Improvement of Thermal Efficiency Through Natural Lighting: Energy Saving

Roughly a third of Europe’s energy consumption accounts for the housing market. This usage, like that of other homes, mostly in the tertiary sector, contributes for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Artificial lighting accounts for 14% of the European Union’s power use and 19% of the world’s energy usage. By using well-designed natural lighting, controlled when technology and systems which guarantee the usability of all areas inside buildings, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption of lighting or air conditioning. The essay would address the development of technologies and equipment for controlling natural light in buildings, focusing on control methods that not only protect inhabitants from direct sun exposure, but also regulate the absorption of natural light into buildings in compliance with the wishes of occupants, while at the same time allowing for a reduction of natural light. All systems and/or tracking and/or control methods for natural light insure that daylight is consumed and that electrical energy is used to heat and cool.