In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, creating conducive learning environments that foster student engagement and academic success. It is a top priority for schools and educational institutions. One often overlooked aspect of creating such an environment is the lighting system. Lighting plays a crucial role in influencing students’ vision, concentration, mood, and overall well-being. Traditional lighting systems are not always optimal for educational settings, as they may cause discomfort, glare, and uneven illumination, which can negatively impact students’ learning experience. However, with the advent of LED educational lighting technology, educational lighting has taken a significant leap forward, offering schools and institutions a more energy-efficient and effective lighting solution.
Why is Lighting Significant in Education
Problems Caused by Low Quality Lights
Negative Environmental impact
Low-quality lighting not only affects students and teachers but also has a detrimental impact on the environment. Traditional lighting options like incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lights consume more energy and have shorter lifespans, leading to increased waste and carbon emissions. Moreover, fluorescent lights contain small amounts of mercury, which can be hazardous to the environment when disposed of improperly.
Harmfulness to Vision
Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, affecting students’ concentration and overall academic performance. Insufficient or overly harsh lighting can also lead to long-term vision problems.
Detrimental to Mood and Emotion
The quality of light in a learning environment can significantly influence students’ mood and emotions. Insufficient lighting can result in sensations of unease, annoyance, and possibly despondency, all of which can have adverse effects on students’ capacity to acquire and recall information.
LED lighting – proper lighting for education
What is LED Technology
LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology is a highly energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solution that has gained popularity in recent years. LEDs convert about 50% of the energy they consume into light, making them far more efficient than traditional lighting options like incandescent and fluorescent lights. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours, and generate very little heat, reducing the risk of fire hazards.
Conformance to the New European standard
LED lights comply with Standard EN12464-1.
What is Standard EN12464-1
Standard EN12464-1 is a lighting standard that provides guidance on lighting requirements for indoor workspaces. It was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and is applicable to most indoor workspaces, including offices, schools, hospitals, and factories.
The aim of the standard is to ensure that indoor workspaces are properly lit, providing a comfortable and safe environment for occupants while also promoting energy efficiency. Compliance with EN12464-1 can help reduce eye strain, improve visibility, and increase productivity in the workplace.
The Requirements of School Lighting
Illuminance levels: The standard recommends minimum illuminance levels for different areas within an educational space. For general classrooms, a minimum of 300 lux is recommended, while specialized areas such as science laboratories or libraries may require higher illuminance levels.
Uniformity: EN 12464-1 emphasizes the importance of uniformity in lighting distribution to ensure consistent lighting levels across the entire educational space. Uneven lighting can cause discomfort and visual strain, which can affect concentration and learning.
Color rendering: The standard recommends a minimum color rendering index (CRI) of 80 for general classrooms, and a higher CRI of 90 for specialized areas such as art studios or science laboratories. High CRI lighting helps to accurately render colors, which is important for visual tasks such as reading, writing, and identifying objects.
Glare control: EN 12464-1 provides guidelines to minimize glare, which can cause discomfort and visual fatigue. The standard recommends limiting direct glare from luminaires and windows by using appropriate shielding, diffusers, or curtains. Indirect glare, such as reflections on glossy surfaces, should also be minimized.
Energy efficiency: The standard promotes energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as using LED technology, to reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact of lighting in educational spaces. It recommends using lighting control systems, such as occupancy sensors and daylight sensors, to optimize energy use.
Emergency lighting: EN 12464-1 also includes provisions for emergency lighting in educational spaces. It specifies the required illuminance levels for emergency lighting, as well as the duration of emergency lighting during power outages.
Special needs: The standard acknowledges the needs of students with visual impairments or other special needs. It recommends providing appropriate lighting solutions, such as higher illuminance levels or specific color temperatures, to accommodate their requirements.
EN 12464-1 provides guidance on various lighting parameters that are important for creating a visually comfortable and conducive learning environment in educational settings, while also promoting energy efficiency and safety considerations. It is important to consult the specific requirements of the standard and any relevant local regulations when designing lighting systems for educational spaces.
Create a better educational environment
Enhances Learning
Easy to acquire information: LED lights provide better lighting conditions that make it easier for students to read, write, and engage in visual activities. This can improve their comprehensive learning ability by helping them acquire information better.
Improving Concentration and Focus: LED lights emit a bright, white light that can help students stay alert and focused on their studies. They have been shown to reduce eye strain and headaches, allowing students to concentrate for longer periods.
Impact Mood and Behavior
Relaxation: LED lighting can be adjusted to emit light of different color temperatures. Cooler white light (5000-6500 K) can increase alertness and focus, while warmer white light (2700-3000 K) can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. So, the use of cooler white light can promote attention and productivity, while warmer white light can help students feel more relaxed.
Calmness and Alertness:Calmness and Alertness: LED lighting can be adjusted to emit different levels of brightness. Studies have shown that brighter light can improve mood and alertness, while dimmer light can have a calming effect.
Avoid distraction and discomfort: Glare from poorly placed lights can cause discomfort and distraction. LED lighting is designed and installed with proper glare control and flicker-free technology.
