Financial Viability of Energy Conservation Using Natural Light in an Academic Building in Temperate Zone

Abstract

The environment of a regularly occupied space can be extensively improved by maximum utilization of natural light/daylight, which is available in abundance. In Indian climate, availability of sufficient day light in both direct and diffused form of radiation can lead to reduction in dependency on artificial lighting thus, decreasing energy demand for artificial lighting system. In this study, an institutional building in New Delhi, India is analyzed for its daylighting characteristics. The academic block of a building comprising all categories of regularly spaces is modeled and simulated using Integrated environmental solutions - virtual environment (IES VE). The objective is to analyze the extent of penetration of natural light into these spaces of the building for reducing energy requirement for artificial lighting by studying a room, which performs the worst as per present case parameters. The conclusion puts forth the optimal solutions for utilizing maximum day light in a work space, complying with standards set forth by building construction council by utilizing the principles for increasing luminous flux level through visual light transmittance, window-to-wall ratio, and controlled usage of artificial lighting. Considering all these factors in the analysis, energy savings and carbon mitigation due to these savings in regularly occupied spaces are finally evaluated.