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Lutron Lighting products that are helping schools save energy

Posted by Natalie Young

Mar 12, 2014 12:33:00 PM

greeen learning lighting solutions for classrooms
 
 
This article is the second in a 4 part series on Prop 39 Funding. 
The California Clean Energy Jobs Act, known as Prop 39, was adopted in December 2013. The bill allocates funding to support energy efficiency and alternative energy projects, as well as improvements and repairs to help cut down on operating costs and improve health and safety conditions in public schools.
Over five years, schools will receive about $2.5 billion through the act.

 

With recent studies proving the advantages of high efficiency lighting in classrooms, school administrators can benefit from a thorough description of the various components of these systems. Proper lighting is tied to student performance by various studies that measure standardized test scores both before and after LED installation. Here are some Lutron products that are helping schools by increasing student productivity, making teachers’ jobs easier, and decreasing energy costs.

1. PowPak Dimming Module with EcoSystem

This device, mounted in classroom ceilings, automates the dimming controls of an LED lighting system. It reads the information communicated by various wireless sensors and responds by lowering the illumination at certain times of the day. Factors that cause it to take action are based upon room occupation, or other designated factors. The module can be integrated with your HVAC system to provide seamless environmental controls and a reduction in energy costs. 

2. Pico Wireless Controls

There are Lutron products that are helping schools automate their lighting systems, but manual operation may be necessary at times. Pico wireless controls can be conveniently located on the desks of teachers or administrators, or they can be mounted to the wall nearby. They're easy to use and modular, so they can be an add-on component as school administrators deem necessary. These devices give staff the freedom to adjust lighting levels based on classroom activity or other factors.

3. EcoSystem H-Series Digital Ballast

These strips are the focal point of Lutron lighting solutions, providing superior dimming capabilities to fine tune illumination in the classroom. They’re easy to install and maintain, resulting in lower costs for broken bulbs and replacement costs. The ceiling mounted EcoSystem H-Series apparatus is compact and light, so it’s non-intrusive in the classroom. It also enables schools to decrease energy costs by up to 60%.

4. Radio Powr Savr Daylight and Vacancy Sensors

The Daylight Sensor reads light levels in a space based upon the natural rays entering through windows and doors. It communicates with the PowPak Dimming Module to increase or decrease light in the classroom automatically when it's needed. Similarly, the Vacancy Sensor reports to the Dimming Module as it reads occupancy in the area. Both sensors lower costs by reducing or turning off lights when they're not necessary in the room. The sensors can be overridden if users prefer the manual Pico Wireless Controls.

5. PowPak Contact Closure Output Module

While there are Lutron products that are helping schools lower costs by controlling light levels, they can also benefit from automating their HVAC systems. The PowPak Contact Closure Output Module integrates with your heating and air conditioning components to regulate temperature at optimal levels. Third party systems can be adjusted to respond to the wireless commands as directed by the Lutron modules, thereby automating HVAC functions.

All the components work together to streamline lighting, heating and air conditioning in classrooms. By combining manual and automatic operation, this Lutron system is a cost effective way to regulate the teaching environment and reduce energy costs.

 

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Topics: lutron, prop 39, lighting for schools, schools, saving energy, light control

How Schools can be Improved by Optimal Lighting

Posted by Natalie Young

Feb 14, 2014 11:33:00 AM

prop 39 optimal lighting for schoolsThis article is the first in a 4 part series on Prop 39 Funding. 
The California Clean Energy Jobs Act, known as Prop 39, was adopted in December 2013. The bill allocates funding to support energy efficiency and alternative energy projects, as well as improvements and repairs to help cut down on operating costs and improve health and safety conditions in public schools.
Over five years, schools will receive about $2.5 billion through the act.

 

School administrators have to balance many considerations as they strive to provide the best education possible for their students. Maintaining an optimal environment for learning is a top priority, so factors such as comfortable furniture, temperature, and break time figure into the equation. However, one essential feature that’s sometimes overlooked is lighting. Without proper illumination in the classroom, both students and teachers can suffer from fatigue and problems paying attention. Studies have shown how schools are improved by optimal lighting, especially when they install high efficiency LED lighting.

  • Boosting Student Productivity

To appreciate how schools are improved by optimal lighting, it’s important to understand how LEDs work. This type of technology replicates natural daylight, using both blue and white tones to simulate the sun’s rays. The result makes the classroom experience feel as if it's taking place outdoors. Students at schools that have installed LED lighting improved standardized test scores and completed projects faster when compared to pre-LED levels.

Students also reported that they actually feel better with the new lighting. They’re able to pay attention for longer periods without suffering from exhaustion. The science behind this phenomenon is founded in circadian rhythms, which regulate the human body’s response to environmental factors. LED lighting stimulates this effect to make a person feel more alert in the morning.

  • Benefits for Teachers

While students are a key focus when analyzing how schools are improved by optimal lighting, school administrators should not overlook the advantages it provides for teachers. No matter what grade level, teachers deal with various sources of stress throughout the day in their classrooms. When comparing feedback from teachers before and after LED lighting installation, many reported that they actually felt more invigorated. The mid-afternoon, right after lunch, is a notorious time period when teachers’ energy levels dipped. With the new lighting, they experienced less fatigue.

  • LEDs are Cost Effective

Despite substantial proof of how schools are improved by optimal lighting, many school administrators are reluctant to implement LED bulbs. Looking at the considerable benefits it provides to teachers and students, there is the assumption that these systems are cost prohibitive. However, the same studies that measured productivity, test scores, and alertness in the classroom also weighed the energy consumption of LEDs. Not only were the schools’ electric bills reduced by up to 70%, but they also saw lower costs related to broken and replacement bulbs. While the upfront expense of implementing an LED lighting system might seem high, amortizing the cost over several years proves that it's a smart investment.

Reviewing the benefits detailed by schools that have installed high efficiency lighting, it's easy to see why more and more administrators are going the LED route. Student test scores increased, while they also report feeling more alert and fight less to stay awake. Teachers experience less grogginess and higher energy levels throughout the day. When weighing these advantages and seeing the utility savings, we can expect LED lighting to be installed in more schools in the coming years.

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Topics: Energy Control Solutions, adding value through lighting and energy solutions, prop 39, lighting for schools

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