E.C. Reems Academy of Technology and Art in Oakland, California

E.C. Reems Academy of Technology and Art in Oakland, California

ADDRESS

E.C. Reems Academy of Technology and Art
8425 MacArthur Boulevard
Oakland, California 94605

PROJECT

Light tubes were installed in an upstairs hallway and inside of one classroom. Sensors were also installed that would turn off electric lighting if there was sufficient light in either the hallway or the classroom or both. The purpose of this project is to have diffused sunlight that is pollution free and cost-free replace some or all of the light that is coming from light bulbs powered by electricity. The goal of this project is to demonstrate that it is possible to reduce pollution and reduce the monthly electricity bill by adding natural sunlight to areas of any building. And studies have shown that kids are better students if they have more natural light inside their school.

Please note that these light tubes are not like skylights. The light coming into both the hallway and classroom are diffused so that the light appears similar to the light provided by electric powered light bulbs. Skylights bring in sunlight in a way that can sometimes be harsh and is typically uneven so that parts of the hallway or classroom would get too much sunlight while other parts would get too little. Skylights often produce a glare that might bother students. The types of light tubes in this project diffuse the light so that it is always even and there is no glare. Pollution goes down and electricity bills go down while providing students with a better place in which to learn.