Nghe An: Implementing the 'school lighting' program.

(Baonghean.vn) - 'School Lighting' is a meaningful lighting program aimed at protecting students' eyesight, and it is receiving attention from the whole society.

Currently, most schools have relatively low lighting intensity for teaching and learning, with light levels only ranging from 90 to 200 lux, negatively impacting students' eyesight; the rate of students with eye problems increases progressively with each grade level.

According to Decision 3733/2002/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health, the National Standard for lighting in primary schools and classrooms stipulates that the light intensity must not be less than 300 Lux. Therefore, the majority of classrooms in schools do not meet the required lighting intensity according to current regulations.

In implementing Nghe An province's energy saving and efficiency program for the period 2016-2020, the Nghe An Energy Saving Center (Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade) conducted a preliminary survey of the current state of lighting systems in primary and secondary schools in Vinh City; and simultaneously implemented a plan to pilot a school lighting model for schools throughout the province. Schools were equipped with classroom lighting systems that ensure uniform illumination without glare; and the electrical wiring and switches were redesigned for better aesthetics.

The lights are suspended approximately 2.15m above the work surface to ensure even illumination and prevent glare. (Photo: Lien Tran)

Accordingly, the program has implemented several model lighting solutions for primary school classrooms in the province by installing light fixtures instead of directly mounting the bulbs to the ceiling, so that students and teachers cannot see the bulbs and avoid glare. The lights are hung approximately 2.15m above the working surface to ensure uniform illumination, prevent glare, and improve the electrical system and switches for better aesthetics.

After a period of implementation, the solution of lowering the ceiling height of the lights has helped reduce the number of lights compared to hanging them close to the ceiling, from 2-3 bulbs per classroom. The illuminance in the classrooms reached 300-350 lux, increasing the light in each classroom by 3.5 times. In addition, it also helped save 10% of electricity compared to regular fluorescent lamps. The steel light fixtures are powder-coated to create a reflective surface, distributing light evenly and increasing the useful illuminance on the desks by about 30%.

In addition, the light bulbs are equipped with electronic ballasts, preventing flickering and providing uniform light, reducing eye strain for students. This also meets the goal of energy efficiency, resulting in a 40-50% reduction in electricity consumption per classroom compared to the old lighting system.

Lowering the ceiling height of the lights has reduced the number of lights compared to hanging them close to the ceiling, from 2-3 bulbs per classroom. (Photo: Lien Tran)

To date, the Nghe An Energy Saving Center has completed school lighting for nearly 50 classrooms in primary schools throughout the province, including Ky Son Primary School, Nam Kim Primary School, Don Phuc Primary School, Hecman Primary School, etc.

Particularly at Don Phuc Primary School in Con Cuong District, Nghe An Province, each classroom previously used 8 incandescent light bulbs with a power of 40W for lighting. After participating in the school lighting program, the Center replaced them with 10 bulbs arranged appropriately. With the new lighting system, each classroom has saved 27% of electricity consumption, the illuminance has increased 5 times, ensuring adequate lighting while saving electricity.

Initially, the program has proven highly effective in saving energy and improving classroom quality, attracting interest from many schools.

Thanh Lien