BRITISH STANDARD BS 8206-2:

1992
Reprinted,
incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Lighting for
buildings —
Part 2: Code of practice for daylighting
BS 8206-2:1992
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the Basic Data and
Performance Criteria for Civil
Engineering and Building
Structures Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on
15 June 1992
© BSI 02-1999
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference BDB/2
Draft for comment 90/16169 DC
ISBN 0 580 20540 1
Committees responsible for this
British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Basic Data and
Performance Criteria for Civil Engineering and Building Structures Standards
Policy Committee (BDB/-) to Technical Committee BDB/2, upon which the
following bodies were represented:
Aggregate Concrete Block Association
Association for the Conservation of Energy
Association of Building Component
Manufacturers
Association of County Councils
Association of District Councils
Association of Metropolitan Authorities
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products
Association
Brick Development Association
British Board of Agrément
British Cement Association
British Gas plc
British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.
Building Employers’ Confederation
Building Services Research and Information
Association
Chartered Institute of Building
Chartered Institution of Building Services
Engineers
Concrete Society
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI
Cranfield Institute of Technology
Department of Education and Science
Department of Energy (Energy Efficiency
Office)
Department of Health
Department of the Environment (Building
Research Establishment)
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments
7391 October 1992 Figure 7
Department of the Environment
(Construction Directorate)
Department of the Environment for
Northern Ireland
Electricity Industry in United Kingdom
Eurisol (UK) Mineral Wool Association
Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association
Gypsum Products Development Association
Hevac Association
Incorporated Association of Architects and
Surveyors
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Lighting Industry Federation Ltd.
Ministry of Defence
National House-building Council
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Scottish Office (Building Directorate)
Society of Chief Architects of Local
Authorities
Timber Research and Development
Association
Trades Union Congress
Watt Committee on Energy Ltd.
 BS 8206-2:1992

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iv
Section 1. General
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
2.1 General 1
2.2 Sunlight 1
2.3 Skylight 2
Section 2. Aims and criteria for design
3 The contribution of daylight 3
4 Windows and view 3
4.1 Principle 3
4.2 Analysis of view 3
4.3 View in urban areas 3
4.4 Size and proportion of windows 3
5 Daylight and room brightness 4
5.1 General 4
5.2 Sunlight: principle 4
5.3 Sunlight duration 5
5.4 Skylight: principle 5
5.5 Average daylight factor 5
5.6 Minimum values of average daylight factor in dwellings 5
5.7 Uniformity 5
5.8 Contrast between the interior and the view outside 5
6 Daylight for task lighting 6
6.1 General 6
6.2 Quantity of daylight 6
6.3 Quality of daylight 6
Section 3. Further design issues
7 Electric lighting used in conjunction with daylight 8
7.1 Functions of supplementary electric lighting design 8
7.2 Enhancement of room brightness 8
7.3 Task lighting 8
7.4 Change in lighting at dusk 9
8 Sunlight shading 9
8.1 General 9
8.2 Overshadowing 9
9 Energy efficiency 10
9.1 Energy consumption in lighting 10
9.2 Window design and energy efficiency 10
9.3 Passive solar design 10
9.4 Lighting controls 11
10 Conservation of materials inside buildings 11
10.1 General 11
10.2 Factors affecting degradation 11
10.3 Improving conservation 11
11 Statutory requirements affecting the provision of daylight 12
11.1 General 12

© BSI 02-1999 i
BS 8206-2:1992

Page
11.2 Rights of light 12
11.3 Building regulations 12
Section 4. Methods of calculation
12 Sunlight 13
12.1 Sunpath diagrams 13
12.2 Probable sunlight hours 14
12.3 Use of models 15
13 Calculation of average daylight factor 15
13.1 Windows and rooflights with continuous
obstructions of uniform height 15
13.2 Limitations of the formula 16
13.3 Room depth 16
14 Calculation of daylight illuminance 3
14.1 General 17
14.2 Calculation of daylight factors at a given point 17
15 Examples of the calculation of window transmittance 21
15.1 Average daylight factor 21
15.2 Daylight factor at a point 21
15.3 Overall aperture and net glazed area 21
Appendix A Data for daylight and sunlight calculations 22
Appendix A.1 Daylight factor tables 22
Appendix A.2 Values of reflectance and transmittance 24
Appendix A.3 Availability of sunlight 26
Appendix A.4 Availability of skylight 29
Appendix B Standard service and design service illuminances 33
Appendix C Bibliography 35
Index 37
Figure 1 — Window reveal drawn on a sunpath diagram for London 13
Figure 2 — Obstructing building superimposed on the sunpath diagram 14
Figure 3 — Use of sunlight probability diagram to determine sunlight
reaching window reference point 15
Figure 4 — Angle of visible sky used in calculating average
daylight factor 16
Figure 5 — Limiting depth of a side-lit room 17
Figure 6 — Dimensions used in BRS simplified daylight table 19
Figure 7 — Use of daylight protractors 20
Figure 8 — Typical spectral transmission curve of 6 mm clear float glass 26
Figure 9 — Sunpath diagram for London (latitude 51 ° N) 27
Figure 10 — Sunpath diagram for Edinburgh (latitude 56 ° N) 28
Figure 11 — Sunlight probability diagram 29
Figure 12 — Diffuse illuminance ( Eh) availability for London 30
Figure 13 — Diffuse illuminance ( Eh) availability for Edinburgh 31
Figure 14 — Mean horizontal diffuse illuminances at London (Kew) 32
Figure 15 — Spectral composition of north sky daylight at 5 700 °K 32
Figure 16 — Flow chart for obtaining design service
illuminance from standard service illuminance 34
Table 1 — Minimum glazed areas for view when
windows are restricted to one wall 4

