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First Class School Refurb

Optimum framework conditions for smart LED refurbishment in schools

Schools are more than just places of teaching and learning – they’re where futures are shaped. However, many buildings suffer from outdated infrastructure due to a backlog in refurbishment. A key lever for improving schools is lighting. Upgrading to smart LED technology not only reduces energy costs, but greatly improves the learning environment and atmosphere. And thanks to intelligent plug-and-play solutions, retrofitting is quick, straightforward, and safe.

1. Why is LED refurbishment in schools necessary?

Due to updated regulations and standards (e.g. Ecodesign and RoHS Directive), since the end of 2023 certain lamp types such as T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes can no longer be sold. This means that replacing faulty light sources is no longer possible in the long term. In addition, every month conventional lighting burdens the school with high but avoidable energy costs. While LED refurbishment does require investment, it often pays for itself through energy savings – and many state subsidies are available to support the switch.

2. What demands does a modern school place on lighting?

Today’s schools have changed fundamentally – classrooms now favour interactive, digital learning over traditional formats. At the same time, smartboards and tablets are finding their way into lessons and placing new demands on classroom lighting. They require glare-free lighting that also evenly illuminates blackboards and whiteboards, ideally with asymmetrical luminaires. Smart lighting management systems help reduce energy consumption via presence and daylight sensors, while also allowing adjustments to light levels and colour temperature – tailored to each task or subject. 

Aesthetics are increasingly important too. Modern schools are seen as social spaces, not just functional buildings. Attractive room design – including lighting – plays a crucial role in supporting a positive learning environment.

3. What is the ideal illuminance for classrooms?

Good lighting in the classroom creates optimum conditions for successful learning. Studies show that reading speed increases and the frequency of errors decreases under optimum visual conditions. Good lighting with sufficient illuminance also reduces restlessness. The specific requirements for school lighting are defined in various standards and regulations, such as DIN EN 12464-1, ASR A3.4 and the DGUV regulations. The recommended illuminance varies depending on the room type. At least 300 lux is mandatory in classrooms and as much as 500 lux in specialised classrooms (e.g. science or art rooms). There are also defined requirements for uniformity, colour rendering, glare and colour temperature. Further information can be found in the TRILUX Lighting Practice Guide.

4. What funding is available?

LED refurbishment projects may be eligible for several government funded subsidies. 

The Federal Subsidy for Efficient Buildings (BEG) covers up to 15% of interior LED upgrades and 50% of energy consultant fees. 

Similarly, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate (BMWK) offers 25% of the refurbishment costs for interior and exterior lighting, provided that the conversion saves at least 50% of CO2 emissions and a smart lighting control system is used. 

All TRILUX luminaires meet energy efficiency and sustainability requirements associated with a subsidy. In addition, TRILUX works with cities and municipalities to find the best financing options for the project.

5. What can lighting management offer?

While not compulsory, lighting management systems provide major advantages. By networking and controlling the lighting via sensors (presence and daylight), energy savings of up to 85% can be achieved compared to an uncontrolled solution with conventional light sources.

6. How does lighting affect biorhythms?

Light does more than just help us to see. Daylight’s changing spectral composition affects our circadian rhythm, performance, and wellbeing. Human Centric Lighting (HCL) takes this relationship into account and dynamically changes the spectral composition of the light throughout the course of the day With Tunable White luminaires and a control system, HCL stabilises biorhythms and improves learning outcomes.

7. Which products are best for an LED refurbishment of school lighting? 

As the German market leader for professional lighting, we offer a broad portfolio of solutions specifically for schools and the education sector. Our Opendo luminaire and LiveLink lighting management system make a perfect team. With multiple mounting types and options for asymmetrical board lighting, Opendo adapts to every space. LiveLink enables smart control and supports HCL functionality. The bottom line is that switching to smart and energy-efficient lighting pays off in several ways: energy efficiency and sustainability improves, and most importantly so does the quality of light and therefore the quality of learning in schools.

Editors
Isabel Sabisch
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TRILUX
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