Skylights are not a new concept for warehouses and other industrial buildings, but their history in these spaces has long been considered, "nice to have, not need to have." And that's changing.
With significant evidence-based benefits of natural light in industrial spaces becoming more apparent — both in human factors, like wellbeing and workplace efficiency, and also in terms of energy performance — skylights have become more popular in commercial designs than ever before.
When it comes to commercial architecture, industrial buildings are inherently high-risk. These buildings often house heavy machinery, fast-paced production lines, and long working hours, so safety is a key concern from design to construction to implementation. That means proper light levels are essential in these spaces to protect workers and businesses from financial repercussions and liabilities. With limited natural light, workers are less alert and productive, which can be detrimental to worker health and production capabilities. Utilizing natural light through skylights, however, can help combat eye strain and fatigue in workers and the rising energy costs of illuminating such large spaces.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that daylighting in industrial spaces can increase business profits, productivity, and employee morale, all while lowering energy bills. Similar research by Cornell University professor, Dr. Alan Hedge, found that natural light improved workers' health and wellness, citing a 51% drop in eyestrain, a 63% drop in headaches, and a 56% reduction in drowsiness.
To achieve these benefits and for optimum efficiency, workspaces and loading docks should have an illuminance level of 150-300 lux. Engineering and mechanical spaces should provide 300-750 lux.
Fresh air is a necessity when it comes to industrial building design and healthy working conditions. But larger commercial buildings, like industrial warehouses, typically have more complex requirements to control air quality. Therefore, the ventilation rate is often a result of cooling needs rather than the need for fresh air supply to building occupants.
Natural ventilation through skylights can be combined with mechanical ventilation systems to minimize the strain on heating and cooling systems. In industrial spaces with high ceilings, venting skylights and mechanical ventilation work together to create the stack effect, which quickly releases hot, CO2 emissions for cooler, fresher air.
Artificial lighting is one of the largest sources of energy consumption in commercial and industrial spaces, account for nearly 40% of a building's energy expenditure. But with highly visible light transmittance skylights, buildings can become less dependent on artificial lighting sources. With natural light from above, electric lights can be turned off an average of 70-80% of the time. Proper daylighting as been shown to recoup the cost of skylights in fewer than two years. Along with the reduction in electric lighting, this savings can provide long-term energy conservation and overall lower energy costs.
Skylights can also offer energy efficiency and savings when combined with advanced glazing that provide low U-values to reduce thermal transmittance, which helps stabilize building temperatures for superior thermal efficiency.
From initial concept through assessment and planning, VELUX Commercial Daylighting Experts can help you achieve your design goals, ensuring you have the daylighting resources you need.