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Daylighting Strategies in Retrofitting Existing Buildings

Daylighting strategies refer to the intentional use of natural light in buildings to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and enhance the overall sustainability and energy efficiency of the built environment. Retrofitting existing buildings with daylighting strategies involves incorporating design and technological interventions to optimize the utilization of natural light.

Benefits of Daylighting Strategies

Implementing daylighting strategies in retrofitting existing buildings offers numerous benefits:

• Energy Efficiency: By maximizing the use of natural light, daylighting strategies can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting, resulting in substantial energy savings.
• Improved Well-being: Exposure to natural light has been proven to enhance occupant well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction within the built environment.
• Visual Comfort: Properly designed daylighting systems can provide balanced and glare-free illumination, creating a visually comfortable indoor environment.
• Connection to Nature: Incorporating natural light into building interiors can establish a stronger connection between occupants and the surrounding natural environment, promoting a sense of well-being and biophilic design principles.
• Sustainable Design: Daylighting strategies align with sustainable design principles by reducing the carbon footprint associated with artificial lighting and decreasing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

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Key Considerations for Retrofitting Existing Buildings

When incorporating daylighting strategies in retrofitting existing buildings, several key considerations should be taken into account:

• Building Orientation: The orientation of the building and its windows plays a crucial role in determining the availability and quality of natural light. Assessing the building’s orientation and making necessary adjustments can optimize daylighting potential.
• Window Design: Upgrading windows to maximize natural light penetration while minimizing heat gain or loss is essential. Consideration should be given to factors such as window size, glazing type, and shading devices.
• Interior Layout: The interior layout should be designed to ensure that natural light can reach deep into the building. Open floor plans, light-colored surfaces, and the strategic placement of reflective surfaces can help distribute daylight effectively.
• Lighting Controls: Incorporating advanced lighting controls, such as dimmers and sensors, can optimize the use of natural light and artificial lighting, ensuring a balance between energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
• Daylight Modeling: Utilizing daylight modeling techniques can help assess the potential impact of daylighting strategies, allowing for informed decision-making during the retrofitting process.

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By carefully considering these factors and implementing appropriate daylighting strategies, retrofitting existing buildings can result in improved energy performance, occupant well-being, and overall sustainability.

Keywords: daylighting, strategies, natural, retrofitting, buildings, existing, lighting, energy, design