As schools continue to navigate high energy costs and growing sustainability goals, many are looking for practical, long-term solutions that deliver both environmental and financial benefits.
Upgrading to LED lighting is a relatively simple but impactful change that brings a wide range of benefits.
The benefits of switching:
LED lights consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs resulting in a reduction of CO2 production and lower electricity bills.
Lighting uses a lot of power, and with schools running lighting systems for dozens of hours per week, switching to LEDs is a relatively straightforward way to become more energy efficient.
While the initial cost of replacing all the bulbs within a school may be higher, many schools recoup the installation costs quickly. After the payback period, return on investment is clear, as ongoing savings can be redirected to other priorities.
Synergy’s Building Surveyors recently supported the Bourne Education Trust with installing new, energy-efficient LED lighting at Teddington School. Our team delivered the replacement of 1366 light fittings in the Main Building which previously used outdated fluorescent bulbs. The LED type fittings were manufactured by Dextra Lighting and installed by contractor Baudelaire Ltd.
Based on a usage of 55 hours per week across 43 weeks of the year at a unit price of 0.25p, Teddington School is able to save a substantial £80,764.75 per year on their electricity usage.
This provides a relatively short payback period of 3.9 years based on the cost of the installation being £315,259.21. On top of this, LEDs have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than traditional lighting, so time and money spent on numerous ad-hoc replacements is minimised.
Switching to LEDs will also enhance learning environments by providing a brighter, more stable light source to increase visual comfort, focus and productivity.
LEDs also improve safety, as they don’t contain harmful substances like mercury, which is found in many fluorescent lights. They also generate less heat, lowering the risk of fire hazards and keeping classrooms cooler.
To discuss any of your school’s maintenance, refurbishment or building projects, reach out to our team here.