ii © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Page
Table 2 — Sky component (CIE overcast sky) for
vertical glazed rectangular windows 23
Table 3 — Conversion of average to minimum
internally reflected component 24
Table 4 — Approximate values of the reflectance of light 24
Table 5 — Correction factors for deterioration of interior
surfaces, to be applied to the internally reflected component 25
Table 6 — Mean light transmittance and correction
factors of glazing materials 25
Table 7 — Correction factors for dirt on glass 25
Table 8 — Correction factors for frames and glazing bars 25
Table 9 — Diffuse orientation factors for an 09.00 to 17.00 working day 29
Table 10 — Examples of activities/interiors appropriate for
each standard service illuminance 33
Publication(s) referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 02-1999 iii

BS 8206-2:1992

Foreword

This Part of BS 8206 has been prepared under the direction of the Basic Data and
Performance Criteria for Civil Engineering Building Structures Standards Policy
Committee. It supersedes DD67:1980 and DD73:1982, which are withdrawn.
The standard describes good practice in daylighting design and presents criteria
intended to enhance the well-being and satisfaction of people in buildings,
recognizing that the aims of good lighting go beyond achieving minimum
illumination for task performance. Simple graphical and numerical methods are
given for testing whether the criteria are satisfied, but these are not exclusive and
computer methods may be used in practice. Sunlight and skylight data are given.
The aim of the standard is to give guidance to architects, builders and others who
carry out lighting design. It is recognized that lighting is only one of many
matters that influence fenestration. These include other aspects of environmental
performance (such as noise, thermal equilibrium and the control of energy use),
fire hazards, constructional requirements, the external appearance and the
surroundings of the site. The best design for a building does not necessarily
incorporate the ideal solution for any individual function. For this reason, careful
judgement should be exercised when using the criteria given in the standard for
other purposes, particularly town planning control.
The standard should be used in association with BS 8206-1: Code of practice for
artificial lighting. Additional information on the design of windows is to be found
in the CIBSE publications Code for Interior Lighting (1984)1) 2) and Applications
Manual: Window design (1987)2).
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 36, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

1)
In course of revision: publication expected in late 1992.
2)
Available from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers,
Delta House, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS.

iv © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Section 1. General

1 Scope 2.1.6
no-sky line
This Part of BS 8206 gives recommendations
regarding design for daylight in buildings. It the outline on a given surface of the area from which
includes recommendations on the design of electric no sky can be seen
lighting when used in conjunction with daylight. 2.1.7 working plane3)
Section 1 describes the scope of the work and gives
horizontal, vertical or inclined plane in which a
definitions of some of the terms used in the
visual task lies
standard. Section 2 gives criteria for the provision of
NOTE If no information is available, the working plane may be
view, for the use of skylight and sunlight for general considered to be horizontal and 0.7 m above the floor for offices;
room lighting and for the design of daylighting for horizontal and 0.85 m above the floor for industry.
task performance. Section 3 comprises 2.1.8
recommendations for the design of supplementary room reference point
electric lighting and other related design issues. In
Section 4, methods of calculation are given. Some the point in an interior for which the daylight factor
data for calculations are listed in Appendix A. is calculated
Standard service and design service illuminances 2.1.9
are given in Appendix B, reproduced from window reference point
BS 8206-1. Appendix C is a bibliography.
the point in the centre of a window or rooflight
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard opening on the plane of the inside surface of the
are listed on the inside back cover.
window wall or roof. This is used in determining
2 Definitions sunlight penetration, average daylight factor, and
the internally reflected component
For the purposes of this Part of BS 8206, the
2.1.10
definitions given in BS 6100 apply, together with
the following. supplementary electric lighting
electric lighting used continuously in combination
2.1 General
with daylighting
2.1.1
2.2 Sunlight
daylight3)
2.2.1
combined sunlight and skylight
sunlight3)
2.1.2
part of solar radiation that reaches the earth’s
window4)
surface as parallel rays after selective attenuation
construction for closing a vertical or near vertical by the atmosphere
opening in a wall or pitched roof that will admit
2.2.2
light and may admit fresh air
possible sunlight hours5)
2.1.3
the total number of hours during the year in which
rooflight4)
the centre of the sun is above the unobscured
construction for closing an opening in a flat roof or horizon
low pitched roof intended primarily for lighting and
2.2.3
consisting of a frame and glazing
probable sunlight hours5)
2.1.4
the long-term average of the total number of hours
transom4)
during the year in which direct sunlight reaches the
horizontal member across an opening or frame of a unobstructed ground
window or door
2.2.4
2.1.5 solar altitude3)
obstruction
angular height of the sun above the horizon
anything outside a building which prevents a direct
view of the sky from a given reference point

3)
Repeated from BS 6100-3.4.
4)
Repeated from BS 6100-1.3.5.
5)
A period of possible sunlight hours is approximately the total time that sun would shine on the ground with a cloudless
atmosphere. A period of probable sunlight hours is the mean total time of sunlight when cloud is taken into account.

