Committee on the Environment Forum: Toplighting with Daylighting

Daylight harvesting in building structures is an important issue that affects clients and owners. The energy use associated with interior lighting is enormous in the energy savings scheme of items that can reduce costs immediately with a minimum of capital investment.

The use of top lighting and skylights to increase natural daylighting and provide a more natural lighted interior is an important factor to save energy. Since roofing is always involved with the addition of skylights, it is important to understand the factors affecting the issues of daylight harvesting so that you are better prepared to inform your clients and customers of the benefits and savings.

This seminar will discuss information provided by government agencies, utilities, non-profit agencies, and independent consultants regarding the needs, standards in the state, special uses, and incentives for daylighting. We will also discuss and how this can be incorporated into roofing systems in new construction and retrofit roofing situations.

California has saved 22% of its energy use thru daylighting, the largest single source of energy savings in the state. Two example sectors that dramatically demonstrate could greatly benefit from daylighting are schools and retail.

California’s schools spend more than $450 million a year on energy—more than their budget for books and supplies. Increasing the efficiency of the building design could save 20 to 40 percent of that expense, either in new design or retrofit. By integrating high-performance features in the earliest stages, the design community can create schools that enhance teaching and learning, reduce operating costs, and protect the environment. The CHP’s (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) Program does just that by offering standards, guidelines, and assistance in school design. Another useful tool available to the designer is the “energy DESIGN resources” guide.

Southern California Edison recently performed an energy simulation study to identify energy efficiency opportunities for Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse stores. This study investigated the energy benefits of selected design alternatives including the integration of high efficiency lighting systems, daylighting strategies, and high efficiency HVAC units. The study concluded that the greatest opportunity for energy savings would be skylighting with automatic photoelectric controls that turn off electric lights when interior daylight levels are ample. This reduces both lighting and cooling loads, since reduced electric lighting decreases cooling loads. To maximize skylighting potential, skylights should be placed over aisles in the store’s high rack areas. Optimizing the number of skylights, their location, and lighting control strategies can further reduce the energy consumption of stores in California.

Ray Capowich, VELUX Commercial Marketing and Solar Hot Water Specialist

Ray is the Regional Commercial Marketing Manager and Solar Hot Water Specialist with VELUX the world’s largest Flat Plate Collector Manufacturer, as well as an international expert in the construction field with a career in Commercial Roofing and the Building Envelope .

Besides USA, he has worked on projects in China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, and throughout Asia . Before joining VELUX in April 2003, he was the Head of the Commercial Roofing Division Asia of Firestone Building Products where he was supporting the FSBP efforts in Asia on integrating large Commercial Roofing Projects for USA and Multinational clients Facilities in Asia. Before joining FSBP, he was the General Manager for BF Goodrich Asian Regional operations.

Ray has been a past member of CSI, RCI, NRCA and other construction technical associations.

7/30/10
Committee on the Environment Forum: Toplighting with Daylighting
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600 or Andrea Powell, Intl. Assoc. AIA
Cost: None; this program open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600