Imagine walking into a classroom. The first thing you notice isn't the students or the teacher, but the dynamic lighting. It's neither glaringly bright, making the room look like a sterile interrogation chamber, nor is it frustratingly dim, straining eyes and lulling minds to sleep. Instead, it's just right - a perfect balance, a Goldilocks-approved level of illumination. This is the power of carefully planned, effective lighting in educational settings. It sets the tone for the learning environment, subtly influencing everything from student performance to teacher satisfaction.

IKIO’s Ed Lighting Series has been designed keeping this in mind, providing students with the alertness and visual comfort they seek. We are, first and foremost, a people’s company — meaning we cater solutions that fit your needs. However, creating customized educational lights that not only meet your expectations in terms of performance, but also match the right intensity of illumination isn’t as easy as it sounds. Various considerations are required, from the unique space design to existing lighting to the purpose and requirement of upgrades in different areas to financial aspects and sustainability.

Knowledge such as this—Which lights to consider? What should be the CCT and power? How to make lighting conducive for learning?—only comes with experience, and so here we are using our experience and expertise to help you brighten your K-12+ and other educational spaces in the best way possible. 

If you are planning to undertake an educational lighting project anytime soon, this blog is for you! Let's delve deeper into the various lighting design considerations when going for a professional LED upgrade!

Understand the Science of Lighting in Learning

Let's dive into the fascinating world of educational lights, where lighting and learning go hand in hand! You might not realize it, but the lights in classrooms and offices do more than just help you see. Research shows that they are directly linked to our diurnal rhythm, regulating our sleeping patterns, body temperature, and levels of stress hormones. This has significant implications for students who spend a lot of their time indoors.

It's also not just about having light; it's about having the right kind of light. For instance, cooler, brighter lights can increase attention and concentration, making them ideal for test-taking or complex tasks. On the other hand, warmer, softer lights can create a relaxed environment, perfect for reading or group discussions. 

But the science of lighting in learning doesn't stop there. The quality of light, the absence of flicker, and the ability to control light levels can all contribute to a more comfortable and productive learning environment. You can say that when it comes to lighting in educational spaces, it's not just about seeing the light; it's about feeling it too!

Now Where to Start? Assess Before You Illuminate!

Before you start your school or college illumination project, it's crucial to evaluate its current lighting situation. This involves a comprehensive assessment of various spaces within the premises, considering factors such as natural light availability, room size, ceiling height, and the specific needs of different areas like classrooms, hallways, and gymnasiums. The activities taking place in each space also play a significant role. For instance, classroom lighting needs to be brighter and more focused for tasks such as reading and writing, while hallways and common areas may benefit from softer, more ambient lighting.

Let’s Get into the Technicalities of Effective Lighting 

• Lumens and Lumens-Per-Watt: The Metrics of Efficiency

Quality LED lights pack a powerful combination of high lumens and superior lumens-per-watt efficacy, resulting in superior illumination at reduced costs. Lumens, a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted, and lumens-per-watt, a measure of how efficiently a light source produces visible light, are key factors in assessing lighting efficiency. 

As per the U.S. Energy Department, LEDs use about 75% less energy than traditional lights while lasting 50000+ life hours (25 times longer). This means that schools can achieve the same or better lighting levels using fewer watts, leading to significant energy savings. In addition, when factoring in the total cost of ownership (initial cost + lesser maintenance and replacement cost), LEDs any day are a far better investment in the long run!

The IKIO Advantage: Most of our luminaires are high-efficacy, meticulously engineered to deliver superior light output for every watt of energy consumed, making them a smart choice for schools aiming to optimize their energy use. Check out our bestsellers—Back-lit & Edge-lit Panel Lights (up to 7800 lm and 80+ CRI), T8 Tubes (up to 173 lm/W), Troffers (lumen selectable) & Corn Bulbs (up to 155 lm/W). 

• Right Color Temperature & Color Rendering: Setting the Mood

Considering that learning needs extreme concentration and mental exertion, choosing the right CCT & CRI for educational lights is highly crucial. This is because the various color temperatures of LEDs can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and mood of a space. 

