Sustainability in lighting and the role of daylight

Abstract

Starting from the larger context of sustainability, the relation of lighting and sustainability is sketched, both its impact on ecological aspects (energy, material use and pollution) and on aspects of well being (visual comfort and social aspects). As a practical concept for improving the sustainability of lighting, the principle of the Trias Ecologica is presented. Hereafter the lecture focuses specifically on the role of daylight within this principle. First the functional use of daylighting is discussed: pros and cons of daylight versus artificial light in interior design, the assessment of daylight, the aspects influencing the daylight in a room and some easy-to-use software for daylight assessment. Then, different ways of designing of/with daylighting are presented and illustrated with a wide range of inspiring examples of daylight use in interior design.