Best Practice Guide

Local Governments

Introduction

Planning an Energy Program

Funding and Approval

Education

Lighting

Offices and Workstations

Daylighting

Hallways and Corridors

Restrooms and Closets

Outdoor Areas

Signage

Central HVAC System

Procurement Policy

Building Envelope

Demand Response

Distributed Generation

Water Use

Motors

Food Service

Resources and Appendices

Lessons Learned


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Lighting

Daylighting

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Many people are familiar with the business maxim, "Cheaper, faster, better - pick any two of the three." Unlike most things in life, though, daylighting achieves all three.

Daylighting is cheaper. The only investment needed is for design and installation of equipment related to the fenestration, e.g., a skylight, a light tube, or a clerestory. In general, horizontal installations like skylights, light tubes, clerestories and light wells are easier to install and more cost-effective than their vertical counterparts (windows). Adding photosensor controls allows you to maximize energy savings by automatically shutting off or dimming superfluous fixtures according to changes in the level of natural light. This combination of technologies maintains a consistent light level throughout the day and the seasons, and reduces peak operating costs.

Daylighting is better. Daylight literally outshines any artificial lamp on the market - it is brighter, more appealing, renders color more accurately, and is much better for visual acuity. This is important for visually oriented operations. Daylighting provides high-quality light without relying on expensive artificial fixtures.

And, while daylighting may not be "faster," tenants often find that they get more accomplished in a shorter period of time while working under natural lighting conditions. Daylighting reduces eyestrain and is known to have subtle effects on productivity and comfort. Studies have shown that daylighting in schools improves student math and memory skills and increases sales in major retail centers. Anecdotal evidence supports these findings, suggesting that workers increase productivity and reduce absenteeism when provided with natural light. Daylit spaces tend to be designed with large expanses of windows that provide a view of the outdoors, another factor found to contribute to occupant comfort and worker productivity.


Resources

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Windows and Daylighting: Daylighting.

Pacific Gas & Electric, Daylighting Initiative.

Architectural Energy Corporation. Sensor Placement + Optimization Tool (SPOT) is available for free online. SPOT assists designers with proper placement of photosensor controls.