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Daylighting is no longer just a design preference it is a measurable performance requirement that directly impacts building quality, occupant wellbeing, and planning compliance.
What Are Daylighting Calculations?
Daylighting calculations assess how much natural light enters internal spaces and whether those spaces meet recognised performance standards.
Using advanced modelling aligned with the latest guidance including BRE 209 and BS EN 17037 we evaluate:
- Daylight Factor (DF) – the ratio of internal to external light under standard conditions
- Daylight Illuminance (DI) – the actual light levels experienced within a space
These metrics allow us to determine whether internal environments achieve sufficient natural light levels for occupant comfort and usability.
Why Daylighting Matters
Well-designed daylighting delivers more than compliance:
- Improves occupant wellbeing and productivity
- Reduces reliance on artificial lighting
- Enhances building value and marketability
- Supports planning approval and sustainability targets
For developers and architects, it’s a key part of delivering high-quality, future-ready buildings.
BREEAM Daylighting Compliance
Daylighting plays a critical role in achieving credits under BREEAM New Construction.
Our assessments are specifically aligned to BREEAM criteria, including:
- Average Daylight Factor ≥ 2%
- Uniformity Ratio ≥ 0.4 across 80% of Net Lettable Area (NLA)
We don’t just report results we provide clear guidance on how to achieve compliance, helping you maximise credits without unnecessary redesign.
Our Approach
We integrate daylighting assessments into your wider project strategy, ensuring results are both technically robust and commercially practical.
Our service includes:
- Detailed daylight modelling using industry-recognised tools
- Assessment in line with BRE 209 and BS EN 17037
- Clear reporting suitable for planning, BREEAM, and client teams
- Design-stage advice to improve daylight performance
- Ongoing technical support throughout the project
As with all Energy Report services, the focus is on solutions — not just compliance outputs.
When Do You Need a Daylighting Assessment?
Daylighting calculations are typically required for:
- BREEAM assessments (New Construction & Refurbishment)
- Planning applications, particularly in urban or constrained sites
- High-density residential developments
- Commercial buildings where occupant comfort is critical
- Design optimisation to improve internal environments
Early-stage input is key the sooner daylighting is considered, the easier it is to achieve compliance.
Integrated with Your Wider Compliance Strategy
Daylighting doesn’t sit in isolation.
At Energy Report, we integrate daylighting with:
- Thermal modelling
- Overheating assessments (Part O)
- SAP and SBEM calculations
- BREEAM assessments and sustainability reports
This ensures a coordinated approach, avoiding conflicts between daylight, overheating, and energy performance.
Why Work with Energy Report?
We combine 17 years of technical expertise with a practical, solutions-led approach
- Clear, easy-to-understand advice
- Fast, responsive communication
- Fully integrated compliance support
- No overcomplicated reporting just what you need to move forward
Most importantly, we understand how buildings are actually delivered so our advice works in the real world, not just on paper.
Speak to Our Team
If you’re working on a project that requires daylighting analysis — or you want to improve natural light performance from the outset — we can help.
Get in touch today to discuss your project and how we can support you.
Need Help with Your Project?
We always welcome new projects so if you need a dedicated consultant, we are here to help. Contact us today to build a better future.
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