EXTERNAL ENVELOPE 53 The business case for daylight
Paul Smith of the Roofl ight Association gives insights from a white paper showing how roofl ights optimise daylight in large commercial buildings, to boost wellbeing, energy effi ciency, and asset value, and offers some design strategies.
T
he Roofl ight Association commissioned a white paper to provide some evidence for what many already know – daylighting matters. And roofl ights are the most effective way to bring natural light into buildings, especially large-span industrial and commercial buildings; making roofl ights essential. The timing of this study is crucial, because without research and strong data, daylighting and roofl ights are in danger of being sidelined, as decision makers favour photovoltaic systems to save energy and reduce carbon. As this white paper proves, combining their collective benefi ts ensures the most favourable outcome for the building’s performance and the people working within it. As the voice of the UK’s roofl ight industry, it is our duty to spread the word and ensure that architects, building designers and decision makers are aware of this.
Why it’s important
The white paper provides architects with a deeper understanding of the benefi ts of natural light and the effectiveness of roofl ights in buildings. This knowledge will help optimise daylighting design solutions, considering factors such as health and wellbeing and energy usage, which will lead to better buildings, increased client satisfaction and happier and healthier building occupants.
What’s inside?
The association appointed esteemed Emeritus Professor John Mardaljevic of Loughborough University to research and write the paper, with the support of our technical committee. This approach has produced an authoritative yet accessible paper that’s easy to understand and digest. The executive summary highlights the key takeaways, while the paper explores the health and wellbeing benefi ts of daylighting and the commercial and environmental
ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
advantages, for example electric light consumption, asset value, and use of space. Energy savings are demonstrated in a comprehensive case study using a 3D model, while design guidance will be of particular interest to architects.
Enhanced understanding of the benefi ts
The white paper delves into the numerous advantages of natural light beyond just illumination; it gives fi ve of the key benefi ts of daylighting and roofl ights in commercial and industrial building design: • Occupants will be connected to the outside and the natural dynamic changes of daylight inside the building. This is essential to promote a healthy 24-hour circadian rhythm (internal body clock).
• Daylighting has been shown to enhance alertness and the concentration of occupants.
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© Howells Patent Glazing
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