If you are considering installing skylights in your commercial building, you are likely weighing the pros and cons of this investment. Fortunately, when properly installed, the benefits of
commercial skylights are significant. Though you may experience advantages specific to your building, you can also expect the advantages of energy savings, sustainability, and the improved performance and health of your building occupants.
Energy Savings
One of the biggest advantages of installing commercial skylights is the cost savings from reduced energy usage. In most commercial buildings, electricity costs are a large percentage of business overhead, and lighting is a large percentage of that cost. With high-quality skylights, however, lighting energy usage can be greatly reduced. For example, acrylic skylights like the
Velux Dynamic Domes have a high degree of visible light transmittance (VT) and in buildings with a high VT value, artificial lighting can be turned off 70-80% of the time on average.
Sustainability
Reduced energy costs means reduced energy consumption. The incorporation of natural light to modulate the use of artificial light is a key component of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for green buildings, the industry standard for sustainably designed buildings. Commercial skylights can play a large role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by tempering a portion of a building's electricity consumption by instead harnessing the power of natural light. Additionally, many skylights are made from a high percentage of recycled materials and are in themselves recyclable.
Improved Performance
Many studies indicate that natural light plays an important role in occupant productivity. Whether in an office building or a school, commercial skylights can enhance the performance of those who experience spaces lit by natural light. In contrast to artificial light, natural light has been shown to boost energy and in a
National Commission on Sleep Disorders study, billions of dollars a year are lost in the US due to employee fatigue worsened by a lack of exposure to daylight in their workplaces. Commercial skylights can help recoup these costs and help to spur greater productivity.
Improved Health
The health benefits of natural light are well known and commercial skylights can only increase a person’s access to its positive effects. For many people, a large portion of the daylight hours is spent indoors. Commercial skylights have the advantage of bringing the outside to them and as a result, helping to improve well-being. Additionally, the practical aspects of a well lit commercial space have benefits - occupants are less likely to experience accidents such as falls or work-related injuries that resulted from poor visibility.