© BSI 02-1999 1
BS 8206-2:1992
2.2.5
solar azimuth6)
horizontal bearing of the sun measured in degrees,
either in a clockwise direction from north or in
relation to due south
2.3 Skylight
2.3.1
skylight6)
part of solar radiation that reaches the earth’s
surface as a result of scattering in the atmosphere
2.3.2
CIE standard overcast sky (Commission
Internationale d’Éclairage)
a completely overcast sky for which the ratio of its
luminance Lg at an angle of elevation g above the
horizon to the luminance Lz at the zenith is given by
the formula
L z ( 1 + 2 sin g )
L g = --------------------------------------------
3
2.3.3
daylight factor7)
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of illuminance at a
point on a given plane due to light received directly
or indirectly from a sky of known or assumed
luminance distribution, to illuminance on a
horizontal plane due to an unobstructed hemisphere
of the sky
NOTE For the purposes of this standard, it is assumed that,
unless stated otherwise, the sky has the luminance distribution
of the CIE standard overcast sky.
2.3.4
average daylight factor7)
ratio of total daylight flux incident on a reference
area to the total area of the reference area,
expressed as a percentage of outdoor illuminance on
a horizontal plane due to an unobstructed sky of
assumed or known luminance distribution
NOTE For the purposes of this standard, it is assumed that the
average daylight factor is the mean daylight factor over a
horizontal working plane, unless stated otherwise.
6)
Repeated from BS 6100-3.4.
7) Direct and reflected sunlight are excluded from all values of illuminance.
2 © BSI 02-1999
2.3.5
sky factor7)
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the parts of
illuminance at a point on a given plane that would
be received directly through unglazed openings from
a sky of uniform luminance, to illuminance on a
horizontal plane from an unobstructed hemisphere
of this sky
2.3.6
sky component7)
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of that part of
illuminance at a point on a given plane that is
received directly from a sky of assumed or known
luminance distribution, to illuminance on a
horizontal plane due to an unobstructed hemisphere
of this sky
2.3.7
externally reflected component7)
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of that part of
illuminance at a point on a given plane that is
received directly after reflection from external
obstructions under a sky of assumed or known
luminance distribution, to illuminance on a
horizontal plane due to an unobstructed hemisphere
of this sky
2.3.8
internally reflected component7)
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of that part of
illuminance at a point on a given plane that is
received after reflection from interior surfaces
under a sky of assumed or known luminance
distribution, to illuminance on a horizontal plane
due to an unobstructed hemisphere of this sky

