Educational institutions are the most important buildings. You might (or not) say that hospitals are the most important, or military training institutes. Some people may claim that space-tech facilities are far more necessary. However, the truth is that everything is there because of education; the doctors, the Army, and even NASA! So, don’t you think that energy-education should also start from our schools and universities?

The University of New Haven did something necessary, for both the university and the community. As a result of their biweekly meeting on measures that could help save energy, there have been LED installations in the university’s Bartel’s Hall. 

At first, the university opted to install LED high bay lights in the Bartel’s hall, after which there has been a significant difference in the energy consumption. An estimation says that the total impact of both of these lighting projects will lead to an annual savings of 244,000 kWh, or approximately $45,100, every year. 

Furthermore, the university plans to install more LED lighting fixtures in other areas of its campus. Nevertheless, it will happen after analyzing the results of the first installations. 

One university taking an illuminating step will not make much difference. However, this act has set a precedence for other universities and schools. Around the country, there are more than 4,298 colleges. Can you think how much energy we can save if all of them make the shift to LED lighting fixtures? 

While the University of Havana plans to switch to LEDs, other institutions, too, must consider the change. When they do, institutions must know that there are a plethora of LED lighting options available in the market. For instance, LED Panels and LED Downlights are excellent for use in classrooms and lecture halls, respectively. 

The enumerated benefits of using LED lights are what suggest that they are better in comparison with conventional lighting fixtures. (such as fluorescent tubes and metal halide bulbs.) LEDs provide a high lumen output, meaning that both students and professors will be more alert, when in a class. Apart from everyday use, LED lighting fixtures are ideal to use during college fests and functions, as they help set up the perfect ambiance for such events. 

Also, LEDs have a high color rendering index. (CRI) Lights with a high CRI are perfect for use in student laboratories that deal with life science experiments. For example, the Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) (That comes handy while identifying and isolating Staphylococcus aureus.) is a pinkish-red growth medium. Using LEDs will help render the actual color of MSA. Thus researchers will know that the medium prepared is suitable to use.

Since lights play a vital role in our life, and so does education, wouldn’t it be great if we can combine the both? The results will be amazing. There will be significant savings in the yearly energy-consumption rates, and education will be a lot more fun! (well, the fun part depends on other factors too!)