How to use natural daylight to create optimum light levels in office interiors

The aesthetic and health benefits of natural daylight have been well documented over the past decade by designers and researchers alike. Daylit environments are known to boost occupant productivity and enhance health and well-being by providing the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.

Harnessing natural light can also significantly reduce electricity usage, allowing occupants to reduce their costs as well as their carbon footprint. Researchers estimate that electric lighting in buildings consumes more than 15 percent of all electricity generated in the United States.

The benefits of natural daylight in the work place are confirmed by the fact that commercial real estate with floor to ceiling glazing is likely to command a higher rental figure compared to buildings with few or small individual windows in the same location.  

The key to maximising the benefits of natural daylight is control. Commercial and domestic buildings outfitted with daylight-sensing controls can reduce the energy used for electric lighting by 20 percent to 60 percent, according to studies.

Daylight sensor controls allow electric lighting and solar shading solutions (blinds) to work in tandem to ensure the optimum level of lighting with minimal energy usage is achieved at all times. This is why an increasing number of large corporations and landlords are integrating blinds and lighting controls in their buildings.

Integrated electric blinds are raised and lowered automatically depending on the brightness of the natural daylight and the angle of the sun. Electric lighting then compensates when necessary to ensure correct light levels are achieved through out the foot print of the building.

There are various systems available, but the market leading lighting control package that brings together artificial lighting and window shading is undoubtedly Lutron.

At this moment, one of the largest commercial building projects in London – the new HQ for a large US bank – has specified Lutron blinds  to ensure their building is sustainable, energy efficient and a healthy place to work.

If you are serious about improving health and well-being whilst reducing energy costs, get in touch with us to find out how you can use solar shading to achieve this.

Waverley is the largest licensed manufacturer of Lutron blinds  for the commercial sector in the UK with the experience and knowledge required to work on the most complex of projects.