Daylighting Solutions for the Building Industry from Solatube

For some years, major industry specifiers have been stating the importance of using natural light for improving the energy efficiency of a building structure, as well as the positive effects daylighting solutions have on people, such as lower absenteeism, improved morale and higher productivity rate.

To maximise the benefits of daylighting solutions for the building industry, it is essential to know the differences and functionality of natural lighting options available in the market today. High-performing daylight solutions meet the requirement of providing a working source of light to replace the overhead artificial lighting system, without having a negative impact on the energy-efficiency of both the structure and its inhabitants.

Artificial overhead lighting systems account for more than 80% of daylight in a year. Tubular daylighting technology offers an alternative solution by providing consistent lighting throughout the entire year. Standard skylight products provide huge spikes of light and heat during the summer, however, it does not meet the minimum lighting requirements during the winter. Tubular Daylighting systems overcome these issues by rejecting overpowering summer sunlight and using lens systems to increase capture of winter sunlight.

Leading tubular daylighting system expert Solatube is urging Aussie builders to understand the "differences" and not be left out of pocket. The Australian-owned and operated Solatube, whose focus on using natural light lowering energy ratings, innovation and advancing technology continues to be at the forefront of the industry for 30 years, reiterated the importance of understanding the difference between a tubular skylight and the relatively new market of tubular daylighting systems (fitted with tubular daylight devices or TDDs). The confusion lies in the fact that until recent times architects have been restricted to using natural light as a feature through glazing, roof windows and other products due to issues such as glare, lighting consistency, energy efficiency and impact of UV on a space. Architects are now able to overcome these issues and design TDDs into energy efficient buildings and many roofers and builders are losing money due to making the error of quoting a typical 'tube skylight' product.

"The technologies required to achieve such results in buildings are relatively new and will be more expensive than your typical tubular skylight and will require documented lighting designs and certification. Through our commercial networks we can ensure that we update our builders and architects on latest product innovations, which in turn helps builders and roofers, in particular, quote appropriately and meet their bottom line," explains Mr Dickson.

Fast facts from Solatube daylighting experts:

• Independent test results have shown that Solatube Daylighting Systems allow in the full spectrum of visible wavelengths of light that provide clear vision, but block virtually all of the ultraviolet wavelengths that can degrade building interiors.
• Light to Solar Heat Gain Ration (LSG) compares visible transmittance (VT) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). The ratio reveals how well a daylighting product transmits useful visible light rays while filtering out problematic heat-carrying infrared rays.
• Solatube Daylighting Systems create the ideal balance between VT and SHGC to deliver pure, bright daylight without the added solar energy that can cause heat build-up and force air conditioning units to work harder.

For further inquiries on daylighting solutions for the building industry, visit www.solatube.com.au today.