Using skylights, light shelves and other natural lighting techniques to help illuminate school spaces pays dividends beyond just saving energy and money. Studies have shown that natural lighting in schools can lead to higher test scores and better work habits, as well as a decrease in headaches, fatigue and eye strain among staff and students. Daylighting also supports the natural circadian rhythm of hormones which regulate body systems and moods.

When properly integrated with a school's electric lighting system, daylighting systems can result in immediate cost and energy savings. Skylights can also provide opportunities for fresh air ventilation.

Resources:

The Guide for Daylighting Schools is a colorful and informative planning guide produced for Daylight Dividends, a joint national program of the Department of Energy and several state energy associations, administered by the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The Daylighting Collaborative was initiated by the Energy Center of Wisconsin, and its website provides great information about daylighting and act as a gateway to other resources.