance is Building room would be the on/off walls and as mentioned white or
Bulletin 90 by the DfEE, which switch by the door, but with the smart boards.
makes mention of increased use of daylight in
direct/indirect lighting, task many schools and the Circulation areas
lighting and making use of introduction of automatic Perception of distance and good
natural light. The European controls which detect when the modelling properties are resistance needs to be Library minimum or 1 lux on the stair
standard EN12464-1:2002 room is occupied and how important for circulation areas. considered, as well as glare to As well as being a place to get treads. In large areas such as
quantifies the light levels to be much natural light is available, So wall mounted luminaries or players, especially where books, libraries are also used gymnasia, halls and foyers the
achieved in various areas within then the energy use can be cut direct/indirect luminaries are badminton and basket ball are for small exhibitions and emergency light level should
the educational environment even further, making the overall ideal. If wall mounted concerned. This area should be studying. Good vertical not be less than 0.5 lux in the
and the SLL code for lighting energy use for lighting in the luminaires are used, mounting lit to 300 lux. illuminance is required on the open area.
gives further guidance on building a fraction of what was them at the facing wall at the book shelves, and display walls, European standards and
achieving a well lit interior. possible say 10 years ago. end of a corridor or on corners Canteen but glare needs to be avoided Building Bulleting 90, say that
facing directly into peoples eyes A lively interesting atmosphere for the study areas where there areas less than 60m² do not
needs to be avoided. As in the needs to be created here, and is likely to be display screen necessarily require emergency
classroom, walls are also this is one area where uniform equipment. 200 lux horizontal lighting which would suggest
important as these are often lighting is definitely not should be provided at the base that normal classrooms which
used for displaying artwork or required. Some areas may be lit of the bookshelves and 500 lux are usually smaller than
notices. 100 lux is required for to low levels for relaxation and in the study areas. this do not need to be
general corridors, with 150 lux other areas to high levels for considered. However for
on stairs and 200 lux in open stimulation. Decorative Emergency lighting safety reasons and considering
areas. luminaires with coloured filters Corridors and circulation areas that class rooms are often
or even colour changing can be are key areas for installing used for evening education by
Sports hall considered, which is where emergency lighting. A minimum people unfamiliar with the
Like other areas, sports halls luminaries utilising LED’s or of 1 lux is required on the centre building layout, emergency
are used for a variety of coloured lamps can come into line of escape routes. In stair lighting may be considered
activities. For sports, impact their own. wells there should be a necessary.
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JUNE 2009 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER 25
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