Major Industries

The Basics of Daylighting - Designing for the Space

Daylighting has become synonymous with the new green building movement – and for good reason. Improving work environments, increasing occupant satisfaction and controlling energy costs are just a few of the many benefits that a properly designed daylighting system can offer.

But all too often decisions are driven by the bottom line. Inevitably, the question comes up – even with all these benefits, is daylighting worth the initial investment?

Like all things "green," choosing the right daylighting solution for your project and budget can be a tricky task. Where should you start? Though there's a wide variety of daylighting options out there to choose from, it's important that you first analyze your building's functional purpose, as this can have a significant effect on how successfully a daylighting system will perform.

Choosing the Right Fit

What is daylighting? In essence, it's the illumination of an interior space through the use of natural light. In most cases, daylight is brought into interiors via windows, skylights, curtainwall or some combination of these systems. Despite claims to the contrary, daylighting is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. Numerous factors can influence the success or failure of a daylighting system, including its location, the building's other architectural elements, space planning, and other variations that can turn energy-savings into an overall loss due to occupant dissatisfaction and a reduction in user productivity.

How is this possible? Think of an office area where large numbers of computers or other electronic devices are set up for extended daily use. If we position a skylight over the space – or a large section of curtainwall – that utilizes traditional transparent glazing (take clear glass, for example), the sunlight will come pouring into the space virtually uncontrolled, causing issues with uncomfortable hot-spots and annoying glare. The money we've saved by not having to rely on artificial lighting is lost due to the inability of occupants to work efficiently – not to mention a sharp decline in worker satisfaction. Additionally, some transparent glazing materials can increase solar heat gain which can cause additional stress on HVAC systems. Exterior and interior shading devices are available for transparent glazing systems, but keep in mind that these devices require capital investment and, in many cases, drive additional maintenance costs.

In this type of work environment, it may be better to use translucent systems such as Guardian 275®, which effectively control glare and eliminate hot spots while allowing diffuse light to illuminate interior spaces. Guardian 275® Translucent Panel systems are also available in a wide variety of configurations to enhance thermal performance and adjust light transmission values.

That's not to say, however, that transparent configurations of glazing materials like glass or acrylic don't have their place. In "common" areas that are heavily traveled and don’t see extended use by occupants (like hallways and lobbies), our Auburn® Engineered skylights can be a perfect solution as they allow for increased light penetration and can also provide desired outside views. The effects of hot-spots and glare are present throughout the day, but are minimized because of the transient use of the space.

Auburn® Engineered skylights with transparent glazing can add a warm, comfortable feeling to interior gathering spaces by connecting building occupants to the outdoors. Transparent glazing is also often used to designate preferred traffic patterns or to define the formal entrance to a complex of buildings.

Just remember that it's all about location, location, location; it's true in real estate and it’s true in daylighting. Pick the right material for a specific location and task, and your clients, as well as the building’s occupants, will be forever grateful.

Why Daylighting Makes a Difference

While Major's daylighting options – from Guardian 275® skylights and curtainwall to Auburn® Engineered skylights – make it easy to add natural light to a space, you may still have reservations about taking the leap into daylighting.

Consider this – an investment in daylighting can lead to significant energy and cost savings over the life of the building. In fact, some studies suggest that daylighting can reduce the lifetime utility cost by 50% or more in new buildings, and that the money saved from downsizing electrical and HVAC components can usually pay for the additional up-front costs.¹ Utilizing natural light is a cost-effective way to illuminate interior spaces during daytime hours, reducing the need for energy-hungry artificial light sources.

Beyond monetary issues, numerous studies show that access to natural light has a profound effect on our internal biochemistry, including improved mood and fewer health complaints from employees. Lack of sunlight can also have detrimental consequences, among them ailments like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterized by a "down" or depressed feeling brought on by dark winter months.

Besides the energy savings and emotional impact, well-designed daylighting has also been shown to have significant economic payoffs. "Daylighting and Retail Sales," a study done by the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program and the Heschong Mahone Group, evaluated daylighting in a variety of retail settings. The study found that sales in stores utilizing daylighting were in some cases 40% higher than stores without natural daylighting. It also found that the "value of the energy savings from the daylighting is far overshadowed by the value of the predicted increase in sales due to daylighting. By the most conservative estimate, the profit from increased sales associated with daylight is worth at least 19 times more than the energy savings, and more likely, may be worth 45-100 times more than the energy savings."²

Daylighting is the Right Choice

Illuminating interior spaces by utilizing the natural light that's all around us is one of the easiest and most efficient green building elements to include in your next project. Whether you're an architect, designer, or building owner, by incorporating Major Industries' daylighting systems you can rest assured that you're taking a positive step to reduce energy use and contribute to a better environment.

Evaluate a number of factors before making a final decision on which daylighting systems are right for your next project, including price, longevity, durability and location within the building design. Also keep in mind that daylighting products are highly technical and that the most effective designs are customized for the building's physical characteristics, its location/climate and your facility's unique user requirements. Don't be afraid to speak directly with a Major Industries team member to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various glazing options – they can often point you in the right direction and suggest a solution that will best fit your needs.

1. Daylight Every Building. Ternoey, Steven E., AIA, IES, (Principal, LightForms LLC, Santa Barbara, CA and Technical Director of the Daylighting Collaborative), Copyright 1999 LightForms LLC, Santa Barbara, CA.
2. Greening the Building and the Bottom Line: Increasing Productivity Through Energy-Efficient Design. Romm, Joseph J. (U.S. Department of Energy), and Browning, William D. (Rocky Mountain Institute), December 1994. Published by the Rocky Mountain Institute, Snowmass, CO.