Improving the supply of natural daylight at workplaces rather than using electric lighting is as yet a barely appreciated, yet highly sustainable and economic resource which saves both energy and power. 30% of the total energy consumption of average administrative buildings with landscape offices are currently used merely for electric lighting. Simply by redirecting daylight into the room, the use of electric lighting can be reduced by at least 50%. Further savings are possible through simultaneous improvement of passive cooling by shielding the room from excessive sunlight through retro reflection using sun protection Retro louvers. Daylight control systems thus are the focal point of the latest strategies to save energy and reduce CO2 levels and are discussed in combination with glass coatings and facade designs. The various systems’ energy transmission and light distribution into the interior are discussed along with the specific requirements in regard to lighting, heating and cooling.
