We are proud to announce the 2025 Best in Building Health Awards, click here to learn more! Also, enroll in our updated Ambassador Course, now aligned with the Fitwel v3 Standard and FSP - Fitwel Scale Certification. Use code 2025BiBH10 for 10% off at checkout.
Skip to main content

08. Shared Spaces - Daylighting Access

MYLES
  • Updated

Provide access to natural daylight

Rationale: Implementing design strategies, such as high-visible light transmittance and optimal window-to-wall ratios, increases access to natural daylight, which supports circadian rhythm regulation — contributing to wide-ranging health benefits including improved sleep quality, a strengthened immune system, and lower stress levels.

 

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Window-to-Wall Ratio (Full Credit):

To achieve full credit, demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

 

  1. Ensure that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces in the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%.
      • Qualifying regularly occupied spaces must include but are not limited to the following:
          • Workspaces: which include workstations, flexible workspaces, individual offices, and circulation between workstations. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces
          • Common spaces and amenities: which include spaces where occupants can gather to work, eat, take breaks, or meet — such as meeting rooms, lounge or break areas, multipurpose rooms, resource centers, fitness facilities, exercise rooms and reception areas. Note that lactation rooms and quiet rooms may be excluded from this calculation.
  1. Provide a minimum window-to-wall ratio of 35% on each regularly occupied floor of the building(s).
  2. Provide educational materials specifying the health benefits of access to daylight to all full- and part-time employees and staff within the building(s) through a minimum of one of the following methods:
        • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
        • communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters

 

Option 2 - Natural Daylight Simulation Score (Full Credit):

The project may achieve full credit by demonstrating compliance with all of the following requirements:

 

  1. Ensure an average sDA300,50% is achieved for a minimum of 60% of the floor area across all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).
      • Qualifying regularly occupied spaces must include but are not limited to the following:
          • Workspaces: which include workstations, flexible workspaces, individual offices, and circulation between workstations. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces
          • Common spaces and amenities: which include spaces where occupants can gather to work, eat, take breaks, or meet — such as meeting rooms, lounge or break areas, multipurpose rooms, resource centers, fitness facilities, exercise rooms and reception areas. Note that lactation rooms and quiet rooms may be excluded from this calculation.
  2. Provide educational materials specifying the health benefits of access to daylight to all full- and part-time employees and staff within the building(s) through a minimum of one of the following methods:
        • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
        • communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters

 

Option 3 - Natural Daylight Calculation (Full Credit):

The project may achieve full credit by demonstrating compliance with all of the following requirements:

 

  1. Ensure that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces in the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%.
      • Qualifying regularly occupied spaces must include but are not limited to the following:
          • Workspaces: which include workstations, flexible workspaces, individual offices, and circulation between workstations. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces
          • Common spaces and amenities: which include spaces where occupants can gather to work, eat, take breaks, or meet — such as meeting rooms, lounge or break areas, multipurpose rooms, resource centers, fitness facilities, exercise rooms and reception areas. Note that lactation rooms and quiet rooms may be excluded from this calculation.
  2. Ensure that 60% of the floor area across all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) includes access to natural daylight.

Note that all qualifying regularly occupied spaces outlined above must be included in the daylight calculation.

Qualifying Calculation:

To calculate the total percentage of access to daylight across all regularly occupied common space(s) follow the steps below and input the required values in the tables on the calculation tab to apply the following formula [((A + B) / C) x 100)]:

Step 1, determine C: establish the total area of regularly occupied common space(s).

Step 2, determine A and B: establish the area with access to daylight, using the windows located in the regularly occupied common space identified for C in Step 1 by applying the following:

– (i) to determine A, identify each window with access to daylight for north and south façades and input the required values in the table for each identical window with access to daylight to apply the following formula: North and South façades Area with Access to Daylight = [(Window(s) Head Height x 1.5) x (Window(s) Width + 2 feet from the right side of the window(s) + 2 feet from the left side of the window(s))].

– (ii) to determine B, identify each window with access to daylight for east and west façades and input the required values in the table for each identical window with access to daylight to apply the following formula: East and West façades Area with Access to Daylight = [(Window(s) Head Height) x (Window(s) Width)].

– (iii) repeat steps (i) and (ii) on each unique window type within the space.

– (iv) determine A and B by adding the results calculated from Step (i) and (ii).

Step 3, determine the percentage: to determine the percentage of the regularly occupied common space(s) with access to natural daylight, apply the formula [((A + B) / C) x 100)].

Step 4, repeat steps 1 through 3 for each regularly occupied common space within the project.

 

Permanent furniture partitions or other permanent features that measure above 42 inches or 106 centimeters are considered obstructions of natural daylight. Areas behind these obstructions should not to be included in the daylit area. Window head height is the height of the window measured from the finished floor level to the top of the window frame.

