Why is daylighting important for energy efficiency and occupant well-being?

• A. It reduces electric lighting needs and improves comfort and productivity.
• B. It increases cooling loads significantly.
• C. It has no measurable effect on occupant comfort.
• D. It complicates architectural design without benefits.

Answer: (A)

Daylighting provides natural light to interior spaces, which lowers the need for artificial lighting during daytime and reduces energy use and associated heat from lighting. This helps improve overall energy efficiency. Beyond energy Savings, daylighting supports occupant well-being: exposure to natural light strengthens circadian rhythms, boosts mood and alertness, and enhances visual comfort and task performance through better color rendering and connection to the outdoors. To get these benefits without drawbacks like glare or overheating, daylighting should be thoughtfully designed with appropriate window placement, shading, and daylight-responsive controls that maintain comfortable illumination levels throughout the day.