Daylighting is the process of specification, design and building to maximise the benefits of natural light. Issues such as location of windows, transparent media and reflective surfaces within the design of the building are taken into consideration.

Recommendations are produced which encourage more effective use of energy through less use of electric lighting, passive solar heating or cooling. These recommendations are incorporated into the development and count as credits towards the BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Home Assessment.

The calculation works by ascertaining the daylight factor. This is a ratio between the luminance (from daylight) at a specific point on the plane within a room, expressed as a percentage of the luminance received on an outdoor unobstructed horizontal plane. This calculation is based on an assumed overcast sky.

TREE has conducted numerous Daylighting Calculations for our clients, thereby helping them to achieve the more technical credits of BREEAM and CSH Assessments.