How to get more natural light into large buildings

Introducing more daylight into large industrial and logistics buildings has a number of potential benefits ranging from improving the working environment to asset value. Rooflights can provide the answer for both new-build developments and retrofit projects.

It is common sense that more natural light in a building is better than relying on artificial lighting, with an increasing body of scientific evidence on the benefits of natural light on human health. Firstly, it helps regulate melatonin levels, which in turn promotes a healthy sleep-wake cycle. In addition, our brains are conditioned to respond to the wavelengths of natural light and so it helps improve alertness levels and concentration.

 A good level of natural light in the workplace is also highly desired by employees. A report by Prologis UK found that good natural light was identified by 48% of logistics sector employees as a feature of their ideal workplace. This put it above other commonly desired features of a modern workplace such as access to green spaces, a sense of community, good public transport links and a gym on site. Given these figures, it is no surprise that increased natural light in buildings has been linked to better employee retention and reduced absenteeism rates.

Rooflights play a crucial role in increasing natural light levels in larger buildings and allowing it to reach the areas where employees are working. There is an array of rooflight options available to suit any type of roof and to meet the various requirements of the building. There is often an assumption that a compromise needs to be made between achieving sufficient natural light and maximising renewable energy. Many large buildings now have large rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays to help reduce the energy costs and carbon footprint of the premises, this requires designers to maximise available roof space for all requirements. A relatively small percentage of the roof area needs to be rooflights to deliver sufficient daylight, for example, on a large logistics warehouse this could be around 10 to 15% of the roof area, meaning there is still ample space for PV installations. Ultimately, the best way to optimise the use of roof space is to consider both elements as early as possible in the project to ensure rooflights and solar panels work in harmony together.

There are also environmental benefits to installing high-quality rooflights. The first is that by increasing the levels of natural light inside the building, the dependence on artificial lighting is reduced, allowing lower energy usage for a smaller carbon footprint as well as reduced costs. Thermally efficient modern rooflights can also help minimise heat losses to preserve or even improve the energy efficiency of the building.

In addition, selecting the right rooflights can actually help improve the embodied carbon as, depending on the product, the associated emissions may be lower than the steel roofing typical on warehouse or industrial buildings. We have seen a significant increase in the number of developers looking closely at the environmental credentials of products, partly driven by building regulations but in many cases out of a desire to improve the sustainability of their buildings.

At Brett Martin we are also seeing growth in the number of enquiries regarding refurbishment projects. There is now a greater awareness of the carbon impact of demolishing and rebuilding and so renovation of existing assets is often the preferred option. We are involved in projects to both introduce new rooflights and replace older rooflights that do not meet modern standards of roof safety, thermal efficiency or the level of natural light admitted.

An excellent example of this is a refurbishment project at Smart Systems Ltd manufacturing facility in Bristol. With the building’s original roof coming to the end of its operational life, with instances of water ingress, the refurbishment included the overlaying of a new waterproofing system and the installation of 1,145m² of replacement barrel-vaulted rooflights in eight runs. Along with the waterproofing system, the new rooflights helped to ensure that the new roof was watertight. With improved thermal performance and light transmission, the new rooflights have also had a positive impact on the facility’s energy performance and improved the levels of natural light within the workspace.

Natural light is a precious commodity, especially in larger buildings. Rooflights can help building owners and developers to boost the light levels, creating a healthier, more attractive and more sustainable property.

To find out how Brett Martin can help with your upcoming project, contact our expert support team