A brief primer on improving school lighting
Break time at school is a great time for facility managers to upgrade lighting to energy-efficient LED.
LED saves energy, reduces maintenance, and with features such as selectable power outputs and color temperatures, can be customized to provide the most effective light for a space. Add sensors and wireless control, and the lighting becomes even more responsive to campus needs and district budgets.
The benefits will be visible all over campus. In classrooms, you can replace legacy fluorescents. In gymnasiums and auditoriums, change out metal halide. In hallways, media centers, and other public areas, put in new troffers.
The upgrades aren’t just cost efficient. Studies show that improved lighting helps support learning and educational activities, leading to better outcomes and happier occupants.
There’s no need to break the budget for lighting upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of options using a Good / Better / Best approach to fit budget needs, staffing, and resources.
Classrooms, as high-usage zones, are the ideal place to start with upgrades.
GOOD: LED Type B Tubes
A straightforward, budget-conscious way to upgrade from fluorescent is switching to UL Type B LED tubes. These bypass the ballast and are directly wired to line voltage, reducing maintenance points. With selectable CCT and wattage, you gain control over classroom ambiance. It’s an immediate win for improved energy efficiency and better light quality without overhauling the fixture.
BETTER: Retrofit Troffers
Troffer kits, such as Keystone Future Fit, offer a drop-in solution that preserves ceiling infrastructure—especially important in older buildings with asbestos concerns. No need to remove the old fixture housing, just retrofit in place. Keystone kits include adjustable Power and Color Select technology, so the same fixture can be used across classrooms while allowing for location-specific customization, saving on installation time and upkeep.
BEST: Troffers with Integrated Lighting Controls
For the most energy-efficient and customizable option, use integrated control-ready LED troffers and pair them with wireless control systems like Keystone SmartLoop. This gives teachers the ability to create zones, adjust brightness, and optimize energy use with ease—all through a keypad or app. It’s the most future-forward, flexible, and user-centric option available for modern classroom environments.
Gyms and auditoriums are multifunctional spaces—from athletics to assemblies—so lighting should be powerful, flexible, and engaging.
GOOD: LED High Bays
Replacing traditional metal halide or fluorescent fixtures with LED high bays is the first step toward better light output and lower operating costs. These fixtures offer brighter light with improved reliability and drastically reduced energy usage.
BETTER: High Bays with Smart Sensors
Pairing LED high bays with integrated sensors enables occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption while also lowering maintenance demands. It’s a smart way to stretch budgets while modernizing the facility.
BEST: Wirelessly Controlled Gym Lighting
Integrating wireless controls such as SmartLoop gives athletic directors and event staff full control over lighting scenes—from game-day dramatics to dimmed assemblies. Scenes can be programmed via mobile app or wall keypad for ultimate flexibility. The space becomes dynamic, efficient, and impressive—perfect for a high-impact environment.
Hallways, cafeterias, and media centers are critical spaces where lighting influences mood and safety. Here’s how to approach upgrades in these transitional zones.
GOOD: LED Troffers and Panels
Start by swapping fluorescent panels with LED counterparts. Energy savings are immediate, and maintenance is dramatically reduced. Ideal for areas with 24/7 lighting like hallways.
BETTER: Power & Color Select Fixtures
Using fixtures with selectable wattage and CCT allows for different zones—like cafeterias versus libraries—to be customized while minimizing SKU complexity. Facilities teams can fine-tune the environment to fit both function and design, and changing it is a matter of flicking a switch.
BEST: Color-Accentuated or Architectural Fixtures
For areas that benefit from visual interest or branding, explore RGBW fixtures, wall washers, or design-centric architectural lights. These create engaging atmospheres that enhance student and faculty experiences while highlighting school pride.
Ready to Brighten Your School?
Regardless of the upgrade option you choose, these LED lighting suggestions will help your school improve lighting throughout your facility. Get in touch with us to learn more about Keystone products for general school lighting.
