Daylighting Buildings Slashes Energy Costs, Boosts Occupant Wellbeing
The article provides guidelines for designing buildings with natural light, called daylighting. Daylighting can make buildings more comfortable, save energy, and cut costs. It can reduce electric lighting use by 40% in some areas and over 50% in others. However, challenges like glare and heat gain must be managed. The guidelines address how to use windows, shading, and lighting controls effectively to maximize daylight benefits while avoiding problems. They also cover ways to measure and simulate daylight performance. In essence, using natural light wisely can improve how buildings feel, save money, and help the environment.