If there are spaces behind walls and obstructions: Subtract those areas behind obstructions from the total area with access to daylight (A+B). These obstructed areas include spaces behind partitions 42 inches or higher as well as enclosed rooms. The final formula would appear like this: ((A+B) - area behind obstructions) / C.

 

Option 4 - Natural Daylight Calculation 51% - (Partial Credit):

Provide access to natural daylight by demonstrating compliance with the following:

  1. Ensure that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces in the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%.
      • Qualifying regularly occupied spaces must include but are not limited to the following:
          • Workspaces: which include workstations, flexible workspaces, individual offices, and circulation between workstations. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces
          • Common spaces and amenities: which include spaces where occupants can gather to work, eat, take breaks, or meet — such as meeting rooms, lounge or break areas, multipurpose rooms, resource centers, fitness facilities, exercise rooms and reception areas. Note that lactation rooms and quiet rooms may be excluded from this calculation.
  2. Ensure that 51% of the floor area across all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) includes access to natural daylight.

      • Note that all qualifying regularly occupied spaces outlined above must be included in the daylight calculation.

        Qualifying Calculation:

        To calculate the total percentage of access to daylight within each regularly occupied common space(s) follow the steps below and input the required values in the tables on the calculation tab to apply the following formula [((A + B) / C) x 100)]:

        Step 1, determine C: establish the total area of the regularly occupied common space.
        Step 2, determine A and B: establish the area with access to daylight, using the windows located in the regularly occupied common space identified for C in Step 1 by applying the following:
        – (i) to determine A, identify each window with access to daylight for north and south façades and input the required values in the table for each identical window with access to daylight to apply the following formula: North and South façades Area with Access to Daylight = [(Window(s) Head Height x 1.5) x (Window(s) Width + 2 feet from the right side of the window(s) + 2 feet from the left side of the window(s))].
        – (ii) to determine B, identify each window with access to daylight for east and west façades and input the required values in the table for each identical window with access to daylight to apply the following formula: East and West façades Area with Access to Daylight = [(Window(s) Head Height) x (Window(s) Width)].
        – (iii) repeat steps (i) and (ii) on each unique window type within the space.
        – (iv) determine A and B by adding the results calculated from Step (i) and (ii).
        Step 3, determine the percentage: to determine the percentage of the regularly occupied common space(s) with access natural daylight, apply the formula [((A + B) / C) x 100)].
        Step 4, repeat steps 1 through 3 for each regularly occupied common space within the project.

         

        Permanent furniture partitions or other permanent features that measure above 42 inches or 106 centimeters are considered obstructions of natural daylight. Areas behind these obstructions should not to be included in the daylit area. Window head height is the height of the window measured from the finished floor level to the top of the window frame.

        If there are spaces behind walls and obstructions: Subtract those areas behind obstructions from the total area with access to daylight (A+B). These obstructed areas include spaces behind partitions 42 inches or higher as well as enclosed rooms. The final formula would appear like this: ((A+B) - area behind obstructions) / C

  3. Provide educational materials specifying the health benefits of access to daylight to all full- and part-time employees and staff within the building(s) through a minimum of one of the following methods:
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters

 

Option 5 - Natural Daylight Simulation Score 51% - (Partial Credit):

Provide access to natural daylight by meeting all of the following requirements:

  1. Ensure an average sDA300,50% is achieved for a minimum of 51% of the floor area across all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).
      • Qualifying regularly occupied spaces must include but are not limited to the following:
          • Workspaces: which include workstations, flexible workspaces, individual offices, and circulation between workstations. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces
          • Common spaces and amenities: which include spaces where occupants can gather to work, eat, take breaks, or meet — such as meeting rooms, lounge or break areas, multipurpose rooms, resource centers, fitness facilities, exercise rooms and reception areas. Note that lactation rooms and quiet rooms may be excluded from this calculation.
  2. Provide educational materials specifying the health benefits of access to daylight to all full- and part-time employees and staff within the building(s) through a minimum of one of the following methods:
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters

 

Option 6 - Equivalent Standard (Full Credit):

Provide access to natural daylight through an equivalent credit by meeting all of the following requirements:

  1. Achieve credit for one of the following equivalent credits on a current and valid certification for the project:
      • LEED v4 BD+C: Daylight, Option 2 OR Option 3.
      • LEED v4.1 BD+C EQ Credit: Daylight, Option 2 OR Option 3.
  2. Provide educational materials specifying the health benefits of access to daylight to all full- and part-time employees and staff within the building(s) through a minimum of one of the following methods:
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters

 

Compliance Documentation

Design

Option 1

Requirement 1

  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%. 
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) showing all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).
  • Upload glazing specifications showing the VLT level of the windows.

