Case Study:

The Bedford School

School Lighting Retrofit
Fairburn, Georgia

Background

The Bedford School is a learning institution dedicated to providing children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and other learning disabilities with a quality education and opportunities generally not offered in traditional school settings.

Challenge

The Bedford School building hadn’t had a major upgrade since 2001. The building was starting to look its age and it lacked any of the energy and cost-saving advancements made in the prior twenty years.

The decision was made to go forward with building renovations, including new lighting for the classrooms, hallways, common areas, bathrooms, gymnasium, and lunchroom.

As is the case with many school renovation projects, the budget and timetable were tight; the work had to be completed during the school’s summer vacation when, aside from a handful of summer programs, classes were not in session.

Solution

A Cooper Lighting Solutions representative, whose child is attending The Bedford School, toured the school and recommended the specific types of lighting that were needed for each area.

For the main lighting throughout the school, the Metalux RTC LED Center Basket was the ideal choice. It’s a workhorse LED fixture that’s as attractive as it is reliable, making it ideal for schools and commercial spaces.

The equally hardworking Metalux UHBS Selectable High Bays were selected to light the gymnasium.

In the corridors and halls, LED uplights from the Metalux SNLED Series LED Strips and HALO Commercial HC6 LED Downlights were chosen for their exceptional high efficacy and energy savings.

For even more energy savings, Greengate Dual Tech Ceiling Mount Occupancy Sensors and Greengate SP20-RD4 Heavy Duty Switchpacks were added to the closets and bookroom so that the lights in those rooms were on only as needed, reducing wasted energy and related costs.

And last, a Sure-Lites EBPLEDL7W Emergency Battery Pack was added to help ensure that the school’s emergency lighting would work as needed, when needed.

Images from Blue Fox Designs

Results

The entire renovation was completed over the summer, before regular classes resumed.

The Bedford School saw almost immediate positive results when teachers, students, and parents began commenting on the noticeably improved lighting.

“The high-quality lighting made a big difference,” says Jeff James, Headmaster of The Bedford School. “Cooper Lighting Solutions definitely helped us reach our goals. Better lighting. Lower maintenance. Improved energy efficiency and lower energy costs.”

“And lower cost in overall operation of the building,” adds Matt Queen, The Bedford School Facilities Manager. “Of course, we’ve improved the overall appearance of the school, too.”

High-Quality Lighting Is More Conducive to Learning

Reduces glare and eye strain.
Enhances comprehension.¹
Supports focus and concentration.²
Provides better visual acuity, especially important for students with visual impairments as it helps ensure all learners have equal access to educational materials.
Improves aesthetics and mood. A well-lit room that balances brightness and warmth contributes to a positive, welcoming atmosphere that supports learning and interaction.³

“I really cannot stress enough the difference improved lighting has made in our school, particularly in the classrooms and areas of education … And made a good impression on parents and future parents.”

Jeff James, Headmaster, The Bedford School