Daylight Provisions and Glazing Area

When seeking to limit solar gains consideration should be given to the provision of adequate levels of daylight. BS 8206-2 gives guidance on maintaining adequate levels of daylight. The Building Regulations do not require any minimum daylighting provisions. However, reducing window area produces conflicting impacts on the predicted CO2 emissions: reduced solar gains but increased use of internal lighting. As a general guide, if the area of glazing is significantly less than 20% of the total floor area, some parts of the dwelling may have poor levels of daylight resulting in the increased use of electric lighting.