Requirement 2

  • Upload an annotated plan(s) identifying the window-to-wall ratio for each regularly occupied floor of the building(s).

Requirement 3

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials will be shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff through the following methods (select all that apply):
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that will be shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff identifying the required information that will be included.

 

Option 2

Requirement 1

  • Upload annotated computer simulation calculations showing the sDA range of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials will be shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff through the following methods (select all that apply): 
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that will be shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff identifying the required information that will be included.

 

Option 3

Requirement 1

  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%. 
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) showing all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).
  • Upload glazing specifications showing the VLT level of the windows.

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that 60% of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) will include access to natural daylight.
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) detailing the areas with natural daylight across all regularly occupied spaces.
  • Upload the qualifying calculation detailing the planned percentage of daylit area within the building(s) using the required formulas.

 

Option 4

Requirement 1

  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%. 
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) showing all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) and the VLT of the windows within the spaces that will be included.
  • Upload glazing specifications showing the VLT level of the windows.

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that 51% of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) will include access to natural daylight.
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) detailing the areas with natural daylight across all regularly occupied spaces.
  • Upload the qualifying calculation detailing the planned percentage of daylit area within the building(s) using the required formula.
  • Text box to input the total square feet of all regularly occupied spaces
  • Text box to input the number of square feet of regularly occupied space with access to natural daylight
  • Text box to input the number of square feet of regularly occupied space located behind all furniture partitions or other permanent features above 42 inches or 106 centimeters

Requirement 3

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials will be shared through the following methods (select all that apply): 
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the materials that will be shared identifying the required information that will be included.

 

Option 5

Requirement 1

  • Upload annotated computer simulation calculations showing the sDA range of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials will be shared through the following methods (select all that apply): 
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the materials that will be shared identifying the required information that will be included.

 

Option 6

Requirement 1

  • Upload the official report of the qualifying equivalent credit showing:
      • a current, valid certification for the project
      • the project's address
      • the rating system and version
      • proof of award of the equivalent credit.

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials will be shared through the following methods (select all that apply):
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that will be shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff identifying the required information that will be included.

 

Built

Option 1

Requirement 1

  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%. 
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) showing all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).
  • Upload glazing specifications showing the VLT level of the windows.

Requirement 2

  • Upload an annotated plan(s) identifying the window-to-wall ratio for each regularly occupied floor of the building(s).
  • Upload a calculation demonstrating that a minimum window-to-wall ratio of 35% is met for each regularly occupied floor of the building(s).

Requirement 3

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials are shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff through the following methods (select all that apply):
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that are shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff identifying the required information that is included.

 

Option 2

Requirement 1

  • Upload annotated computer simulation calculations showing the sDA range of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials are shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff through the following methods (select all that apply):
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that are shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff identifying the required information that is included.

 

Option 3

Requirement 1

  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%. 
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) showing all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).
  • Upload glazing specifications showing the VLT level of the windows.

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that 60% of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) includes access to natural daylight.
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) detailing the areas with natural daylight across all regularly occupied spaces.
  • Upload the qualifying calculation detailing the percentage of daylit area within the building(s) using the required formulas.

 

Option 4

Requirement 1

  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) can exceed a Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 40%. 
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) showing all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) and the VLT of the windows within the spaces that will be included.
  • Upload glazing specifications showing the VLT level of the windows.

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that 51% of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s) include access to natural daylight.
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) detailing the areas with natural daylight across all regularly occupied spaces.
  • Upload the qualifying calculation detailing the percentage of daylit area within the building(s) using the required formula.
  • Text box to input the total square feet of all regularly occupied spaces
  • Text box to input the number of square feet of regularly occupied space with access to natural daylight
  • Text box to input the number of square feet of regularly occupied space located behind all furniture partitions or other permanent features above 42 inches or 106 centimeters

Requirement 3

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials are shared through the following methods (select all that apply): 
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the materials that are shared identifying the required information that is included.

 

Option 5

Requirement 1

  • Upload annotated computer simulation calculations showing the sDA range of all regularly occupied spaces within the building(s).

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials are shared through the following methods (select all that apply): 
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the materials that are shared identifying the required information that is included.

 

Option 6

Requirement 1

  • Upload the official report of the qualifying equivalent credit showing:
      • a current, valid certification for the project
      • the project's address
      • the rating system and version
      • proof of award of the equivalent credit.

Requirement 2

  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials are shared through the following methods (select all that apply):
      • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
      • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that are shared with all full- and part-time employees and staff of tenant identifying the required information that is included.

Recently Viewed

Comments

0 comments

Article is closed for comments.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

Contact Us