Lighting Analysis of Campus Classrooms

Lighting consumes much power in building structures and affects human safety, health and productivity. Excessive lighting can induce an emotional response similar to that caused by heat, while inadequate lighting increases the risk of physical discomfort and harm, such as eye strain or falls. Lighting is central to many activities on a college campus. Some buildings on many campuses were constructed before modern lighting standards were adopted. Thus, the installed lighting systems could be inefficient and provide inappropriate light levels. Light systems consume 25-40% of energy consumption for commercial buildings. More efficient lighting systems can deliver appropriate light levels while meeting regulations to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This study will evaluate lighting levels and efficiency of several classrooms and laboratories on a university campus. Photometric measurements of current lighting conditions were taken 1 meter off the ground with a lux meter. Factors such as the bulbs, fixture type and placement, room size and light tone were also considered when determining the overall light quality. A software package, Visual Lighting 2020, was utilized to analyze room lighting. Light levels were compared to using fluorescent bulbs to being retrofitted with LED light fixtures. The results of this study will be used to improve efficiency and lighting quality on the campus.