So now that you know a little more about the functional benefits LED lighting can bring to your school in terms of environmental performance and cost savings, it’s time to explore more of the health advantages.
1. No Harmful Contaminants
One of the foremost reasons many schools are now choosing LED lighting systems is that LED lighting components do not contain any harmful contaminants. Some CFL lighting products contain mercury and PCBs, which according to the EPA, have been proven to damage the health of children and cause long-standing side-effects if exposed.
2. Better Quality Light
The quality of light in the classroom is an important element to consider when reviewing lighting systems. Without the highest quality of light in their classroom, students might be unable to see the study material, may find it difficult to concentrate, or have difficulty navigating the school itself. LED technology has been proven to achieve consistent lighting performance compared to alternative options. Often times glare or flickering associated with legacy lighting can negatively impact students and teachers, causing visual discomfort. Results from visual discomfort include headaches, eyestrain and negative behavior.
3. Improvement in Focus
As the understanding of ADHD and other studying-related medical issues grows, we know the importance that is placed on concentration in terms of educational achievement. LED lighting provides light that assists students in building their concentration during classes and helps them focus more effectively on their work in the classroom. With increased concentration comes other educational benefit such as memory recall and full information comprehension. Studies have shown that cooler temperatures (4100K-5000K) can help with concentration on certain tasks and projects.
4. More Productive Learning Environment
When a learning environment utilizes LED technology, students can be more productive as the lighting is designed to suit their educational requirements throughout the day. The use of LED technology can give teachers the flexibility to control the color temperature and dimming capabilities for optimal learning environments. A recent study showed that lighting that simulates day-lighting can increase cognitive performance in students and help with adjustments in the students’ circadian rhythms.
