INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Lighting Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Daylighting and student performance Studies have associated daylight with enhanced student performance, primarily through test scores.34–37 For example, a study that examined records from three school districts in the United States, in over 2000 classrooms during an academic year, found that students in classrooms with the most daylighting advanced 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests.35 Similarly, a study with undergraduate students found a significant positive correlation between daylight and student GPA over a year.36 Another study developed a secondary analysis on lighting data found positive relationships between performance scores and types of window shading, latitude, percentage of window facing south and glazing, with the largest impact due to window-to-floor area ratio.37 Conversely, research has related variables associated with window glare, sun penetration, and lack of visual control with negative student performance.53 Research has associated daylighting with non-visual health effects. For example, studies have found associations of daylighting with improved eye function, vitamin D, and circadian rhythms and reducing cancer, stress, and microbes.34, 47 In addition, studies have found that daylighting improves security, mood, sleep, and comfort and is associated with reducing stress, depression, violent behavior, and seasonal affective disorder.34, 47 Studies have also associated the non-visual effects of daylighting with student performance.38, 39 A literature review found evidence of a direct relationship between early morning daylight, alertness, vitality, and cognitive performance. Short bright light morning exposure appears to be necessary to maintain circadian entrainment; therefore, light interventions in schools could enhance alertness and performance.39 A doctoral dissertation found that natural light was essential for non-visual effects in primary school children. Students exposed to more natural light felt less sleepy and had better sleep quality and mood overall.38 A qualitative case study paper investigating four daylighting interventions in schools in the US found positive perceptions from school principals regarding these interventions. Among the benefits they mentioned are increased attendance and well-being, increased interest from parents wanting their children to attend school, and economic savings through energy efficiency.111 However, there are still some knowledge gaps regarding the benefits of daylight, such as the positive effect of contextual clues provided by a view and the higher onset of visual discomfort glare. Therefore, scholars have suggested that further research should concentrate on the impact of daylight on some aspects of human performance, health, and behaviors that may translate into economic benefits.112
16
NetZED Case Study Lab netzedlab.uoregon.edu