For schools, color temperature of around 3500-5000 K is generally recommended for classrooms, as it provides a neutral to cool white light that helps reduce eye strain and improve concentration. Warmer color temperatures (2700 K-3000 K) are deemed more suitable for relaxed spaces, such as libraries or staff rooms. When backed by a high CRI value, which indicates a light source's ability to reveal the true colors of objects, such quality LEDs deliver optimum visual clarity and comfort.

The IKIO Advantage: We have our own range of CCT & Power selectable lights—the CPS Series. Why? Because we wanted to provide convenience to all our clients, be they distributors, contractors, and schools looking for the best switchable lights. Enjoy a hassle-free selection of CCTs & Wattages in a single SKU to suit your unique requirements and cut down on issues like dead stock and storage problems. Our CPS lights give you back the control to enhance your educational setting! Here are our Best Sellers: Corn Bulbs (Ace), Troffers (Delphi Architectural and Retrofit), Panel Lights (Delphi Back-lit), Downlights (Orwin), and Area Luminaires (Areon).

• Dimming and Controls: Tailoring Brightness to Your Needs

Having the ability to dim lights is a game-changer for creating adaptable learning environments. Imagine a teacher being able to instantly adjust the lighting levels depending on the activity taking place, whether it’s a quiet reading session or a lively group discussion. 

This is made possible by controlled lighting systems, which are sensor-supported (Microwave, Daylight, and Photocell) and dimming capable (Bilevel and Trilevel). These systems can range from simple wall-mounted dimmer switches to advanced wireless and app-based controls, and can be integrated with other building automation systems as well. This flexibility in controlling light levels makes the school environment as conducive as possible for every activity source.

The IKIO Advantage: Most of our lights come with a dimming feature for enhanced lighting control in applications. We also offer both integrated and independent sensor options with our luminaires. Our goal is to give you more control of your lighting, and for that, we provide customization in dimming and control selection (Bilevel, Trilevel, Microwave, Daylight, Photocell, and more) when you make a purchase at IKIO. We want you to have lights customized your way! Click here to see the control options we offer: https://www.ikioledlighting.com/getsubcategory/sensors.

• Glare & Flicker: Eliminating Silent Disruptors with Proper Diffusion

Excessive glare or flicker can cause discomfort and eye strain for students and staff, making it difficult to focus on tasks. That’s why lights must be properly designed and installed to avoid such potential challenges. Luminaires with high-quality diffusers and lenses help reduce glare and distribute light evenly across the room, eliminating any dark spots. This is particularly important in spaces with computer screens or whiteboards, where glare can hinder visibility and cause distractions.

The IKIO Advantage: Glare-free and flicker-free are the basics for us when it comes to our luminaires. We only use quality-sourced lenses and premium diffusers to ensure optimum diffusion in lighting applications. Our lights go through thorough quality checks, so rest assured that the lighting will always be soft, clear, and uniform, eradicating any possibility of discomfort or visual issues. Check out our complete range of glare-free, flicker-free lights here: https://ikioledlighting.com/products. 

Physical Parameters: What All to Keep in Mind

• Quality Design and Durability Build: A Worthy Investment

The first and foremost thing is choosing premium-quality lights from reputable manufacturers who adhere to the highest industry standards. They will offer fixtures backed by certifications like Design Lights Consortium (DLC) and good warranties. Such certifications are not just badges—they're assurances of product performance and efficiency. They're the result of rigorous testing procedures that discourage inflated manufacturer claims and ensure "truth in advertising". It should also be noted that when it comes to lighting, quality goes beyond certifications; it includes factors such as design and build too. LED lights with robust bodies, like those made from aluminum and iron, and features like efficient heat sinks, ensure lasting deliverance and peace of mind.  

The IKIO Advantage: When it comes to durability, IKIO lights will always prevail! Our luminaires are crafted to endure, without compromising on light quality. Invest in our long-lasting, high-performance lights and enjoy the best that this industry has to offer! Choose from some of our best offerings for your large indoor educational spaces: https://www.ikioledlighting.com/getapplicationarea/Indoor-Stadiums-&-Gyms. 

• Easy Installation and Maintenance: A Smooth Transition Is a Must

What distinguishes excellent lighting solutions from good ones is their capability to seamlessly integrate into existing systems, reducing the burden on the installation team while enhancing the brightness of the spaces. Today, many LED lights are designed keeping retrofitting in mind, meaning no need for extensive rewiring or structural changes. 

