Daylighting

Natural daylight improves energy efficiency, can considerably reduce operating costs and significantly improve the indoor environment.

Pros

• When combined with energy-efficient electric lighting, daylighting can reduce a building's power needs up to 60% without reducing lighting levels.
• Daylight provides the high illuminance and color rendering essential for good vision.

Cons

• Daylight can produce uncomfortable glare, reflections on computer screens and excessive solar heat gain.
• Daylighting strategies are not always as energy efficient as promised.

Case studies

For more information, download the 24-page Daylighting Design Brief .