Section 2. Aims and criteria for design
3 The contribution of daylight
Daylighting gives to a building a unique variety and
interest. An interior which looks gloomy, or which
does not have a view to the outside, when this could
reasonably be expected, will be considered
unsatisfactory by its users. The quality of daylight
cannot be described by simple photometric
measures alone. Good practice in design reflects a
concern for the well-being and satisfaction of people
in buildings, and the recommendations of this Part
of BS 8206 recognize that a principal aim of the
designer is to produce interiors which are
comfortable and give pleasure to their occupants.
Windows serve several purposes, some of which are
outside the scope of this standard. Even in the
daylighting of rooms, the best size and shape of a
window opening is rarely determined by one
purpose alone. A window designed to give a good
view outside may transmit little light to the back of
the room and one that controls well the penetration
of sunlight may give poor illumination on overcast
days. There are various technological ways of
transmitting daylight to an interior and each has
different characteristics.
Recommendations are made in this section about
three separate uses of windows, which are:
a) for view;
b) to enhance the overall appearance of interiors,
using sunlight (the direct beam) and skylight
(diffuse daylight);
c) for illumination of visual tasks.
It is important to consider the primary function to
be served by each window or rooflight in a building,
because the criteria differ. Two of the functions, the
overall illumination of the interior and the task
illumination, may be fulfilled also by electric
lighting, which has different qualities. For many
buildings, the best design uses daylighting and
electric lighting together during daytime hours.
4 Windows and view
4.1 Principle
Unless an activity requires the exclusion of
daylight, a view out-of-doors should be provided
irrespective of its quality.
All occupants of a building should have the
opportunity for the refreshment and relaxation
afforded by a change of scene and focus. Even a
limited view to the outside can be valuable. If an
external view cannot be provided, occupants should
have an internal view possessing some of the
qualities of a view out-of-doors, for example, into an
atrium.
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
4.2 Analysis of view
In planning the position of windows, the following
factors are important.
a) Most people prefer a view of a natural scene:
trees, grass, plants and open space.
b) A specific close view may be essential,
particularly for security and supervision of the
space around dwellings.
c) There is often a need for privacy. This varies
with the building type and with the expectations
of the users. The view into a building should be
considered when the view outwards is
determined.
Most unrestricted views have three “layers”, as
follows:
1) upper (distant), being the sky and its boundary
with the natural or man-made scene;
2) middle, being the natural or man-made objects
themselves;
3) lower (close), being the groundscape forming
the foreground of the view.
Views including all three “layers” are the most
completely satisfying.
4.3 View in urban areas
In densely built-up areas, a view of the natural
scene may not be available. When only buildings,
sky and street can be seen, it is especially desirable
that the view be dynamic, i.e. including the
activities of people outside and the changing
weather, but even a static view is usually better
than none.
4.4 Size and proportion of windows
The size and proportion of windows should depend
on the type of view, the size of the internal space,
and the position and mobility of occupants. Some
circumstances may suggest a tall window which
allows occupants anywhere to enjoy the full vertical
span of the view. A narrow horizontal window will
only offer a similar prospect to those close to it; a
narrow vertical window is also restrictive yet will
admit a deeper penetration of daylight. For a given
area of window, the more exaggerated the
horizontal or vertical proportions, the more
restricted will be the position of occupants who can
experience the views. A view of the immediate
foreground will be experienced normally only by
those close to the window.
3
BS 8206-2:1992
Unless a view of the sky is to be deliberately
excluded (and the penetration of daylight severely
limited) window heads should be above standing eye
height. Sills, normally, should be below the eye level
of people seated. Transoms should not obstruct
significant parts of the view from normal standing
or sitting positions. Special consideration should be
given to window heights in rooms used by the
elderly or the handicapped.
The most limited views occur in a deep room when
windows are confined to one wall only. Table 1 gives
guidance on minimum window area for a
satisfactory view when fenestration is restricted to
one wall: higher proportions are recommended. The
table gives total window area of the room as a
percentage of the internal window wall area. When
there are windows in two or more walls, the total
area of glazing should not be less than the area that
would be recommended if the windows were
restricted to any one wall. The openings should be
distributed to give views from all occupied areas of
the room.
Table 1 — Minimum glazed areas for view
when windows are restricted to one wall
Depth of room from Percentage of window wall
outside wall (max.) as seen from inside (min.)
m %
<8 20
8 – 11 25
11 – 14 30
> 14 35
NOTE Windows which are primarily designed for view may
not provide adequate task illumination.
5 Daylight and room brightness
5.1 General
The value of daylight goes beyond the illumination
of tasks: a daylit room varies in brightness with
time; colours are rendered well; architectural form
and surface texture can be enhanced by the
direction of illumination. Above all, windows give
information to the people in a building about their
surroundings. Weather and the time of day can be
inferred from the changing light.
The user’s perception of the character of a daylit
interior (often described in terms like “bright and
well-lit”, or “gloomy”) is related to the brightness of
all the visible surfaces. This overall luminance
depends on the quantity of light admitted and the
reflectance of interior surfaces. The reflected light
within the room is as important as the direct
illumination.
4 © BSI 02-1999
Sunlight and skylight are both important in general
room lighting, but they differ greatly in their
qualities. The criteria for each should be satisfied.
Sunlight gives patches of high illuminance and
strong contrasts; adequate skylight ensures that
there is not excessive contrast between one area of
the room and another, or between the interior and
the view outside.
If the total glazed area cannot be made large enough
for adequate general daylight, supplementary
electric lighting is needed to enhance the general
room brightness in addition to any need there may
be for task illumination (see 7.2).
5.2 Sunlight: principle
Sunlight should be admitted unless it is likely to
cause thermal or visual discomfort to the users, or
deterioration of materials.
Rarely is the controlled entry of sunlight unwelcome
in buildings in the UK. Dissatisfaction can arise as
much from the permanent exclusion of sunlight as
from its excess. However, uncontrolled sunlight is
unacceptable in most types of building. Good control
is particularly important in working interiors and
other rooms where the occupants are unable to move
around freely. Generally, sunlight should not fall on
visual tasks or directly on people at work. It should,
on the other hand, be used to enhance the overall
brightness of interiors with patches of high
illuminance.
Considerations of sunlight should influence the
form of the building from the early stages of design,
because incorrect decisions about the orientation of
rooms or the geometrical shape of the building may
preclude the admission of sunlight or cause
excessive overshadowing of surroundings. The
orientation of windows should take into account the
periods of occupancy and any preferences for
sunlight at particular times of day. The provision of
sunlight is important in dwellings, particularly
during winter months. Sunlight is especially valued
in habitable rooms used for long periods during the
day and in buildings, such as those for the elderly,
where the occupants have little direct contact with
the outside. In some cases, it is important that there
should be direct sunlight on external surfaces seen
from a window.
NOTE Sunlight entering a room can have a significant effect on
thermal comfort and on the energy consumption of the building.
In winter it can be an important contribution to the heating; but
excessive solar gain causes serious discomfort and, in
air-conditioned buildings, unnecessary use of energy in cooling.
Sunlight as a source of thermal energy is considered in BS 8207
and in BS 8211-1.

