SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING DESIGN
HOW TO OPTIMIZE
DAYLIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES

   
  “A good leader possesses the vision of the master builder by first defining what is to be done, and then by coherently articulating those defined goals to others.”
— Richard N. Swett, FAIA, “Leadership by Design: Creating an Architecture of Trust”

WHERE DO YOU START?

Properly integrated lighting can have a huge impact on energy costs and the quality of the environment. “Leadership by Design” is a decision-making approach ideally suited to achieving timely, cost-effective integration of interrelated issues and opportunities created by intelligent technology and sustainable design. It involves early discussion of lighting-related design concerns and helps architects, building owners and other stakeholders make the most of iGEN sustainable lighting solutions.

Key aspects of a daylight harvesting strategy

Windows help occupants bond with the environment. They also promote good vision by allowing frequent changes in focal distance. In addition, natural light has subtle physiological effects that can have a bearing on comfort, productivity and health. Therefore, large windows and skylights are desirable in sustainable buildings. However, certain aspects of a daylight harvesting strategy will have an impact on the choice of an optimal lighting control solution:
  • Fenestration area
  • Building location and orientation
  • Seasonal heat gains or losses
  • Prevention of direct sunlight and sources of glare
  • Occupant control of luminaires complementing daylight
Important facts about building with daylight


33%

Of all the electricity consumed for commercial use in the United States, about a third goes toward electric lighting.
(Source: Buildings Energy Databook, 2004 – U.S. Dept. of Energy)


40%

A study found that sales were 40% higher in stores with skylights, compared with almost identical stores in the same chain without skylights.
(Source: Skylighting and Retail Sales Study, 1999 – California Board for Energy Efficiency)


UP TO 80%

Properly designed continuous-dimming daylighting systems, such as those combining Agili-T luminaires and iGEN solutions, can provide substantial savings in lighting energy consumption, typically ranging from 30% to 80%.
(Source: Heschong Mahone Group Study, 2006 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WebCast)

  daylight harvesting: A Model Project

At the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Office and Training Headquarters, in Ankeny, actual metered energy consumption is 65 percent less than a conventional design.

How does daylighting do it?

Daylight harvesting can substantially reduce electric lighting needs, lower peak demand charges, ensure light level uniformity, generate additional savings by dimming down overdesigned light levels and control heating and cooling costs by preventing heat swings through HVAC integration. According to the Heschong Mahone Group, the energy savings generated from daylighting controls typically range from 50¢/sq. ft. to 75¢/sq. ft., depending on building type, location, operation and local cost of energy.

Benefits beyond energy savings

Daylighting offers valuable energy-saving opportunities for commercial buildings, but it is actually the productivity benefits that are creating the most interest. Indeed, several studies show that people in naturally daylit environments will be more productive.

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