The maintenance team at Mountain View Elementary School wanted to do something about the multicolored, uneven and outdated fluorescent T12 classroom lamps but were overwhelmed with the number of possible solutions.
An LED lighting upgrade in one classroom quickly demonstrated how this new technology can not only save money and energy but can also enhance classroom activities.
THE CUSTOMER
Mountain View Elementary School is part of the Wilkes County School District located in Hays, North Carolina. The elementary school is home to more than 700 students in Pre-K through fifth grade.
THE CHALLENGE
Over the years, a variety of classroom lamps and colors were installed at Mountain View Elementary. The lighting left the school with uneven, multi-colored T12 light throughout the building.
The maintenance team wanted a standard lamp to use in their classrooms that would not only save money but also provide improved light levels.
The school's maintenance director, Bergie Speaks, knew that LED was promising, but was hesitant to move to LED until it was a proven technology that would fit the school's budget.
HOW GRAYBAR HELPED
Graybar provided Acuity Brand's tunable light fixtures and controls for one classroom to show the difference LEDs can make.
Tunable light is a new technology that allows you to easily change how warm or cool the light appears in a room. Plus, you get the energy savings of LED.
In classrooms, teachers are using this technology to provide the right light for every activity. For reading or more personal focused tasks, a warmer or more relaxed setting is recommended. Likewise, when a teacher wishes to energize the students – like after lunch – a cool temperature that mimics natural daylight is recommended.
"After turning the lights to the daylight or energy position, one student said that the classroom felt like a winter wonderland," said Speaks.
The fixtures come pre-programmed with recommended light levels for general (4200K), reading (3000K), testing (3500K) and energy (5000K). Plus, being able to control the light and intensity at the touch of a button makes it easy for everyone in the classroom to get involved.
For example, one teacher uses the lighting as a reward for well-behaved students – letting them change the settings when it's time to start a new activity.
In classrooms, teachers are using this technology to provide the right light for every activity. For reading or more personal focused tasks, a warmer or more relaxed setting is recommended. Likewise, when a teacher wishes to energize the students – like after lunch – a cool temperature that mimics natural daylight is recommended.
THE RESULTS
"We'd love to do more classrooms," said Speaks. "Everyone who has seen the classroom appreciates the new lighting. It's something that every classroom needs."
Speaks hopes to continue installing LED lighting and tunable solutions across his elementary schools where he believes it would serve the greatest impact.
"When you stand back in the hallway and see the difference between the new and an old classroom, it's easy to see the difference," said Speaks. "The overall quality of light for the students is much better, and the output is even more impressive than I expected."