5.3 Sunlight duration
Interiors in which the occupants have a reasonable
expectation of direct sunlight should receive at
least 25 % of probable sunlight hours (see 2.2.3). At
least 5 % of probable sunlight hours should be
received during the winter months,
between 23 September and 21 March. Sunlight is
taken to enter an interior when it reaches one or
more window reference points. A calculation
procedure is given in 12.2.
The degree of satisfaction is related to the
expectation of sunlight. If a room is necessarily
north-facing or if the building is in a densely-built
urban area, the absence of sunlight is more
acceptable than when its exclusion seems arbitrary.
It is the duration of sunlight in an interior, rather
than its intensity or the size of the sunny patch,
which correlates best with the occupants’
satisfaction.
NOTE In many buildings, discomfort and overheating may
occur if the annual penetration of sunlight exceeds one-third of
probable sunlight hours.
5.4 Skylight: principle
The general illumination from skylight should be
such that there is not excessive contrast between
the interior and the view outside.
The interior of a room will appear gloomy not only if
the total quantity of light entering is too small but
also if its distribution is poor. If, in addition, there is
high contrast between the surfaces surrounding
windows (or rooflights) and the sky, there will be
glare.
5.5 Average daylight factor
5.5.1 General
Where a predominantly daylit appearance is
wanted, the criteria given in 5.5.2 and 5.5.3 should
be adopted. The average daylight factor (see 2.3.4)
is used as the measure of general illumination from
skylight.
5.5.2 Interiors without supplementary electric
lighting
If electric lighting is not normally to be used during
daytime, the average daylight factor should be not
less than 5 %.
5.5.3 Interiors with supplementary electric
lighting
If electric lighting is to be used throughout daytime,
the average daylight factor should be not less
than 2 %.
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
5.6 Minimum values of average daylight factor
in dwellings
Even if a predominantly daylit appearance is not
required in dwellings, it is recommended that the
average daylight factor be at least 1 % in
bedrooms, 1.5 % in living rooms and 2 % in
kitchens.
5.7 Uniformity
Surface reflectances and the disposition of glazing
should be such that inter-reflected light in the space
is strong and widespread.
Even if the average daylight factor satisfies the
criterion of 5.5.2, supplementary electric lighting
will be needed if:
a) a significant part of the working plane lies
behind the no-sky line;
or
b) in a room lit by windows in one wall only, the
depth of the room is too large in comparison with
the height and the width of the windows.
(A procedure for calculating this is given in 13.3.)
In the case of rooflights, unsatisfactory variation in
general lighting occurs when the distance between
adjacent openings is large in comparison with the
ceiling height. The maximum acceptable ratio
between rooflight spacing and ceiling height
depends on the type of rooflight. In interiors lit
primarily by rooflights, the reflectances of the floor
and ceiling should be as high as possible.
5.8 Contrast between the interior and the view
outside
Glare from windows can arise from excessive
contrast between the luminance of the visible sky
and the luminance of the interior surfaces within
the field of view. The window walls, the window
reveals, and the interior surfaces adjacent to
rooflights should be of high reflectance (white or
light-coloured). Walls generally should not be
glossy.
In addition, glare from the sky and bright external
surfaces can be reduced by:
a) providing additional illumination on the
window wall, from other windows or from electric
lighting;
b) reducing the luminance of the sky as seen from
the interior, with translucent blinds, curtains or
tinted/solar-control glazing, if adequate
illumination can be provided by other sources;
c) splaying window reveals, to give a larger area
of intermediate brightness between the exterior
view and the window wall.
5
BS 8206-2:1992
The aim should be to achieve a subtle gradation of
luminance from the darker parts of the room to the
visible sky.
Glare from direct sunlight, or from sunlight
reflected in glossy external surfaces should be
controlled with shading devices (see clause 8).
The use of tinted glazing can affect colour
perception. External colours can appear distorted,
especially when the view outside is seen
simultaneously through different types of glass. The
perception of internal colours can be altered,
unknown to the viewer, when the main source of
light is a window of tinted glazing. Care should be
taken in the use of tinted glazing materials when
safety or task performance requires good colour
recognition.
6 Daylight for task lighting
6.1 General
When there are visual tasks to be carried out, the
principles of lighting design using daylight are the
same as those for electric lighting: it is necessary
both to achieve a given level of illumination and to
take account of the circumstances that determine its
quality.
Daylight has the following characteristics as a task
illuminant.
a) A constant illuminance on the task cannot be
maintained. When the sky becomes brighter, the
interior illuminance increases; and, although
control is possible with louvres, blinds and other
methods, fluctuations cannot be avoided.
Conversely, in poor weather and at the ends of
the working day, daylighting needs to be
supplemented with electric lighting.
b) The direction of light from windows, which act
as large diffuse light sources to the side of a
worker, gives good three- dimensional modelling.
Rooflights, which give a greater downward
component, have a modelling effect similar to
that from large ceiling-mounted luminaires.
c) The spectral distribution of daylight varies
significantly during the course of a day, but the
colour rendering is usually considered to be
excellent.
6.2 Quantity of daylight
6.2.1 Illuminance
The task illuminance should be selected from
Tables 1 and 2 of BS 8206-1:1985, reproduced
in Appendix B as Table 10 and Figure 16
respectively. Procedures for calculating daylight
illuminance are given in clause 14.
6 © BSI 02-1999
6.2.2 Uniformity
Over the task area of an individual worker, the
uniformity in illuminance should be that
recommended for electric lighting in clause 5 of
BS 8206-1:1985. An appropriate criterion indicated
in that clause is that the minimum illuminance
should not fall below 0.8 of the average illuminance.
Where there are several working areas in an
interior, the particular task illuminances should be
attained on each, care being taken that the
recommendations on uniformity in general room
lighting are followed (see 5.7).
6.3 Quality of daylight
6.3.1 General
The considerations of lighting described in
BS 8206-1 and in the CIBSE Code for Interior
Lighting apply both to daylit interiors and to those
with electric lighting. The quantity of illumination
is not the sole criterion of good task lighting.
There are two aspects of task daylighting which
need particular attention: glare and specular
reflection.
6.3.2 Glare
Windows may fill a greater part of a worker’s field of
view than electric light fittings. Distraction, a poor
luminance balance between task and background,
and discomfort glare can all occur if the visual task
is viewed directly against the bright sky. Although a
view outside should be provided, it is usually better
if the glazing is at the side of workers, rather than
directly facing them.
There is no standard procedure for calculating
discomfort glare from skylight. Sky luminance can
be very high, and the size of the apparent source is
large; so by the criteria adopted for electric lighting
most windows cause glare. It should be reduced by
ensuring that the sky is not in the immediate field
of view with the task, and by following the
recommendations given in 5.8.
Highly reflective sunlit external surfaces are more
likely to add vitality to a scene than constitute an
objectionable glare source. This stimulus will be
welcomed in all but the most demanding visual
situations. However, glare from the sun, viewed
directly or specularly reflected, can be unacceptable
in a working environment. If the sun or its mirrored
image is likely to lie within 45° of the direction of
view, then shading devices should be used (see 8.1).
Low transmittance glazing is unlikely to attenuate
the beam sufficiently to eliminate glare; diffusing
glazing materials, in scattering the beam, may
cause the window or rooflight itself to become an
unacceptably bright source of light.
 BS 8206-2:1992

