Daylighting-Renewable Energy System

KLIA

Bukit Raja Shopping Mall

Before the invention of the electric lighting, natural light played a very important role in people’s life. They used daylight to read, write and to do all kinds of work. The use of natural lighting was then forgotten after the advent of the electric bulb. However, the oil crisis forced many people to look for alternative energy sources. Ever since, the use of daylight is becoming increasingly popular especially in building sector.

Daylighting is one of renewable energy sources besides biomass and hydro-power. It actually refers to the practice of placing windows or other openings in a building so that the natural light can give effectual internal lighting. Thus, relying on daylighting can minimize energy consumption in building for lighting and cooling purposes. Daylighting technology such as light pipe is being used widely in western countries but the acceptance in Malaysia is still limited. Here in Malaysia, the Malays apply the concept of daylighting in designing their traditional Malay houses. They do not use artificial lighting during daytime and their house has many windows, which are open in daytime but closed during night.  Nonetheless, they used the curtain to protect heat and gleam from the windows. Consequently, the daylight cannot transmit into the interior.

There are many advantages of using daylighting for interior lighting. Daylighting offers a good money saving strategy. Secondly, daylighting can be used as a supplement to replace some part of lighting system. Natural sunlight is free; therefore it will reduce the operating costs.

Relying on daylighting could reduce the energy consumption for lighting purposes in building. When using daylight, it will reduce of using electricity for the owners of the building.     

After that, daylighting can be used to supplement a lighting system or even replace some system besides giving satisfactory view of the external environment and provide a healthier indoor environment. Healthier environment will improve work productivity.

Some examples of the modern buildings in Malaysia that maximize the use of natural light for interior lighting are Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) and an atrium at Bukit Raja Shopping Mall, Klang.

Written by:

Nurul Huda Kamarulzaman

Norlaily Abdul Rashid

Shahidatul Maslina