Energy efficient lighting approach in classroom of educational buildings in the context of sustainability

The conscious design of lighting systems in educational buildings contributes to both ensuring visual comfort conditions for effective learning and achieving significant energy savings. In addition to proper lighting design, the characteristics of classrooms, such as color and texture, also influence the illumination levels. This study aims to investigate the effects of material color and texture properties used in classrooms on illumination levels within the framework of sustainability and to propose recommendations that enhance energy savings and visual comfort.The first section of the study provides theoretical information on lighting design in educational buildings in the context of lighting and sustainability. The second section presents details of on-site assessments, illumination level measurements, and simulations conducted using Dialux.evo software. In the third section, the findings of the on-site assessments and the compliance of classroom illumination level measurements with the TS-EN 12464-1 standard are evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of different wall surface colors and desk materials on illumination levels are examined, and the potential amount of electrical energy savings is calculated. The findings indicate that, in classrooms with limited daylight, the use of warm or cool wall colors and light-colored desk materials positively impacts illumination levels. The fourth section outlines the results of the study, providing recommendations regarding the selection of colors and materials for use in classrooms.This study was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Unit of Karadeniz Technical University. Project number: FYL-2023-10831