Natural lighting is an architectural and civil engineering resource with great appeal in industry, both in small companies and in large industrial complexes. Among the possible ways to take advantage of natural light in an industrial building, there is the use of:
- Translucent material on facades and roofs
- Light tubes or ducts
- Skylights
- Point and linear/continuous domes
Among these solutions, the most recommended and used in factories and industrial constructions in general are the domus, so we will deal with them with higher priority here. There is more specific information about the use of domus for natural lighting in the industry in this text.
There's just no reason to turn to sunlight over lamps as much as possible. There are many.
Saving electricity
Optimizing energy efficiency is among the main reasons for companies that turn to natural lighting, without a doubt. There is a very significant saving in electricity, which would be spent on artificial lighting. It is even possible to completely eliminate the use of light bulbs and rely solely on natural lighting for most of the day. – how it happens in this stove factory in Timbó – SC.
Natural lighting in industry – more intense and homogeneous
The ideal is to be able to take advantage of natural light in the most homogeneous way possible, that is, that the light is not only intense but also quite diffuse. This is important so that the lighting is not limited to a small area inside the factory or warehouse, but is comprehensive.
Look the example of a wholesale supermarket which implemented linear domes and, even with the lights off, it remains a luminosity six times bigger than it was before.
With good strategies and materials, heat can be avoided
An important challenge to be considered when choosing a natural lighting solution for Industry is the heat generated by sunlight: how to use light to prevent heat and harmful radiation from the sun from reaching the interior of the building
Facades and roofs made of translucent material (such as polycarbonate roofing) can resort to the use of sunshades, limiting direct light and creating shadows that maintain a pleasant internal temperature.
Domuses, an excellent solution for overhead lighting (lighting from the roof or roof) can use materials that make the most of light and prevent excessive heating, as we have already discussed here: Natural Lighting and Heat.
Finally, the combination of a natural lighting system with a natural ventilation generates excellent results in the balance between the use of sunlight and thermal comfort.
Fast and certain return on investment
Knowing how much is spent on electricity dedicated to lighting within the company, it is possible to know how much will be saved. Consequently, it is not difficult to calculate how long the investment made in a natural lighting system will return in the form of financial savings.
An adequate and well-implemented natural lighting system will bring good results in the short term..
Are you interested in these metrics and want to know how to calculate them? Be sure to check out our article: ROI and Payback: Calculate the Return on Investing in Electricity Savings.
Employee health and well-being
In addition to the economic benefits already described, the Industry benefits from the increase in productivity brought by natural lighting through the improvement of the working environment and the consequent improvement in the health and well-being of employees.
The main consequence of exposure to natural light is the regularity of the “biological clock”, which ends up improve mood, wakefulness, and metabolism and immune system. The use of sunlight replacing artificial light is even a hygiene factor, as limit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
The impact of natural lighting on well-being goes beyond the physiological: independent studies and research show that it reduces the effects of depression and relates it to a greater degree of satisfaction with the environment.
Read more: white or yellow light: ideal lighting in the work environment
Suitable for new industrial constructions – and old ones too
Factories and warehouses already built that do not have intelligent and sustainable natural lighting systems are not prevented from taking advantage of this strategy. THE retrofit – the modernization of buildings introducing efficiency and sustainability – is a rapidly growing trend.
Find out more by reading our article on the topic, Retrofit for Industry: renew to spend less.
Domus Linealight from Grupo MB are among the best, most durable and efficient natural lighting solutions for industrial civil engineering. If you want to know a reason to choose MB Group domes, we we will give you 6.
Do you have any further questions about natural lighting solutions for Industry? Use the form below to contact us or request a quote – which will be created and sent within three working days.
