LED lighting upgrade program
About the LED lighting upgrade program
The NSW Government is committed to sustainability and lowering the energy consumption across our schools. The LED Lighting Upgrade Program (LED LUP) commits $157.8 million to replace inefficient lights with new LED lights, in up to 1,000 public schools across NSW over a two-year period. This is expected to reduce operating costs for schools as well as deliver over 1,200 jobs in for NSW, while helping to improve learning environments and outcomes for our students.
What benefits will schools see from LED LUP?
Over the past five years the Department of Education has received positive feedback from schools that have completed LED upgrades. LED lights can enhance the indoor learning environment and their installation is expected to deliver a positive impact on student learning behaviours including attentiveness, comprehension and attendance. Programs benefits include:
- Energy saving – reduced electricity usage and lower bills over the long term by replacing inefficient fluorescent lights with efficient LEDs.
- Lower maintenance and repair costs when compared with fluorescent lights.
- Improved learning outcomes in the classroom as a result of improved lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How have schools been selected for the LED LUP?
Schools have been selected and prioritised according to factors such as greatest impact on savings, educational outcomes and other benefits. The Program will also target schools that have not received any other infrastructure project.
What benefits will schools see from LED LUP?
Over the past five years the Department of Education has received positive feedback from schools that have completed LED upgrades. LED lights can enhance the indoor learning environment and their installation is expected to deliver a positive impact on student learning behaviours including attentiveness, comprehension and attendance. Programs benefits include:
- Energy saving – reduced electricity usage and lower bills over the long term by replacing inefficient fluorescent lights with efficient LEDs.
- Lower maintenance and repair costs when compared with fluorescent lights.
- Improved learning outcomes in the classroom as a result of improved lighting.
What will the installation process be?
An audit of the school and existing lighting will be scheduled, at which time a representative of Public Works Advisory will check each room and area of the school and the existing light fittings, for the numbers and planned placement of the new LED lights.
Once the auditor documentation has been reviewed and endorsed, a contractor will be procured to complete the light removal and installations.
SINSW will again confirm for each school the date and program for these works. The installation time for each school is anticipated to be between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on school size and available contractor time eg if they can work after school hours.
Will student learning be interrupted by these works?
The LED Lighting Upgrade Program will be planned to minimise interruption to school classes or learning. Works will be confirmed with the principal 14 days in advance, and areas of the school will be progressively completed then handed back to the school with minimal impact to students and staff. The installation will be planned outside school hours where possible and a typical installation program is expected to be completed within 4 to 8 weeks.
Will every school be provided with LED lights, if not now in the future?
After the initial schools have been completed, further consideration will be given to extending the program.
Will regional work generate local jobs?
We plan to use and support local trades wherever possible to undertake this program of work.
What happens if asbestos is found during the lighting upgrade at my school?
Hazardous material on public school sites is managed in strict accordance with Safe Work NSW and all applicable legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines including the Department’s Asbestos Management Plan for NSW Government Schools.
The Department’s Asbestos Management plan covers how asbestos is managed on all school sites, organisational responsibilities, removal and remediation procedures and ongoing asbestos management. Any asbestos concerns are reported to the Principal, SINSW Project Team, and local Asset Management Unit.
The Department and SINSW takes immediate action where necessary, consistent with relevant statutory guidelines. When removing asbestos, work is scheduled to ensure no risk to students, staff or the local community.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Principals should speak to their local SINSW Regional Office in the first instance. Remember, SINSW will contact you in due course if you have an approved project, and confirm PWA auditor details and further applicable team contact details
