Retrofitting Non-LED Lighting to LED Lighting in Educational Buildings

Business Needs/Problem Statement

The educational building, constructed in the 2000s, currently utilizes traditional fluorescent lighting fixtures across its classrooms, science labs, corridors, and common areas.

Project Overview

Inputs from Client & Primary objectives

Reduce energy consumption and operational costs associated with lighting.
Enhance lighting quality to improve visual comfort and productivity.
Minimize maintenance requirements and improve overall system reliability.
Align with sustainable building practices and reduce environmental impact.

The feedback from Architectural & Lighting Consultants

Design Integration: Collaborative efforts ensured the seamless integration of LED fixtures with the educational building's architectural aesthetics and lighting requirements, enhancing overall visual appeal.
Lighting Quality: Consultants emphasized maintaining or improving lighting quality metrics such as color rendering index (CRI), light distribution, and uniformity to meet the visual comfort needs of students and staff.
Energy Efficiency: LED technology was commended for achieving substantial energy savings and operational efficiencies over the fixtures' lifespan, aligning with sustainable building practices and environmental goals.
Technical Specifications: Detailed technical data provided by Acuity Brands facilitated informed decision-making and ensured compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 and other applicable codes, supporting the project's success.

Applicable Codes and Standards

Local Authority Requirements

Challenges Faced

Compatibility: Ensuring seamless integration of new LED fixtures with the building's existing electrical infrastructure and lighting controls.
Lighting Design: Developed a lighting design plan that optimizes light levels, distribution, and uniformity to meet the diverse needs of educational spaces.
Financial Justification: Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) and payback period for the LED retrofit investment, considering initial costs and long-term operational savings.
Logistics and Timing: Coordinating installation activities to minimize disruption to ongoing educational activities and ensure project timelines were met.

Our Solutions /Approach

LED Fixture Selection

Installation and Commissioning

Lighting Design Optimization

Advanced Lighting Controls

Performance Testing

Training and Documentation

Before - Existing lighting fixture to be removed is from the Lithonia 2VT8 series.

After- New lighting fixture installed is from Lithonia 2BTL4 series.

Executive Steps by Edifice Expert

Site Assessment and Analysis

Installation and Integration

Design Development

Procurement and Logistics

Testing and Validation

Occupant Feedback and Fine-Tuning

Benefits of Our Upgraded LED Lighting System

Energy Efficiency: Achieved significant reductions in energy consumption and operational costs compared to traditional fluorescent lighting.
Enhanced Lighting Quality: Improved visual comfort, color rendering, and uniformity in educational spaces.
Flexible and Responsive Controls: Advanced lighting controls enabled personalized adjustments, daylight harvesting, and occupancy-based dimming, enhancing user comfort and operational efficiency.
Sustainability Impact: Contributed to sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions, energy demand, and maintenance requirements associated with lighting.

Impact/Result

The successful retrofitting of the educational building’s lighting system with LED technology took 9 months and encompassed the planning, procurement, installation, and commissioning phases. It exemplifies a commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being.

By leveraging expertise from architectural and lighting consultants and partnering with reputable manufacturers like Acuity Brands, the client achieved significant improvements in lighting performance, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship. An estimated annual energy savings of 50%, with a projected payback period of 3.5 years based on reduced utility costs and maintenance savings.

Additionally, an improved lighting environment supported student learning outcomes, comfort, and overall educational experience within the building.

This case study underscores the importance of strategic planning, technical expertise, and collaboration in implementing impactful building upgrades that enhance economic savings and environmental sustainability.

Environmental Impact

Better Production Control

Real-time Correction

Accurate Cost Estimation

Life Cycle Management