The building envelope and its influence on natural lighting

Abstract

The high electricity consumption recorded in some buildings in Latin American cities is increasingly apparent and has become a strategic priority in official energy efficiency programs. In order to save energy in buildings without interfering with visual activities that require specific lighting levels, it is necessary to take into account not only the amount, but also the quality of lighting that has an impact on workplaces. This article sets out the results of the evaluation of different glazing materials considered as alternatives for building envelopes. The experiment was conducted in the Habitat Sciences Laboratory (LASH) at the National School of Public Works (ENTP) in Lyon, France, in the spring of 2010. A transverse, sequential methodology was used with the main objective of analyzing said glazing materials and physical models in simulated environments, to obtain results that differentiate their utilization in spaces with varying uses: from those that need a certain minimum percentage of daylight factor, to those that require special visual details for the accomplishment of specific tasks. Subsequently, the results of different materials were compared. The parameters mentioned were obtained through an analysis of the distribution of light and photometry of finishes on walls, floors and ceilings.