6.3.3 Specular reflection

The visibility of tasks can be seriously impaired by
bright reflections of the sky in glossy surfaces. With
windows, troublesome reflections occur
predominantly in vertical surfaces. With rooflights,
horizontal task areas are the most seriously
affected. However, openings of either type can affect
surfaces of all orientations if the geometry is
incorrect. Special attention should be given to the
avoidance of reflections of windows in VDU screens,
chalkboards, and pictures in galleries, and it is
preferable that these surfaces do not face a window
directly.

© BSI 02-1999 7
BS 8206-2:1992
Section 3. Further design issues
7 Electric lighting used in conjunction
with daylight
7.1 Functions of supplementary electric
lighting design
Electric lighting has two distinct functions in a
daylit building, which are:
a) to enhance the overall appearance of the room,
by improving the distribution of illuminance and
by reducing the luminance contrast between the
interior and the view outside;
b) to achieve satisfactory illuminance on visual
tasks.
These two functions correspond with the
recommendations about room brightness and task
illumination in daylight, described in clauses 5
and 6. The electric lighting should be designed for
both functions.
7.2 Enhancement of room brightness
7.2.1 Balance of daylight and electric light
Unless the purpose of the windows is only to provide
a view, daylight should appear to the users to be
dominant in the interior. This is normally achieved
when the average daylight factor is 2 % or more,
even though the horizontal illuminance from
electric lighting may be greater than the daylight
illuminance in parts of an interior.
The design of electric lighting should be such that
occupants are aware of the natural gradation of
daylight across interior surfaces and of changes in
the light outside.
7.2.2 Modelling
The sideways component of light from windows is
important in the enhancement of modelling. It is
apparent in the articulation of mouldings and in the
highlights and shadows of three-dimensional
features. The electric lighting should be designed
with the daylighting to achieve optimum modelling,
reinforcing the directionality where the natural
illumination is too diffuse, and providing infill
lighting where windows alone would give harsh
modelling.
7.2.3 Contrast between interior and exterior
When the general level of inter-reflected light is low,
or the surfaces surrounding a window or rooflight
are of low reflectance, electric light is needed on
these surfaces to reduce the luminance contrast
with the view outside. The brighter the view, the
higher should be the luminance of the room surfaces
which frame the view.
8 © BSI 02-1999
7.2.4 Illuminance from electric light
In an interior where there is a noticeable amount of
daylight but where uniform electric lighting is
needed in some parts, the average working plane
illuminance from electric lighting in the poorly
daylit areas should be not less than 300 lx.
The optimum balance between electric light and
daylight occurs when the horizontal illuminance
from electric lighting in areas remote from windows
is approximately the same as the daylight
illuminance 2 m from the windows.
7.2.5 Colour appearance of lamps
The sky varies in colour with time and in azimuth
and altitude. These variations are considerable and
no electric lamp matches continuously the colour
appearance of daylight. For instance, the
appearance of a lamp with a colour temperature
close to that of light from a clear sky at midday may
seem excessively blue as evening approaches.
Sunlight reflected into a room from vegetation or
brightly coloured surfaces outside can have a
noticeable hue and can affect the colour appearance
of lamps.
Apparent discrepancies between the colour of
electric light and of daylight may be reduced by:
a) using lamps of Intermediate class correlated
colour temperature (see BS 8206-1);
b) screening lamps from the view of occupants.
For this purpose, louvres with a cut-off at 45° to
the horizontal are preferable to any form of
translucent diffuser.
7.2.6 Sequences of spaces
Individual spaces can be satisfactory with low levels
of daylighting and correspondingly low illuminances
from supplementary electric lighting or,
alternatively, with high levels of both. However,
adjacent rooms usually should not contrast harshly
with each other in either brightness or in the colour
of the illuminant. The building should be planned to
avoid passing directly from a brilliantly sunlit space
into one with a low level of combined lighting. A
transitional space will help the eye to adapt in
comfort from one to the other.
7.3 Task lighting
7.3.1 Illuminance
The total illuminance from daylight and electric
light should satisfy the illuminance criteria for the
visual task (see 6.2.1). Care should be taken that a
task is not viewed against the sky or a very bright
area of the room. If this is unavoidable, its
illuminance should be such that there is a
satisfactory brightness contrast between task and
surroundings, depending upon the nature of the
task.