There are some lights that come with plug-and-play functionality and allow straightforward insertion into current light fixtures, while others have standardized connectors for a universal fit, reducing the need for custom fittings or adaptors. You can also find lights in the market with a modular design that simplifies maintenance by allowing easy replacement of individual components. All these ensure minimal disturbances for the students and staff, and the job can be executed quickly during summer or winter breaks, conserving time and resources. 

The IKIO Advantage: Our lighting solutions are designed for quick, hassle-free installation, saving you time and effort. And once they're up, they stay up - there will be minimal maintenance, so you can focus on more important things. Check out various lights that are known to deliver sustainable performance:  https://www.ikioledlighting.com/getapplicationarea/Parking-Lots.

• Safety and Compliance: They Should be Meeting the Standards

When purchasing lighting for educational settings, it's crucial to choose products that meet safety standards and comply with local building and electrical codes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) outlines specific requirements for emergency lighting, such as exit signs and egress lighting. Adherence to these standards is not just a regulatory necessity but also a commitment to the safety of the students and the staff. Properly certified LED lighting can enhance visibility in emergencies, contributing to a safer learning environment. Thus, safety compliance is as important as energy efficiency in your LED lighting selection.

The IKIO Advantage: We don't just create lighting solutions; we engineer safety and compliance into every luminaire. Our expansive portfolio of quality-certified products, backed by stringent quality testing and control measures, ensures that you're not just investing in lights, but in peace of mind. Choose IKIO, and illuminate your spaces with the assurance of safety, compliance, and unparalleled quality. Have a look at some of our prominent lights: https://www.ikioledlighting.com/getcategory/latest-products. 

Unlock Big Savings with Rebate-Eligible and Energy-efficient Fixtures

Incentives and Rebates: Offsetting Costs

Making financially savvy decisions are important when you are upgrading your school lights. Many utility companies and local governments across the United States offer incentives and rebates for installing energy-efficient LED lighting in schools. For example, in Indiana itself, there are 57 different programs that could potentially offset the cost of transitioning to LED lighting. As a prospective buyer, it's crucial to research such opportunities. By choosing rebate-eligible lights, all educational institutions can significantly reduce their initial costs, making the switch to energy-efficient LED solutions even more economical.

The IKIO Advantage: Our products are DLC 5.1 certified, meaning they're also rebate-eligible, making them a smart investment for your wallet and the environment. You can also benefit from our other services, such as Net Term Up To 90 Days and Purchase Incentive Programs. Talk to our team today at (1) 844-533-4546 for any specific customization request or product query! Let us help you make bigger and long-term savings!

Ed Lighting Series: Choose IKIO to Make Your Big Transition to LEDs!

As you navigate the world of LED lighting for educational settings, remember that the right choice can make a significant difference. IKIO LED Lighting, being a leader in sustainable lighting solutions, offers an expansive range of innovative (1000+ ready-to-ship) products, all researched and designed in the USA. With a legacy spanning a decade and hundreds of DLC 5.1-certified fixtures, we ensure uncompromising performance and faster paybacks.

Our products are eligible for rebates, making them a cost-effective choice for schools and other educational spaces. Moreover, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and stringent quality control measures ensure that every product you receive is built to last. We promise to use every resource of ours to make your educational lighting upgrade journey seamless and rewarding.

Here is how you utilize Great Benefits When Working with IKIO:

• Swift and Timely Deliveries via our conveniently located US-based inventory stocked with ready-to-ship products.
• Accurate Photometry Reports by IKIO experts that adhere to the latest standards & are delivered within an average 24-hour timeframe.
• Product Prototyping as per your specific application requirements so that you can start your project off the right foot.
• Around-the-clock Assistance for all your lighting project needs, from delivery to installation to post-installation service. 
• Net Terms Up To 90 Days, wherein you can buy lights from us now and pay later within 90 days. No hidden charges!
• Custom Quotations for each of your projects, which include a proper breakdown of product and service rates. 
• Soon-to-be BAA Complaint in a bid to raise the quality bar for lighting solutions while also supporting local American industries.

Take your step towards a brighter, more sustainable future for your school, and reach out to an IKIO representative today! 

Source: 

- Independent R&D on Google