Several studies have shown that natural light has immense benefits compared to artificial ones, especially when it comes to productivity. When it comes to commercial spaces, these benefits become a lot more prevalent as their effects become quite clear from the get-go.
Skylights are a great source of natural light in commercial and office settings. Not only are they beneficial for employees, but also have a much more profound impact on customer psyche as well. You also get the added benefit of enhanced aesthetic appeal of your building, all while contributing to a greener world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top benefits that natural light highlights in commercial properties.
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the most compelling reasons to install skylights in commercial properties is the potential for energy efficiency and cost savings. According to the Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology, natural light can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting. This concept is called daylighting.
Daylighting systems such as skylights, atriums, and large windows help businesses reduce the cost of electric consumption. This, in turn, reduces the overall fixed cost of your business. There is also the benefit of a smaller carbon footprint for your business. A study published in Smart and Sustainable Built Environment discussed in detail how atriums and different skylight systems can lead to improved sustainability for a property.
This opens several doors for your commercial property; from improved sustainability goals to better CSR alignment, compliance with a greener future, and enhanced appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. These factors collectively contribute to a more resilient and forward-thinking brand image, positioning your business as a leader in environmental responsibility and innovation within your industry.
2. Enhanced Productivity and Employee Well-Being
There is no doubt that natural light can have a profound impact on employee productivity and well-being. For instance, a study titled A Room with a View published by the NRC discussed how windows improve individual work and well-being in an office setting.
Countless studies have all come to the same conclusion that natural light exposure is linked directly to a number of physical and psychological improvements in workers. These include, but are not limited to:
- Increased productivity and performance levels,
- Enhanced mood and overall well-being,
- Reduced eyestrain and headaches,
- Better sleep quality, especially for shift workers,
- Improved alertness, concentration, and focus,
- And a much better, stable mental health.
One of the most dominant factors here is that employees who work in environments with ample natural light tend to experience less fatigue and eye strain. Another study discussing the impact on productivity of natural vs. artificial light showed that how we perceive our environment changes drastically in natural light, compared to how we see it under artificial lights.
Skylights bring “new light” into commercial properties and offices, hence making things much clearer for employees. This clarity leads to better performance, and therefore, better job satisfaction. A study published in the Journal of Sustainable Real Estate found that office spaces with better daylighting had higher occupancy rates and tenant satisfaction, especially on overcast or cloudy days.
3. Improved Health and Reduced Absenteeism
One of the most prevalent impacts that natural light has on the human psyche is that of regulating our circadian rhythms. These rhythms are essential for maintaining healthy sleep patterns. You may have experienced this from time to time, when you look out a window at the office or up a skylight, and your eyes seem to relax looking at the natural light.
Furthermore, the exposure to natural light and the nature outside helps synchronize the body’s internal clock. The more exposure to natural light there is compared to artificial light, the better your sleep quality gets at night.
Skylights are the perfect way to introduce this natural light across the property. While windows help bring in light with a view to a specific area, skylights distribute light evenly in properties, allowing for better exposure. This, in turn, can reduce absenteeism and improve overall health among employees.
Studies have also shown that access to natural light is associated with reduced instances of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders in employees. Without skylights, windows, or other sources of light, there is a good chance that employees may burn out sooner.
Natural light has been shown to stimulate creativity and innovation among employees. Well-lit environments incorporating natural light via skylights have been seen to introduce a sense of “openness” and positivity into a workspace. In commercial settings, where boxes and rims of paper can often lead to a drowning sensation in employees, skylights serve as the best way to help maintain and improve employee performance.
Skylights have been known to have a direct impact on encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving among employees. Companies that prioritize natural light in their office designs often report higher levels of innovation and collaborative success.
4. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal and Building Value
Skylights can transform the aesthetic appeal of commercial properties by creating bright and welcoming spaces. The influx of natural light can enhance architectural features, making spaces appear larger and more inviting.
This helps improve the experience for employees and clients, all while increasing the overall value of the property. According to Medium, buildings that have modern daylighting solutions integrated into them, such as skylights, often attract higher rents and retain tenants longer. The same is true for employee retention and attraction.
5. Compliance with Building Standards and Certifications
Many green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), focus on the importance of natural light and energy efficiency. Incorporating skylights can help commercial properties achieve these certifications, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and best practices in building design.
This can enhance the reputation of a business and attract eco-conscious clients and partners.
The Verdict
There are a number of benefits that come to light by installing skylights on your commercial property. From helping reduce energy costs to environmental sustainability, improved employee well-being, and increased property value, skylights can be a valuable value-addition for any property owner.
The idea behind investing in skylight solutions is to help you create healthier, more productive work environments while also contributing to broader sustainability goals. VTECH skylights is known for its remarkable build quality and its one-of-a-kind solid-state skylights.
These skylights are not only suitable for all sorts of commercial settings, but also contribute to the structural integrity of your property. Our skylights are known for their strength, durability, and long life, all while improving the influx of natural light into your property.
If you are looking to enhance your property with the benefits of natural light into your commercial property through skylights, get in touch with our experts today for a free quote. We are a trusted skylight manufacturer for some of the best skylights out there. Let us help you improve your property, too!