7.3.2 Direction and modelling
Electric lighting should be designed so that good
modelling assists task performance. The
directionality of daylighting is usually an advantage
but in some cases it is necessary to use electric
lighting to increase the luminance of surfaces in
shadow.
7.3.3 Colour
When discrimination of surface colour is essential
for task performance, the choice of lamp should be
that recommended for the task under entirely
electric lighting. It may be necessary for the user to
ascertain whether the task is illuminated primarily
with electric light or with daylight.
7.4 Change in lighting at dusk
An interior with some supplementary lighting yet
which is primarily daylit will change in character
when, late in the day, the electric lighting becomes
predominant. As dusk approaches, additional
electric illumination is often needed, both to
increase task illuminance near the windows and to
improve the general brightness of the room, but not
for the purpose of reducing sky glare.
Electric lighting controls are described in clause 9.
Consideration should be given to the separation of
daytime and night-time lighting. It may be
necessary to install some electric lighting that is
switched on at dusk and some that is switched off.
NOTE Information on security lighting is given in BS 8220.
8 Sunlight shading
8.1 General
It is essential that the admission of sunlight be
controlled in all work spaces and other interiors
where the thermal or visual consequences might
lead to personal discomfort or cause materials to
undergo unacceptable deterioration. In general, the
best control of sunlight penetration is achieved by
careful planning of the orientation and disposition
of rooms and their windows. (See clause 10 for a
description of the factors which affect degradation of
materials.)
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
All fenestration in positions where sunlight could
cause discomfort or damage should be provided with
shading. For some interiors it is acceptable if
sunlight is restricted during the warmer months by
shading the apertures with elements such as
balconies, overhanging roofs, or by fixed louvres or
screens. It may be possible to arrange fixed shading
devices or install prismatic glazing so that daylight
is redistributed to better effect, but all fixed devices
reduce the skylight admitted and glazed areas may
need to be increased. Low transmission “solar”
glazing will diminish light as well as solar gain, and
is the best method of reducing summer cooling loads
where large areas of glass are needed for view or
appearance.
Retractable and adjustable shading is often
appropriate to the low solar altitudes of the UK. It
is important that the system should be easily
maintained and, if manually controlled, easily
operated. This is best achieved when shading
systems are fitted internally, although shading
devices on the outside of the glazing are thermally
more effective as heat from the intercepted
radiation is more readily dissipated into the
external air. Adjustable external systems should be
robust, or retract when necessary if vulnerable to
wind damage. Shading devices may interrupt the
view and restrict natural ventilation.
Although shading by trees is an attractive
alternative to the use of blinds, exclusive reliance on
foliage to shade fenestration is unlikely to be
satisfactory for working interiors. Furthermore, a
tree in leaf will diminish the light available from the
sky obscured to between 0.1 and 0.2 of the
unobstructed value. In winter the bare branches of
a deciduous tree are likely to reduce the skylight to
between 0.4 and 0.5 of the unobstructed value from
the part of the sky enclosed within the tree’s outline.
These values are approximate only. They vary with
the species and with different members of the same
species. They vary also with the path length of the
light through the foliage and therefore, in multiple
planting, with the depth and composition of the
stand.
8.2 Overshadowing
8.2.1 Overshadowing of a site by a proposed
development
The overshadowing of a site by a proposed
development may seriously limit the usefulness of
spaces for external activities in fine weather, or lead
to the persistence of frost and snow in winter and
the creation of areas unsuited to the growth of
plants. Examination of the duration and extent of
site shadowing is therefore recommended at the
planning stage.
9
BS 8206-2:1992
8.2.2 Shadowing across site boundaries
The effect of shadowing across site boundaries
should be considered. Facades of adjacent buildings
should not be deprived of sunlight to the extent that
the recommendation in 5.3 can no longer be
achieved there. In all development proposals, the
lighting of the surrounding environment should be
respected and an acceptable compromise presented
between the requirements for sunlight of the new
building and those of neighbouring buildings.
8.2.3 Guidance
Guidance on the issues referred to in 8.2.1 and 8.2.2
is contained in a Building Research Establishment
(BRE) Report Site layout planning for daylight and
sunlight: a guide to good practice (1991)8).
9 Energy efficiency
9.1 Energy consumption in lighting
Within the UK, lighting accounts for around 5 % of
the total primary energy consumed. However, in
some types of building, such as office blocks, 30 %
to 60 % of the primary energy (a fair reflection of
energy cost) is used by lighting.
In such buildings the exploitation of daylight can do
much to reduce this energy cost. In RIBA case
9)
studies of buildings classified as “energy efficient”
it was found that in general the shallow plan, daylit,
naturally ventilated buildings had around half of
the primary energy consumption (in MJ/m2) of the
deep plan, air-conditioned buildings with extensive
artificial lighting. Another study by the BRE 10)
indicated potential energy savings averaging 20 %
to 40 % in offices and factories if daylighting is used
effectively. To achieve such savings, not only should
daylight be admitted to the building but suitable
controls should be installed to ensure the
displacement of energy used for electric lighting.
8)
Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD2 7JR.
9) Published under the title Buildings, the key to energy conservation RIBA Energy Group, London, 1979. Available from the
Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London W1N 4AD.
10) Daylighting as a passive solar energy option: an assessment of its potential in non-domestic buildings, BRE Report, 1988.
Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR.
11) Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR.
10
9.2 Window design and energy efficiency
In the design of windows daylight is only one of
several factors to be considered. Windows can affect
the energy balance of the building by increasing
both conduction heat loss and solar gain, and to a
lesser extent, by infiltration losses. Conduction heat
loss is roughly proportional to window area; it can be
reduced by using double or triple glazing with or
without low emissivity glass. In principle such
glazing causes only a small diminution in interior
daylight levels (although in some “high
performance” windows the small glazing to frame
ratio can reduce light penetration substantially).
Solar heat gain is generally useful in winter when it
reduces space heating requirements; in summer it
can result in increased cooling load in
air-conditioned buildings. The guidelines on the
control of solar gain given in clause 8 should be
followed.
If other factors remain unchanged, an increase in
the window area of a building will generally
increase solar gain, and, if lighting controls are
fitted, reduce artificial lighting use; but conduction
heat loss will increase. The result is often that the
overall energy balance in non-residential buildings
does not vary greatly with glazing area; there may
be a shallow energy minimum at a particular
glazing area, but this is hard to predict. In general,
optimum window areas are higher if the windows
are double or triple glazed, and if the windows are
south facing. Optimum window areas will be lower
for single glazed and north facing windows, and if
suitable lighting controls are not fitted.
However, the type of building and its occupancy
pattern also play a part. In general, because of the
small variation in building energy consumption
with glazing area, energy criteria are often satisfied
when window areas are determined on the criteria
of average daylight factor given in clause 5.
9.3 Passive solar design
The form, fabric and systems of a passive solar
building are arranged and integrated to maximize
the benefits of ambient energy for heating, lighting
and ventilation in order to reduce consumption of
conventional fuels. The sensitive use of daylighting,
coupled with appropriate lighting controls, can
therefore be viewed as an integral part of passive
solar design. It is discussed in the BRE Report
Daylighting as a passive solar energy option: an
assessment of its potential in non-domestic
buildings (1988)11).
© BSI 02-1999

