Harnessing natural light for energy efficiency in buildings

Abstract

This paper is written within the premise that lighting accounts for a sizeable portion of the total energy requirements of Sri Lanka.It is also noted that efficiency planned usage of daylight for building interours could result in considerable savings in energy and thereby lead to energy efficiency.TRhe intention of this article is to highlight few key design criteria which must be considered by architects in harnessing natural light to make the buildings they create energy efficient.Although these criteria are commonly known,lack of understanding and application are amply demonstrated in contemporary Sri Lankan buildings.