Daylighting Shines Business Advantages on Building Owners

Daylighting systems harvest, direct and diffuse natural light into interior spaces, creating a visually invigorating and productive environment that meets energy efficiency requirements in building codes, LEED and CHPS programs and is consistent with U.S. Green Building Council initiatives.  Electric lighting may be turned all or partially off during daylight hours.

Design For An Optimal Lighting Environment

Select a builder who understands how to integrate daylighting into your facility and whose partners can design and install the best solution for your business.

Natural light can be directed into your facility through a variety of systems such as prismatic skylights, fiber optics, treated windows, clerestories, automated shades and light diffusing louvers. Window and skylight placement optimizes direct and diffused daylight while reducing glare on work surfaces.  Workspace design and coloring, interior floor plan, partition placement and height, and occupant education are keys to success.  An Integrated Daylighting System (IDS) that measures prevailing natural light and signals electronic dimming ballasts to minimize electric light output can reduce electric lighting energy by up to 40%.  Upgrading to LED lighting earns additional energy and maintenance savings.

People Benefits

People with regular exposure to natural light tend to be more optimistic, sleep better and have a higher sense of well-being. This helps to increase concentration and maintain focus, which will result in higher productivity.  Studies show that people see better and perform tasks more effectively in naturally lit environments, especially where color perception is essential.  Daylighting prevents eyestrain caused by electric lighting systems.

Financial Advantages

Most well designed daylighting systems will generate a payback from four to six years due to lower peak rate electric light expenses, longer replacement cycles for electrical fixtures, and reduced heat gain and related HVAC expenses. Additional energy savings will be achieved through a solution that integrates daylighting technologies with rooftop PV solar systems.

Natural light increases the value of a rental space since it makes the space look larger and more open, along with the benefit of reduced HVAC costs. Retail shoppers linger longer and buy more in daylight environments.  Employees take fewer sick days, resulting in lower costs for temporary employees.

Reference:

• GSA Green Proving Ground Program
• C-PACE Provides Financing For Daylighting Systems
• EnergizeCT’s Energy Conscious Blueprint