Back to school is around the corner, and it’s time for schools and universities to prepare for students to return to campus for learning and outdoor sports. Exterior lighting is essential in the education sector, it illuminates the school grounds and outdoor fields for students and faculty members.
It’s important to choose the right exterior lighting for schools and universities we want to give you some things to consider when choosing the right lighting for you and your students. From elementary school to middle school, high school, and college campuses we can help you prepare for back to school!
The Best Exterior Lighting Options for Elementary & Middle School
Typically, elementary, and middle school campuses are smaller in terms of square footage (not just students) and located in residential neighborhoods so there are a few things to consider: glare, durability, and being respectful of residents in the area.
For starters glare from exterior lighting can be a concern for safety reasons. With majority of elementary and middle schools being in residential areas the glare from exterior lighting can become distracting to drivers and can potentially temporarily bling drivers. Schools should want to limit this glare for not just the safety of residents but for students, bus drivers, and educators. Using LED lighting fixtures can reduce the glare of exterior lighting making sure light is directed where it needs to go. For more you can read our blog The Importance of LED Parking Lot Lighting and let’s get LED lighting fixtures around the exterior and parking lots of your school.
Next to consider is, durability. Outdoor fixtures can be hit with harsh weather as seasons change and on playgrounds some fixtures can be hit with balls and cause damage. Picking lighting fixtures that can withstand both circumstances is important for durability and maintenance. LED lighting fixtures innovative design and long lifespan is perfect for your schools exterior and playgrounds. LED lighting fixtures can also save you money not just because its durable, but it is energy saving!
Lastly, being respectful to residents in the area because it is so common for elementary and middle schools to be in residential areas these neighborhoods are important to consider. You don’t want your campuses lighting to disturb the neighbors around your school. LED lighting is directional meaning it can be “aimed” and direct lighting into target or darker areas which can help in not disturbing the residents around. LED lighting also has smart controls which is a great way monitor your lighting and keep all your neighbors happy.
Exterior Lighting Options for High Schools
While high schools are also located in residential neighborhoods these campuses are much larger with more students so there is a bit more to consider: security and energy savings.
Security is essential on high school campuses because, it is more common to see vandalism on high school grounds. LED lighting works with your security cameras to help prevent vandalism and other possible offenders. In our blog The Importance of Exterior Lighting having exterior lighting has proven to be effective in providing safety and security for your students and faculty.
When you think about exterior lighting you also want to consider what lighting options are energy saving. With a larger campus this requires more lighting to cover parking lots, entrances, and perimeter lighting (around the building). Switching to LED lighting is a great way to save energy because, LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs use 40% – 60% less energy consumption. The larger the are the more energy consumption so save energy and money and properly light you high schools exterior.
Things to Consider with Exterior Lighting for Universities
Pinpointing exterior lighting needs for your university campus can be a bit more complicated. All university campuses sizes and design vary along with external structures like dorms, pathways, libraries, lecture halls, dining areas and even sports facilities all have different lighting requirements. Here are overall best practices to follow: safety and security, lighting controls, consistent supervision.
While safety and security are important for all education sectors for universities this can look different. Faculty and students are on campus 24/7 with dorms so it is vital that entrances, pathways, and emergency phones in designated areas are well lit for use. LED lightings advanced technology can keep these areas on universities constantly lit and at full power. With HID bulbs (high intensity discharge) these bulbs can have what’s called a “warm-up” period and will not light up right away and fade over time. For the safety and security on universities it is important to have lighting fixtures ready to keep darker areas always lit.
Lighting controls is a newer advancement in lighting technology, with motion sensors and timers which is a great way to reduce energy usage on large university campuses. Our team also encourages taking advantage of our LED rebate programs! Call us and ask us how LED lighting is the perfect option for your university. LED’s longer lasting, higher brightness levels and ability to control makes it the PERFECT choice. LED lighting controls also allow you to maximize on your lighting depending on day and season.
All universities for safety have campus security offices which give 24/7 surveillance and supervision. It’s important that your exterior lighting can support these teams and surveillance cameras to keep all students safe all the time. Having campus safety offices and cameras not only keep students and faculty feeling more comfortable but also any visitors and can improve the overall look of your university. LED lighting keeps dark areas on campus lit and reduces the chance of any liability risks. People with unfavorable intentions avoid well -lit areas. And with universities having teams like campus security and safety it is important that they can do their jobs efficiently. If an area is not properly lit, it can make that task difficult.
Conclusion
If your school or university is getting ready for back to school and exterior lighting is on your to-so list before students and educators arrive our team knows just how to help! Upgrading your exterior lighting fixtures is easier than you think! Contact our team today. Let’s get started!
