Better Office Productivity? Use Daylight!

With so many recent initiatives aimed at combating climate change, energy prices have obviously taken a hit. To compensate for this change, though, many architects and builders have begun using Daylighting to a great degree in construction.

“Daylighting,” or “daylight harvesting,” has been growing in popularity recently because it uses natural sunlight to its advantage. A number of automated systems are able to measure free natural sunlight and figure out how it should use controlled lighting in relation to that. Then, a system will automatically dim or brighten the lighting so that only artificial light which is needed is used. From an architect’s standpoint, it’s an important thing that the most beneficial entry points of daylight are decided on before construction. North-facing windows are great because they will definitely reduce unwanted glare. A designer, in turn, would decide on a quality lighting control system for dimming indoor light fixtures. There are a lot of systems out there, so deciding on a single one has a lot to do with finding a balance between natural lighting availability and extra electric lighting needs.

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The biggest reason for using daylight over anything else is, obviously, to save energy. Even a measure as simple as using occupancy sensors can reduce energy consumption between 10 and 20%. But for the best energy savings, the constructor would want to install daylight harvesting controls in every area receiving natural light. Studies by the Lawerence Berkley Laboratory have shown that these controls, in conjunction with occupancy sensors, will provide substantially more savings on energy usage and costs – all the way up to 45%.

So what is daylighting the best fit for? In my view, it’s perfect for offices, where lots of normal hindrances to productivity (i.e. eye fatigue, discomfort, and stress) could always be helped. Simple exposure to natural daylight on a regular basis, as well, has consistently been shown to positively affect people’s moods and improve stress levels. It also improves general mental work (see the 2003 study by Heschong Mahone, “Windows and Offices: A Study of Office worker Performance and the Indoor Environment”). If used correctly, daylighting will also cut down on air conditioning costs, because the openings used, like windows and skylights, are known for providing better ventilation.

All of this is going to give workers the optimal light needed for the day and, in the process, will provide limitless advances in productivity. As such, I hope for everyone’s businessplace to strongly consider daylighting. You’ll realize the benefits immediately.

Sunset courtesy of HAAP Media Ltd. under Royalty-Free license.

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