Rising operating costs, aging buildings, and long-term sustainability goals are putting more pressure on schools and universities to make careful decisions about facility investments. Lighting upgrades can reduce energy and maintenance expenses, but newer controls and connected systems also offer opportunities to improve building operations and the learning environment.

With constrained budgets and competing infrastructure needs, the challenge is determining which improvements will deliver the most value. Before investing in new fixtures and controls, facilities teams should assess existing conditions, set clear priorities, and consider how lighting upgrades fit into broader campus plans.

These eight questions can help guide that process.

1. What are the main goals of the upgrade?

Identify the problems the project needs to address. These may include high energy costs, aging fixtures, frequent maintenance, poor light quality, low visibility, or limited control over lighting in classrooms and shared spaces. Clear goals will guide technology choices and help measure results.

2. Which buildings should be upgraded first?

Review fixture conditions, energy use, operating hours, and maintenance records. Buildings with outdated lighting, high utility costs, or frequent service needs may be good candidates. Address any deficiencies in required emergency lighting and evaluate adjacent outdoor illumination for visibility, glare, and campus security needs. Consider whether planned renovations or other building improvements could affect the timing of the project.

3. Can existing lighting equipment be reused?

Assess the condition and compatibility of current fixtures, wiring, and controls. Some buildings may need only fixture replacements or basic controls, while others may benefit from a larger system upgrade, which could impact building infrastructure needs. A lighting audit can help determine the scope of work.

Start with the building’s needs

A lighting audit can provide the baseline for setting project priorities, comparing upgrade options, and identifying opportunities to coordinate lighting improvements with other planned building work.

This piece was developed from EndeavorB2B content with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.