A high school in Valencia, Spain, replaced its obsolete and energy-intensive lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Sensors were installed that automatically regulate the brightness of the LEDs according to the level of ambient light. The project allowed the school to reduce its energy consumption by 58.8 KW/year and its emissions by 15.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas equivalent per year, far exceeding what was forecast.
A bright future for Valencia’s high schools thanks to energy-efficient lighting
- 18 July 2022
In the 25 public secondary schools where the Energy Saving and Efficiency Programme was carried out, the consumption of electricity has been reduced. This translates into a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at 1 055 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. In view of these impressive results, a very positive assessment of the programme and the EU's contribution to achieving a low carbon economy is made.
The project at the Joan Llopis Marí Secondary School in Cullera was led by the Department of Education, Research, Culture and Sport of the Generalitat Valenciana. It formed part of the Energy Saving and Efficiency Programme that was carried out in 25 public secondary schools in the region at a total public cost of EUR 2 260 000.
The programme’s main objective is to improve energy efficiency in schools by reducing electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions, with the consequent savings in expenditure. This contributes to the larger goal of achieving a low-carbon EU economy.
Improved energy consumption
The low-efficiency fluorescent-type lights were replaced with LEDs with the same or higher level of luminosity and better energy consumption. To take advantage of natural light entering through windows or skylights, light intensity and motion sensors were installed. These ensure that the lighting intensity is automatically adjusted depending on the amount of natural light or the presence of people.
Various rooms and spaces in the school, such as offices, passageways, classrooms and common rooms, have different lighting needs depending on how often they are occupied and the level of natural light they receive. The system can be programmed to take these factors into account to ensure maximum energy savings.
The bigger picture
The project achievements are in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically with the objective of supporting affordable and clean energy; and with the Energy Saving and Efficiency in Secondary Schools Programme of the ERDF Operational Programme.
Thanks to the improved efficiency of the electrical installations, school has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and lowered its electricity bill.
Two indicators were used to measure the impact of the project: the decrease in annual primary energy consumption in public buildings, and the estimated annual reduction of greenhouse gases.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Implementation of Energy Saving and Efficiency Measures in the Electrical Installation of the Joan Llopis Marí Secondary School in Cullera (Valencia)” is EUR 41 000 , with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 20 500 through the Valencia ERDF Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy in all sectors”.