Introduction
In 2019, California made history when it became the first state to enact a statewide daylighting law (SB 12). This groundbreaking legislation aims to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and promote occupant well-being by maximizing the use of natural daylight in buildings.
Understanding the Law
SB 12 requires all new commercial and multifamily residential buildings over 7,500 square feet to install daylighting systems that provide adequate illumination throughout the occupied spaces. The law specifies minimum daylighting levels, glazed openings, and glazing performance requirements.
Benefits of Daylighting
Daylighting offers numerous benefits for buildings and occupants alike:
Implementation Challenges
However, implementing SB 12 can pose certain challenges for building designers and owners:
Compliance Strategies
To comply with SB 12, designers can employ various strategies:
Tips and Tricks
Case Studies
Story 1:
What we learn: Strategic window placement and shading devices can balance daylighting with privacy concerns.
Story 2:
What we learn: Advanced glazing technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption while providing adequate daylighting.
Story 3:
What we learn: Daylighting can contribute to a workplace's productivity and employee morale.
Tables
Table 1: Minimum Daylight Levels According to SB 12
Space Type | Daylight Factor Threshold |
---|---|
Offices | 5% |
Classrooms | 5% |
Hospitals | 3% |
Retail stores | 2% |
Table 2: Energy Savings Potential of Daylighting Systems
Building Type | Estimated Energy Savings |
---|---|
Office buildings | 15-40% |
Schools | 10-20% |
Hospitals | 5-15% |
Table 3: Costs Associated with Daylighting Systems
Component | Cost Range |
---|---|
High-performance glazing | $20-$50 per square foot |
Shading devices | $10-$20 per square foot |
Daylight studies | $5,000-$20,000 per building |
Pros and Cons of Daylighting
Pros:
Cons:
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