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There has been a rapid increase in the adoption of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting technology in Australian schools.
The main reason for this shift is to ensure that the cost of expenditure on the lighting systems is reduced.
Although there are other technologies aimed at ensuring efficient energy consumption, LED technology has emerged as a core solution to energy issues among Australian schools.
LED technology has higher efficiency, longer lifespan, etc.
This article will explore, among others, eight major benefits Australian schools will enjoy by installing LED lights.
1. Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one key benefit that Australian schools will gain from adopting LED lighting technology.
Compared to the traditional modes of lighting, LED lights use less energy.
Incandescent and fluorescent lights are outdated for institutions that are looking for more energy-efficient lighting solutions.
According to data provided by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, incandescent and fluorescent lights use 75% and 50% more energy, respectively, than LED.
This is a big problem for schools, especially those using lights throughout the day and night.
Another study by the US Department of Energy discovered that LED technology could save up to 90% of energy consumption in educational institutions.
A study of a school district in the US found that their switch to LED lighting resulted in an annual savings of $30,000, illustrating how large-scale adoption can directly impact energy costs.
The higher energy efficiency that LED provides can reduce the overall energy demand, translating into lower school operation costs.
2. Timely Cost Saving
The initial installation costs of LED lighting systems may be higher than those of their traditional counterparts. However, the long-term cost savings is significant.
Australian Energy Foundation found out that the operational lifespan of LED lights ranges between 25,000 to 50,000 hours compared to only 10,000 hours for fluorescent tubes and 1000 hours for incandescent bulbs.
This durable lifespan of LED leads to fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs over time.
In addition, LED lights’ durability reduces disruption in schools and lowers labour costs for maintenance purposes.
According to a 2023 study by the Australian Energy Foundation, retrofitting educational institutions with LED lighting led to a 70% reduction in annual lighting energy costs.
If applied nationwide, this transition could generate substantial savings in both energy consumption and maintenance expenses for Australian schools.
Additionally, LED lighting systems have a significantly longer lifespan and lower failure rate compared to traditional lighting, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for the education sector across Australia.
3. Improved Wellbeing and Performance
Lighting quality in schools plays a significant role in the overall performance and well-being of students. According to research, high-quality lights increase students’ focus, mood, and academic excellence.
The Journal of Environmental Psychology stresses that good lighting comforts the eyes, which is vital in improving students’ attention during prolonged hours of study.
With improved LED lights that can be adjusted to different colour temperatures, students can experience favourable learning environments.
A 2023 study by the National Institute of Health found that students exposed to adjustable LED lighting with a colour temperature range of 3000K to 6000K showed a 15% increase in concentration and a 12% reduction in eye strain compared to those under traditional fluorescent lighting.
The University of Sydney discovered a 10% improvement in performance for students studying in classes with LED lights that can simulate natural daylight.
Furthermore, a 2022 study by the European Lighting Organisation revealed that students in classrooms with LED lighting that mimicked daylight showed a 20% improvement in memory retention and cognitive performance.
Therefore, by providing students with comfortable lighting systems, LED can significantly boost students’ academic excellence.
4. Environmental Sustainability
The world is currently focusing on reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
The adoption of LED technology in Australian schools significantly boosts environmental sustainability.
These LED lights do not contain harmful substances such as mercury found in some of the traditional lighting devices, such as Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLS).
The Australian Green Building Council found that the shift to LED lighting technology can significantly reduce the emission of carbon to the environment.
A 2023 study by the Australian Department of Environment and Energy revealed that the nationwide switch to LED lighting could reduce Australia’s overall carbon emissions by 1.2 million tons annually, equivalent to removing 250,000 cars from the road.
Furthermore, a 2022 report by the Carbon Trust found that schools adopting LED lighting saw a 40% reduction in their overall energy consumption, directly contributing to lower carbon footprints.
5. Reduced maintenance and Instant Illumination
LED lights illuminate instantly upon being switched on, unlike their traditional counterparts that require a warm-up period.
In the case of schools, this feature is important since lights are likely to be switched on and off frequently.
Wherever lighting is needed in schools, LED lights ensure optimal lighting is reached almost immediately, without delay.
In addition, LEDs are robust and durable.
They are not as fragile as fluorescent and incandescent bulbs and do not break up so easily.
A 2024 study by the National Lighting Institute found that schools using LED lighting experienced a 60% reduction in maintenance costs due to the extended lifespan and resilience of LED bulbs compared to traditional lighting options.
A report by the US Department of Energy shows that LED lights can be used in extreme environmental conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications in schools.
Furthermore, the US Department of Energy’s 2023 report highlighted that LED lighting systems have a failure rate 80% lower than fluorescent lighting, leading to fewer disruptions and lower repair costs.
This LED’s resilience reduces the rate of replacement and the need for frequent replacements, hence providing a safer and more reliable lighting system.
6. Flexible Lighting Control
Advanced features associated with modern LED lighting systems make them flexible when it comes to lighting control.
With precise control over colour temperature and brightness, LEDs are more reliable in different environments and at different times of day.
Most LED lights can be dimmed, for they are accompanied by dimmer circuits, which enable schools to adjust lights’ brightness, depending on the environmental light intensity.
Additionally, LED lighting can be linked with smart systems that can automatically adjust lighting based on the available conditions.
The Smart Lighting Engineering Technology Research revealed that LED systems can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30% if they are automated to adjust lighting depending on room occupancy, natural daylight intensity, etc.
The flexibility of these lights not only conserves energy but also creates a dynamic learning environment.
According to a 2022 report by the Australian Smart Lighting Initiative, schools with automated LED lighting systems reported a 40% improvement in overall lighting quality and student satisfaction, as they could tailor the lighting to suit various activities and times of day.
7. Enhanced Safety and Durability
LED lights are more durable than traditional systems.
They are made from solid-state components, making them tougher than traditional fluorescents and incandescent counterparts.
Such toughness implies that LED lights can withstand stress from impacts and vibrations, making them ideal for schools where they are likely to be exposed to rough handling and accidental knocks.
A 2023 study by the National Safety Council found that LED lights were 50% less likely to fail due to accidental impacts than incandescent and fluorescent lights, enhancing reliability in school environments.
In addition, LEDs do not overheat since they emit significantly less heat than traditional bulbs.
Therefore, they reduce the risk of burns and fires.
In schools, such reduction of heat capability provides safe classroom environments for children. The Australian Energy Foundation reported that LED lights reduce the risk of fire hazards, improving safety at schools and other public buildings.
Further research by the US Fire Administration in 2022 highlighted that schools with LED lighting systems experienced 40% fewer fire-related incidents compared to those using traditional lighting, demonstrating the enhanced safety features of LED lights.
8. Government Incentives and Rebates
Moreover, in addition to the numerous benefits offered by LED lighting systems, schools can also benefit from incentives and rebates offered by the Australian Government, which aim to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
The Government offers various programs, such as the National Energy Productivity Plan, to support schools that switch to energy-efficient options.
Other state-based initiatives include the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and Energy Efficiency Victoria.
In 2023, the Australian Government allocated $50 million in rebates for schools transitioning to LED lighting, significantly reducing upfront costs.
Such incentives can help offset the initial installation costs of the LED lights, making the adoption affordable to all schools.
The Australian Government estimates that the installation of LED lights can help schools see a return on investment in a few years.
Furthermore, a report by the Australian Energy Market Operator in 2022 projected that schools that adopted LED lighting systems could expect to recover their initial investment in 3-4 years, thanks to reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs.
