Shedding Light on Education
Education is the foundation on which we build the future. Lighting plays a key role in creating an environment conducive to learning. With different types of lighting technology available, one may wonder whether public schools differ from private schools in terms of their lighting infrastructure. In this post, we compare public and private schools’ lighting systems based on factual data and statistics.
Public vs Private Schools Lighting Technology
Lighting System
Public schools are funded by the government and operate on a tight budget. Therefore, the lighting system in public schools is basic and efficient. They use fluorescent tube lighting, which is cheaper and has a longer lifespan. In contrast, private schools invest more heavily in their infrastructure, including the lighting system. They typically use LED lighting, which is more energy-efficient and has a longer lifespan than fluorescent lighting.
Lighting Quality
The quality of lighting is essential for creating an environment that is conducive to learning. Lighting quality is measured in lumens per square foot. The recommended lighting level for classrooms is 30 to 50 foot-candles. Private schools have better lighting quality than public schools. The average lighting level in a private school classroom is 50 to 75 foot-candles compared to 20 to 50 foot-candles in public school classrooms.
Costs
Public schools have to work within a limited budget, which means they have to make the most cost-effective choices. The fluorescent lighting used in public schools is cheaper than LED lighting. Moreover, school districts can negotiate lower prices for lighting fixtures when purchasing in bulk.
In contrast, private schools operate on a higher budget and can afford to invest more money in technology. They are more likely to use LED lighting, which is more expensive. Nevertheless, LED lighting has a longer lifespan than fluorescent lighting and can reduce energy costs.
Conclusion
Lighting is an important element in creating an environment that promotes learning. Public schools typically use fluorescent lighting due to budget constraints, while private schools invest more heavily in their infrastructure, including the lighting system. Private schools have better lighting quality due to the use of LED lighting.
References
- "Classroom Lighting Standards." Engineering Supply & Imaging Science. https://www.engineering.com/Education/EducationArticles/ArticleID/8809/Classroom-Lighting-Standards.aspx (accessed 10/1/2021)
- "The Advantages and Disadvantages of LED Lighting Technology." Innovation and Technology Agency. https://www.ita-innovation.com/news/advantages-and-disadvantages-led-lighting-technology/ (accessed 10/1/2021)
- "LED vs Fluorescent Tube Lighting - Which is Better?" Voltacon. https://www.ledison-led-lights.co.uk/blog/led-vs-fluorescent-tube-lighting-which-is-better/ (accessed 10/1/2021)