FYI: Consultation on IES RP-46 Recommended Practice: Supporting the Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Lighting in Interior Daytime Environments closes April 10:
Advantages of natural light in educational occupancies:
- Improved academic performance: Studies have shown that students exposed to natural light perform better academically compared to those in classrooms with artificial lighting.
- Energy efficiency: Natural light can help to reduce energy consumption and costs associated with artificial lighting.
- Positive impact on health and well-being: Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and better sleep quality.
- Reduced absenteeism: Natural light has been shown to reduce absenteeism in schools, which can have a positive impact on student learning outcomes.
Disadvantages of natural light in educational occupancies:
- Glare and heat gain: Natural light can create glare and heat gain, which can be uncomfortable and distracting for students and teachers.
- Inconsistent lighting levels: Natural light levels can vary throughout the day and seasonally, which can make it difficult to maintain consistent lighting levels in a classroom.
- Limited control: Unlike artificial lighting, natural light cannot be easily controlled or adjusted to meet the needs of a specific classroom.
- Exposure to harmful UV rays: Prolonged exposure to natural light can also lead to harmful UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and other health problems.
Overall, natural light has many advantages in educational occupancies, but it is important to carefully consider the potential disadvantages and to design spaces that optimize the benefits of natural light while minimizing the drawbacks.
