LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Electric lighting is one of the major energy consumers in schools. Enormous energy savings are possible using efficient equipment, effective controls, and careful design. Using less electric lighting reduces heat gain, thus saving air-conditioning energy, increasing the potential for natural ventilation, and reducing the space's radiant temperature (improving thermal comfort). In cold, predominately heating climates, reducing electric lighting use does decrease heat gain from lights, which in turn, increases conventional energy use for space heating during the winter. However, this increase in heating energy is more than made up for in electrical savings. Electric lighting design also strongly affects visual performance and visual comfort by aiming to maintain adequate, appropriate illumination while controlling reflectance and glare. Finally, visual and accessible light and power meters can educate students and faculty about how lighting systems and energy controls work.
This chapter provides guidelines for:
Pendant-Mounted Lighting (Guideline EL1) Troffer Lighting (Guideline EL2) Industrial-Style Classrooms (Guideline EL3) Lighting Controls for Classrooms (Guideline EL4) Gym Lighting (Guideline EL5) Corridor Lighting (Guideline EL6) Lighting for a Multi-Purpose Room (Guideline EL7) Lighting for a Library or Media Center (Guideline EL8) Lighting for Offices and Teacher Support Rooms (Guideline EL9) Lighting for Locker and Toilet Rooms (Guideline EL10) Outdoor Lighting (Guideline EL11)
OVERVIEW
This section outlines lighting quality, lighting technology, lighting energy use, and other important lighting issues such as design criteria, maintenance, and commissioning. These factors all affect the design, installation, and maintenance of lighting systems in different school building spaces.
NATIONAL BEST PRACTICES MANUAL LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS PAGE 145
Visual Tasks in Schools
Common Visual Tasks School visual tasks vary in terms of size, contrast, viewing angle, and distance. Many of these activities require close attention for prolonged periods of time. Critical visual tasks common to all school environments include: