Windows and Daylighting
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Overall Strategies
Fiberglass
Storefront / Curtainwall Assemblies
Interior Light Shelves
Clerestory Window
Skylights / Solar Tubes
Skylights / Solar Tubes
Best Practices
- Install double or triple paned glass to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
- Use interior light shelves to effectively distribute the natural light throughout a space.
- Consider installing solar powered window shades or blinds to reduce glare and allow control of the daylight entering a space.
- Use light color schemes such as white or tan painted walls to reflect natural light throughout the space.
- Select durable, efficient window frames that can withstand exposure to exterior elements and reduce thermal bridging.
- Consider windows with low-emissivity coatings to prevent heat and ultra-violet (UV) rays from passing through the glass.
- Consider installing frosted or fritted glass or window blinds to allow daylight to enter the office space while still maintaining privacy.
- Skylights can provide copious ambient light, minimizing the reliance on electric lighting for portions of the day.
- Shading devices can be employed to minimize glare and heat gain.
- Focusing window glazing in a specific direction can assist in either harnessing more direct light (to the south) or providing more diffuse, constant ambient light (to the north).
- Install daylighting control systems (e.g. photosensors) with zones for electric lights that are dimmed or switched off when there is adequate sunlight.
- Commission the lighting controls system to make sure it works as designed.
- Add interior or exterior light shelves to extend the daylighting zone into the laboratory space, while reducing glare. These are most effective on south facades.
- Specify light-colored interior spaces to help distribute natural light more effectively.
- Design work space options to reduce levels of job stress by providing access to daylight, views of nature, flexible areas, and workspace amenities.
- Design work space options to include access to daylight to synchronize circadian rhythms.
- Design work space options to reduce levels of job stress by providing access to daylight, views of nature, flexible areas, and workspace amenities.
- Design workspaces to reduce levels of job stress by providing access to daylight, views of nature, flexible areas, and workspace amenities.
- Design work space options to include access to daylight to synchronize circadian rhythms
Compare Windows and Daylighting Options
Federal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Materials - Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles criteria 5.1)
“Use products that meet or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recycled content recommendations for building construction, modifications, operations, and maintenance, where applicable and as required by statute.”
See the Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) for recycled content recommendations by product type.
US EPA | Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines -
Products ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.3</span>)
“Procure and utilize construction materials and building supplies that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their life cycle when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.”
See the Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) for federal requirements by product type.
Whole Building Design Guide | Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
EPA Greener Products and Services
2018 IgCC Section 901 -
Energy Efficiency ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 2.1</span>)
“Comply with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements that establish Federal building energy efficiency standards and require the purchase, installation, and use of energy efficient products. Employ strategies that continue to optimize energy performance and minimize energy use throughout the operation and life of the building.”
DOE FEMP | Energy- and Water-Efficient Products
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 -
Daylighting and Lighting Controls ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 4.2</span>)
“Maximize opportunities for and benefits of daylighting in regularly occupied space to introduce daylight and views into the spaces, reinforce circadian rhythms, and reduce the use of electrical lighting. Ensure appropriate lighting controls and task lighting.”
2018 IgCC Section 801 -
Indoor Air Quality during Construction and Operations ( <span id="docs-internal-guid-f1e45d2e-bf74-2656-0c1b-777092dd54a0"><span><span>Guiding Principles criteria 4.6</span></span></span>)
“Implement necessary policies and protocols to prevent moisture damage to building materials and protect indoor air quality during renovations, repairs, and construction. Ensure indoor air quality procedures are in place that protect the air quality for occupants of the building during operations”
2018 IgCC Sections 1001 -
Occupant Health and Wellness ( <span id="docs-internal-guid-f1e45d2e-bfa3-fe9d-96f4-ff81811a5b68"><span><span>Guiding Principles criteria 4.9</span></span></span>)
“Design building features and integrate programs and initiatives that promote voluntary physical health and wellness opportunities for the building occupants.”
CDC.gov | Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities
GSA SFTool Health and Wellness Guidance Crosswalk