Torpparinmäki Elementary School, Helsinki

A sustainable and energy efficient lighting for school yard

On top of high pillars, around forty flood lights illuminate the yard of Torpparinmäki Elementary School in Helsinki. During the year 2010, the previously used metal halide flood lights were replaced with Valopaa's LED light fixtures. The new solution aimed at reducing the need for maintenance and lamp replacement as well as saving energy. Both goals were achieved.

The Technical Superintendent Tapio Valonen from the City of Helsinki's Real Estate Department's Facility Center says that the earlier flood lights had to be renewed all the time. This was expensive and time consuming, because of the height of the pillars. An elevating work platform was needed every time to lift the maintenance person. Metal halide lighting also consumed a lot of electricity, which was not suitable for the City of Helsinki's goal to decrease energy consumption 2 percent annually in every piece of real estate.

Sanerkas Ltd's, which is responsible for the maintenace in Torpparinmäki Elementary School, supervisor Keijo Kasurinen says he once counted that only a half of the metal halide lights were working. He and Superintendent Valonen decided together to try Valopaa's LED floodlights at the school yard.

“The new light fixtures were installed in two rounds, first about ten pieces in spring 2010 and the rest the following fall. The LED lights have been working perfectly, there has been no need for renewal´, says Kasurinen.

The amount of energy needed for lighting has decreased substantially, since the LED technology can offer a bright enough illumination with only a fraction of the power needed for metal halide lighting. 250W and 70W metal halide lights have been replaced with 55W and 22 W LED light fixtures.

“We were seeking together with Valopaa a solution with suitable lighting power and light distribution for this destination. The right solution was found and has been working well´, superintendent Valonen points out.

The main building of Torpparinmäki Elementary School, which represents modern architechture, was finished in 1999, the same year the school began operating. There are approximately 380 pupils in grades 1 to 9.

Elementary School of Torpparinmäki, lighting of the school yard
Light fixtures: Valopaa's VP3311 M6 (55W) and VP 3311 M2 (22W) LED floodlights
Contractor: Sanerkas Ltd
Building Superintendent: The City of Helsinki's Real Estate Department, Facility Center