An Evaluation of the Luminous Performance of a School Environment Integrating Artificial Lighting and Daylight

Abstract

The energy performance of buildings has been extensively studied at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil in order to achieve energy conservation and reduce environmental impacts. Artificial lighting is one of the systems that consume the most electricity in educational buildings; therefore, by adopting measures to improve energy performance, the luminous performance can also be improved. Artificial lighting allows for visual tasks to be accurately and safely carried out by means of lamps of varied temperatures, color rendering index, and luminous performance. Providing adequate lighting in school environments can influence both the health and well-being of school members, contributing positively to productivity. The present study aimed to evaluate the luminous performance of the existing artificial lighting system in a classroom by considering the minimum requirements recommended by the Brazilian standard NBR ISO/CIE 8995-1/2013. Through computer simulations using the DIALux evo program, it was possible to propose actions to improve the existing lighting system in order to offer better visual comfort to users and ensure electricity savings. The artificial lighting system consisted of LED luminaires integrated with daylight and the use of a manual control device, thus generating electricity savings of almost 65% when compared with the existing artificial lighting system in the room.