Some persuasive research over the past decade shows a strong relationship between the availability of daylight in classrooms and increased test scores for students. Schools seeking to apply that research to actual school construction projects face several hurdles, but the benefits can be real and long-lasting. A properly installed, calibrated and commissioned lighting system will save a substantial amount of energy in a classroom that is in continuous use throughout the day. Local energy costs will affect what that savings is and how quickly the investment will be paid back. Poorly installed and maintained systems will cause distractions that will degrade the learning environment, and give students and teachers a bad impression of the technology. In addition to the education and energy benefits, the ability of the schools to use energy-saving building methods as a tool for teaching principles of sustainability is a real plus.