EDUCATION/CHILDCARE FACILITIES

Future generations should grow up in an energy conscious environment. One where education budgets are not spent on illuminating vacant classrooms but can instead be invested into more important resources!

Sustainable development and intelligent thought to contemporary school design has a direct beneficial impact of our young and their outlook on conservation. Sustainable design principles also result in reduced energy costs, another important consideration in view of rising costs, and pressure on school budgets.

An intelligent lighting system can minimise energy usage in classrooms, libraries and gymnasiums. Light level and occupancy sensors provide minimal necessary levels of lighting, only when it’s needed. In auditoriums lights can be dimmed across vast areas with the touch of a pre-set button, facilitating use for a sporting event one minute, and a theatrical performance the next.

Audio visual facilities can be integrated to allow one button control where appropriate. Sound planning and robust design results in a lighting control system which saves time (requiring minimal interaction), is user friendly and energy efficient. Lighting can be switched off automatically when rooms are unoccupied, but when students are present classroom lighting can be maintained at optimum level using daylight harvesting.

When natural sunlight is available lights dim automatically, ramping up automatically if the levels of daylight reduce. Corridor lighting can be linked to classrooms to ensure they are lit if a classroom is in use. This provides a safe environment for teaching staff or cleaners after hours but maintains energy efficiency by switching off the lights once the last classroom has been vacated.

Advances in the types of technology available for lighting control, mean an intelligent lighting system can now be installed relatively inexpensively to existing buildings. It is possible to provide 'stand alone control' to individual classroom blocks etc without having to commit to a total site solution. Consequently it is possible to begin creating a more energy conscious environment step by step, one stage at a time. Give us a call if you'd like further information.