Daylighting

Term from Green Building industry explained for recruiters

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate building interiors. It's a key concept in green building design that helps reduce energy costs and creates healthier indoor spaces. Think of it as strategically placing windows, skylights, and other openings to maximize sunlight while managing heat and glare. This approach is important in modern sustainable architecture because it reduces the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours, which saves energy and can help buildings earn green certifications like LEED. Similar terms you might see include "natural lighting," "passive lighting," or "solar lighting."

Examples in Resumes

Designed office building that achieved 75% reduction in lighting costs through Daylighting strategies

Implemented Natural Daylighting solutions in school renovation project, improving student well-being

Created Daylighting analysis reports for LEED certification requirements

Optimized Daylighting systems to reduce energy consumption by 40% in retail spaces

Typical job title: "Daylighting Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Sustainable Design Consultant Green Building Specialist Lighting Designer Energy Efficiency Consultant LEED Consultant Architectural Lighting Designer Building Performance Analyst

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach daylighting design for a large office building with deep floor plates?

Expected Answer: A senior specialist should discuss multiple strategies like light shelves, atria, clerestory windows, and how to balance natural light with thermal comfort. They should mention computer modeling tools and ROI calculations for various solutions.

Q: How do you measure the success of a daylighting strategy?

Expected Answer: Should explain metrics like daylight factor, useful daylight illuminance, energy savings calculations, and post-occupancy evaluations. Should also mention user comfort surveys and LEED credit requirements.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when designing a daylighting system?

Expected Answer: Should mention building orientation, window placement, glare control, seasonal changes, and integration with artificial lighting. Should also discuss basic energy calculations.

Q: How do you balance daylighting with energy efficiency?

Expected Answer: Should explain the relationship between natural light and heat gain/loss, mention glazing options, shading devices, and how to coordinate with HVAC systems.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic benefits of daylighting?

Expected Answer: Should mention energy savings, improved occupant well-being, reduced artificial lighting needs, and contribution to green building certifications.

Q: What are common daylighting strategies?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic concepts like windows, skylights, light shelves, and simple controls for managing natural light.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of natural lighting principles
  • Familiarity with green building standards
  • Simple daylighting calculations
  • Knowledge of window and skylight types

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Daylighting simulation software use
  • Energy saving calculations
  • Integration with building systems
  • LEED documentation experience

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex daylighting strategy development
  • Project team leadership
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Advanced modeling and simulation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic sun path and building orientation principles
  • Unfamiliarity with green building standards like LEED
  • Lack of experience with lighting simulation tools
  • No understanding of energy code requirements