Focus: Interior Design

The value of daylighting, even with LEDs

Even when LEDs mimic sunlight, expert see LEDs as complementary to — but not replacing — daylighting strategies


Daylighting’s positive effects on building performance and human health are well known. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center (LRC) studies have reported on how daylit environments synchronizing human circadian rhythms with the solar day, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website. 

In addition, daylighting can reduce electric lighting needs substantially.

On the other hand, the sun can sometimes be too bright and too warm, subjecting building occupants to glare and thermal stress. And sometimes the sun hides behind gray skies for days.

Today’s daylight LED (light-emitting diode) lamp marketers claim to offer the sun's benefits, using very few watts. In fact, visible-spectrum LEDs have come a long way since their invention in 1962. Using advanced controls, white-tunable LEDs can simulate sunrise, sunset, and the sun’s numerous variations throughout the day. Programming LEDs can even tailor applications to recreate artificial daylight that simulates an individual user’s geographic location.

Read the article.



October 14, 2019


Topic Area: Interior Design


Recent Posts

Designing for Dignity: Supporting the Needs of An Aging Population

By recognizing that each aging adult is unique, designers and healthcare facilities managers can reimagine the way care spaces are designed.


Encompass Health and BSA Announce Joint Venture for Amarillo Hospital

The hospital is expected to open in late 2025.


Healthy Buildings, Healthy Futures: IWBI and Georgetown Convene Policy Leaders in D.C.

The second annual Healthy Building Policy Summit unites stakeholders to advance policies that make every building a catalyst for well-being, resilience and thriving communities.


California Bill Could Shift Workers' Comp Burden for Hospitals

SB 632 would presume more than half of hospital injury claims are job-related, raising cost, staffing and liability concerns for facilities leaders.


Sturdy Health Announces Emergency Department Expansion and Modernization

The first floor emergency department will be 38,000 square feet.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.