Supports Health
LED lights emit minimal UV radiation and do not contain hazardous materials like mercury, making them a healthier and safer option for educational settings. Additionally, their low heat emission reduces the risk of fire hazards and contributes to a more comfortable learning environment.
LED educational lighting can support physical health in several ways, including:
1) Promoting physical activity: LED lighting can improve overall eye health by producing less flicker and glare than traditional lighting, thereby reducing eye strain and headaches.
2) Reducing eye strain and headaches: LED lighting produces less flicker and glare than traditional lighting, which can help to reduce eye strain and headaches, improving overall eye health.
3) Supporting healthy sleep patterns: Bright, blue-rich LED lighting in the morning can help to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and promote wakefulness, while dimmer, warmer light in the evening can help to signal the body to prepare for sleep. Adequate sleep is vital for maintaining physical health.
4) Enhancing safety: LED lighting can provide bright, even illumination, which can help to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents. It can also improve visibility and make it easier to identify potential hazards.
5) Supporting healthy eating habits: Adequate lighting in dining areas can promote healthy eating habits by providing a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy meals.
LED educational lighting can support physical health by promoting physical activity, reducing eye strain and headaches, supporting healthy sleep patterns, enhancing safety, and supporting healthy eating habits. By creating a well-lit and comfortable learning environment, LED lighting can help to promote physical health and wellness for students and staff.
LED Educational Lighting VS Other Light Types
Comparison of Incandescent Light Bulb, Fluorescent Light, Halogen Lamp, and LED Lighting
| Type of Lighting | Energy Efficiency | Lifespan | Light Output | Size and Design | Heat Emission | Dimming | Environmental Impact |
| Incandescent | Low | 1,000 hours | Warm, yellow-white | Small to medium | High | Compatible | High |
| Fluorescent | Moderate | 10,000 hours | Cool, white | Long tubes/compact | Low | Some dimmable | Moderate |
| Halogen | Moderate | 2,000 to 4,000 hrs | Bright, white | Small to medium | High | Compatible | Moderate |
| LED | High | 25,000 to 50,000 | Warm to cool white | Various | Low | Some dimmable | Low |
Based on the comparison table :
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient, has the longest lifespan, and the lowest environmental impact among the four types of lighting. Although LED lighting may have a higher upfront cost, it provides long-term savings due to its energy efficiency and longevity. Fluorescent lighting is a moderately efficient option, while halogen lamps offer some improvements over traditional incandescent bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs have the lowest energy efficiency and the highest environmental impact, making them the least desirable option.
Longest lifespan, and the lowest environmental impact among the four types of lighting. Although LED lighting may have a higher upfront cost, it provides long-term savings due to its energy efficiency and longevity. Fluorescent lighting is a moderately efficient option, while halogen lamps offer some improvements over traditional incandescent bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs have the lowest energy efficiency and the highest environmental impact, making them the least desirable option.
LED lighting outperforms incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen lamps in terms of energy efficiency, lifespan, environmental impact, and overall suitability for educational settings. While incandescent and halogen lamps generate a lot of heat and have shorter lifespans, fluorescent lights contain hazardous materials and may not be compatible with dimming systems. In contrast, The energy-efficient, long-lasting, and eco-friendly nature of LED lights sets them apart from other lighting options, making them the ideal choice for schools and other educational institutions.
Types of Educational Lighting
Classroom
LED lighting can be customized to suit the unique needs of different classrooms, ensuring optimal light levels for various tasks and activities. Options include overhead lights, task lights, and adjustable fixtures that can be dimmed or have their color temperature adjusted to create the perfect learning environment.
Library
LED lights can provide uniform illumination and minimize glare in libraries, making it easier for students to read and study. They can also be used to highlight specific areas, such as bookshelves, study tables, and computer stations.
GYM
LED lighting is ideal for gymnasiums, providing bright and consistent illumination for various sports and activities. They are also energy-efficient, helping schools save on energy costs.
Hallway and Stairwell
LED lights can be used to ensure adequate illumination in hallways and stairwells. Adequate illumination can enhance safety and visibility for students and staff. They can also be integrated with motion sensors to save energy when these areas are not in use.
Outdoor Lighting
LED lights are an excellent choice for outdoor lighting, providing bright and energy-efficient illumination for playgrounds, sports fields, and parking lots. They are also more resistant to weather and temperature fluctuations, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.
Emergency Lighting
LED emergency lighting is essential for ensuring the safety of students and staff in the event of a power outage or emergency situation. Emergency lighting systems can rely on LED lights due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. These advantages makes them a dependable option.
Why Moko
To support lifelong learning in society, Moko Light perceives and engages with educational space by providing a more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and vision-protective lighting solution.
With 16 years of expertise and craftsmanship in the LED industry, Our LED lighting products are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of educational institutions. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly, helping schools reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Moreover, our products comply with the European standard EN12464-1, ensuring optimal lighting conditions for students and staff. With a wide range of options for classrooms, libraries, gyms, hallways, stairwells, outdoor spaces, and emergency lighting, our LED lighting solutions are the ideal choice for enhancing learning environments while promoting sustainability and well-being.
