Daylighting of non-residential buildings. Position Paper

Daylight plays a key role in providing a good visual, biologically effective and energy efficient lighting of indoor spaces. Generally, daylight is the light source preferred by humans. Daylight is the major source of regenerative energy for reducing lighting energy consumption. Electric lighting accounts for approximately 15% of the total electrical power consumption and 5% of greenhouse gas worldwide. In nonresidential construction, daylighting - based on distinct evaluation procedures and integrated into diverse energy saving ordinances - has meanwhile become an energy-quantifiable and plannable light source that can be directly offset against the energy requirements for electrical lighting.