Does a daylighting upgrade make sense in these volatile economic times? Will it really make a difference if you upgrade or add a daylighting system? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits a thermal performance upgrade can have on a building-and on the bottom line.
Easy Math
U.S. Department of Energy data from a 1999 study on building consumption shows that lighting takes up 22 percent of the total electricity use in a typical commercial office building, and cooling another 28 percent. Though specific building design and space application may vary from these numbers, they clearly show the benefit of incorporating daylight into a structure. Think of it this way: During peak energy use hours, costs can skyrocket. Daylighting utilizes the abundance of natural light during these hours by harnessing sunlight and distributing it throughout interior spaces. When these spaces are illuminated with correctly designed daylighting, the need for artificial light sources is reduced dramatically, and some spaces can be lit solely by daylight
(if it’s appropriate for the space).
Daylighting with glazing materials like translucent reinforced fiberglass plastic panels can add to these benefits by allowing the incorporation of enhanced thermal performance through a variety of insulation options that can bring center of glazing U-factors to 0.08 for 2.75-inch FRP panels and 0.06 for 4-inch panels. (Compare this to many standard insulated glass systems that offer values around 0.45-0.5 and un-insulated corrugated translucent panels that only offer values around 0.75-0.8.) This enhanced thermal performance can reduce HVAC loads and increase the efficiency of the building.
Even More Benefits
Moving beyond energy savings, daylighting also has numerous benefits to building occupants. A private study from 1999 shows that access to natural light improves student performance in schools. And the well-regarded Rocky Mountain Institute, Snowmass, Colo., long ago showed that increased daylight exposure creates greater productivity and wellness in manufacturing settings and even increases sales in retail settings.
Not all glazing materials are right for every job, however, and it’s important to consider the type of material and its benefits and drawbacks. Utilizing transparent glass in work areas and computer rooms can lead to annoying glare and hot-spots, making for an uncomfortable work or learning environment-or the need for expensive external or internal shading devices. Translucent FRP systems eliminate glare and hot-spots, and block more than 99.9 percent of damaging UV rays.
Incorporating translucent FRP panel systems into most existing projects is simple. Manufacturers like Wausau, Wis.-based Major Industries Inc. offer a Guardian 275 Translucent Adapter Panel that allows for installation into standard commercial windows or curtainwall framing. They allow you to take advantage of the unique look and thermal properties of translucent panels with little modification to the existing system. If a full replacement is in order, translucent FRP systems are around 300 percent lighter than comparable glass systems, allowing for greater design versatility and a reduced need for costly additional support members. Specialty systems that provide blast and hurricane protection, as well as removable systems for easy maintenance access to large equipment, are also available depending on your project’s specific needs.
Take the Plunge
Consider the numerous possibilities and benefits that translucent FRP panel systems provide-such as thermal performance and light control-and see if they’re the right solution for your next project. It has never been easier to reward building owners with a smart, energy-efficient daylighting solution that should pay for itself over a relatively short amount of time-all while benefiting occupants with natural light.
Mark Mitchell is the marketing manager for Wausau, Wis.-based Major Industries Inc., manufacturer of a full line of skylights and translucent curtainwall. For more information, visit www.majorskylights.com.
