Debunking Myths: The Truth About LED Lighting for Schools

Being responsible for your school estate you are constantly seeking ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your school’s buildings. One area that often causes confusion is the process and funding of LED lighting replacements. In this article, we will address three common myths about LED lighting and provide you with the facts to help you make informed decisions.

Myth 1: LED Lighting Won’t Make A Difference

One of the most pervasive myths is that switching to LED lighting won’t significantly impact your school’s energy consumption. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lighting is one of the biggest uses of electricity in a school, and switching to LED can reduce your electricity consumption by up to 30%. LED lights are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and provide better quality lighting compared to traditional lighting solutions. By making the switch, you can not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Myth 2: LED Lighting Is Expensive And We Can’t Afford It

Another common misconception is that LED lighting is prohibitively expensive. While the initial cost of LED lights may be higher than traditional lighting, the long-term savings far outweigh the upfront investment. The payback period for LED lighting is typically under three years. This means that within a short timeframe, the savings on your energy bills will have covered the cost of the installation. Additionally, there are various funding options and grants available to schools to help offset the initial costs. Investing in LED lighting is a smart financial decision that will pay dividends in the long run.

Myth 3: Installing LED Lighting Will Be Disruptive To The Operation Of My School

Many school estate managers worry that installing LED lighting will cause significant disruption to the daily operations of the school. However, this is not the case. LED lighting can be installed during term time, out of hours, with no effect on the day-to-day operations of your school. Professional installers are experienced in working around school schedules to ensure minimal disruption. A typical school can be relit in a week or less. By planning the installation during evenings, weekends or school holidays, you can enjoy the benefits of LED lighting without any inconvenience to staff or students.

Case Study 

Inspire Partnership Trust was feeling the pressure from energy tariff increases. They appointed Barker to help them install energy-efficient LED lighting across their 6 sites. The project was completed within 6 weeks and through using overnight working the school operations were unaffected. Read the full case study here

How Barker Can Help 

Switching to LED lighting is a practical and cost-effective solution for schools looking to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability. By debunking these common myths, we hope to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.