Daylight

Key contribution

When it comes to maximizing light for green building, Saint-Gobain Glass offers a broad range of solutions, with up to 90% light transmittance, that enable occupants to benefit from natural light as well as to manage glare. In addition, we are the only manufacturer, processor and distributor to supply the worldwide market with maximum overlength dimensions of up to 18 x 3.21 meters.

Aim

To connect building occupants with the outdoors, reinforce circadian rhythms, and reduce the use of electrical lighting by introducing daylight into the space.

Detailed requirement

The first requirement consists in providing manual or automatic (with manual override) glare-control devices for all regularly-occupied spaces.

Three options are proposed to measure the daylight in the building which has to meet specific thresholds:

By simulating, evaluate the spatial daylight autonomy and annual sunlight exposure (2 or 3 points);
By simulating, evaluate the illuminance levels (1 or 2 points);
Measure the illuminance level when the building is finished (2 or 3 points)

Read the detailed requirement for Daylight

Our contribution

Glazing can help maximize the natural light entering a building and maximize autonomy without artificial lighting. When selecting glazing in relation to daylight criteria, it is important to consider the following:

Light transmission (%) that corresponds to the percentage of visible light striking the glazing that will pass through;
Selectivity, a measurement that indicates how effective a coating is at blocking heat but letting in sunlight, depends on the solar factor, also known as the “g value”, and corresponds to the total percentage of solar radiant heat energy transmitted through the glazing;
Glare control, defined by too much light and excessive contrast (meaning the range of luminance in the field of view is too significant)
Average glazed surface that can be increased thanks to lighter fixing systems but also bigger glass panes.

Saint-Gobain solutions offer a wide range of products, while our tools can help to define the best option or match between light transmission and selectivity, according to the outdoor conditions and customer preferences. Below you will find some solution configurations and the associated performances that we can provide:

Saint-Gobain

We offer a fully integrated system, including a movable blind embedded in the cavity of an insulated glass unit, such as CLIMAPLUS ®/CLIMATOP ® SCREENS. Blinds can be controlled manually or electrically so that occupants can adapt the quantity of light all day long and always feel comfortable.

Finally, we have developed lighter fixing systems in order to maximize daylight, such as SPIDER SYSTEM SGG POINT S and SGG POINT X system, or even stronger laminated glass STADIPBUILDER that can be used as a construction product requiring less structure. In addition, since 2018, we are now able to provide over length dimension glass of up to 18 x 3.21 meters in order to open up the landscape and create a special feeling of space.