Effective daylighting can reduce building energy consumption
Up to 60 percent of a company’s energy consumption – fueled mostly by lighting and HVAC – can be lowered by properly regulating the amount of natural light used – or not used – in its facilities, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The concept of daylight harvesting has grown in popularity in recent years as companies look to reduce their energy consumption for environmental and budgetary reasons. Here are four trends dominating the conversation, according to a release from light management solutions company Ver-Tex.
- Smart technology integration:Buildings are becoming more and more connected, whether it be thermostats or coffeemakers. With smart technology becoming commonplace, it only makes sense to determine how dynamic components supported by powerful software can determine the proper amount of sunlight needed in a space.
- Stronger usage of daylight and less usage of artificial light: Most buildings are over-lit and with light levels set higher than required for the space. Oftentimes, spaces are lit even when they are unoccupied. By regulating daylight, facilities can maximum energy efficiency, comfort and productivity.
- Automate interior shading:Automated shades can adjust based on the sun’s position throughout the day. Settings can be programmed based on the season, building location and façade. New technologies, which include brightness and shadow sensors, provide solutions designed to optimize comfort and lower energy costs.
- Integrate lighting control system: Lights can brighten and dim automatically, as more or less light is needed. On a sunny day, spaces need less artificial light. Conversely cloudy days require interior lights which brighten the space to create an ideal work environment. Working in tandem, both automated lighting and shading control systems can conveniently and significantly reduce energy costs.
“While we use Earth Day as a moment in time to look at sustainability, we should be considering these important issues all year long,” said Matthew Goodwin, Ver-Tex CEO. “These convenient, integrated solutions save energy, which is important for the environment, while enhancing productivity, which is great for the business.”
Topics: Architectural Firms, Building Owners and Managers, Construction Firms, Consulting - Green & Sustainable Strategies and Solutions, Daylighting / Skylights / Natural Lighting, Engineering Firms, Great Commercial Buildings, Interiors, Lighting - Energy Efficient Lighting, Office Buildings, Sustainable Communities, Urban Planning and Design, Windows - Glass and Glazing Strategies and Systems
The text passage discusses the benefits and trends of daylighting in buildings to reduce energy consumption, with no mathematical questions or answers provided.
no_question
Given a text passage, determine:
    1. If it contains a mathematical question (including word problems or calculations)
    2. If an answer to that mathematical question is provided in the text

First, describe the content structure you found in 1-2 sentences.

Then provide your analysis in the following format:
TYPE: <one of the following values>
- NO_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS_WITH_ANSWERS
system
Effective daylighting can reduce building energy consumption
Up to 60 percent of a company’s energy consumption – fueled mostly by lighting and HVAC – can be lowered by properly regulating the amount of natural light used – or not used – in its facilities, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The concept of daylight harvesting has grown in popularity in recent years as companies look to reduce their energy consumption for environmental and budgetary reasons. Here are four trends dominating the conversation, according to a release from light management solutions company Ver-Tex.
- Smart technology integration:Buildings are becoming more and more connected, whether it be thermostats or coffeemakers. With smart technology becoming commonplace, it only makes sense to determine how dynamic components supported by powerful software can determine the proper amount of sunlight needed in a space.
- Stronger usage of daylight and less usage of artificial light: Most buildings are over-lit and with light levels set higher than required for the space. Oftentimes, spaces are lit even when they are unoccupied. By regulating daylight, facilities can maximum energy efficiency, comfort and productivity.
- Automate interior shading:Automated shades can adjust based on the sun’s position throughout the day. Settings can be programmed based on the season, building location and façade. New technologies, which include brightness and shadow sensors, provide solutions designed to optimize comfort and lower energy costs.
- Integrate lighting control system: Lights can brighten and dim automatically, as more or less light is needed. On a sunny day, spaces need less artificial light. Conversely cloudy days require interior lights which brighten the space to create an ideal work environment. Working in tandem, both automated lighting and shading control systems can conveniently and significantly reduce energy costs.
“While we use Earth Day as a moment in time to look at sustainability, we should be considering these important issues all year long,” said Matthew Goodwin, Ver-Tex CEO. “These convenient, integrated solutions save energy, which is important for the environment, while enhancing productivity, which is great for the business.”
Topics: Architectural Firms, Building Owners and Managers, Construction Firms, Consulting - Green & Sustainable Strategies and Solutions, Daylighting / Skylights / Natural Lighting, Engineering Firms, Great Commercial Buildings, Interiors, Lighting - Energy Efficient Lighting, Office Buildings, Sustainable Communities, Urban Planning and Design, Windows - Glass and Glazing Strategies and Systems
user
The text passage discusses the benefits and trends of daylighting in buildings to reduce energy consumption, with no mathematical questions or answers provided.

TYPE: NO_QUESTION