Envelope

Artificial Lighting and Air Conditioning

Artificial lighting and air conditioning consume the largest amount of electrical energy in a typical commercial building. The two are tied together in that the more artificial lighting used, the greater the heat load imposed on the air conditioning system from lamps and ballasts. Carefully increasing the amount of natural light will decrease the need for artificial light, reducing energy in both lighting and air conditioning systems. However, West facing glass can bring in a significant amount of heat which can be costly to cool in the warmer months. Consider planting trees that lose their leaves in multi-story buildings to shade this glass.