Daylighting and solar radiation are complementary
in that, when solar gains are at their highest,
daylighting can be used to reduce or eliminate
casual heat gains from electric lighting. In a passive
solar building this effect is important because it will
even out swings in heat gain, reducing overheating
in summer. Thus the need for good daylighting
should be kept in mind at all times, especially if
purely thermal elements like trombe walls are being
considered. In a domestic setting where lighting
energy use is less important, the visual implications
of passive solar design need to be recognized; the
recommendations given in section 2 should be
followed. This applies especially to north facing
rooms where minimal window areas might
otherwise be chosen on thermal grounds.
9.4 Lighting controls
For daylight to make a real contribution to energy
efficiency it is not enough that it should just be
admitted into the building; appropriate lighting
controls are essential. There are four basic forms of
lighting control which can be linked to daylight, as
follows:
a) manual;
b) timed switch off with optional manual reset;
c) photoelectric switching on/off;
d) photoelectric dimming.
These can be used in combination with each other.
Sensors which determine whether a space is
occupied may also be used. Part 1 of BS 8206 gives
recommendations concerning the various lighting
controls available, and brief design guidance. The
forms of lighting control are described in further
detail in BRE Digest 27212).
The importance of lighting control should not be
underestimated. In a conventionally daylit
commercial building the choice of control can
make 30 % to 40 % difference to the resulting
lighting use.
10 Conservation of materials inside
buildings
10.1 General
Many materials are damaged or faded by exposure
to light. This is evident, for example, when
furnishing fabrics are examined after a period of
use.
12)
Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD2 7JR.
13) Under review.
14) Available from
the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Delta House, 222 Balham High Road,
London SW12 9BS.
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
Some objects are insensitive to light, some are
moderately sensitive and others are so responsive
that a few months’ exposure to light will produce a
change in appearance. The extent to which
materials deteriorate under given lighting
conditions depends largely on their chemical
constitution. Information on the degradation of
specific material is given in the CIBSE Lighting
Guide LG MAG Museums and Art Galleries
(1980)13)14).
10.2 Factors affecting degradation
There are three factors affecting degradation, as
follows:
a) spectral composition of the light;
b) illuminance;
c) period of exposure.
The spectral composition of north sky daylight is
shown in Figure 15 in Appendix A. Radiation at the
shorter wavelengths (blue and ultra-violet) usually
causes the greatest degradation. The effects of
illuminance and exposure time are interrelated as
the degradation is approximately a function of their
product: for instance, an exposure to 100 lx for 10 h
can cause similar degradation as exposure
to 1 000 lx for 1 h.
10.3 Improving conservation
10.3.1 Spectral composition
Ordinary window glass and the standard grades of
clear or translucent plastics used for glazing
rooflights absorb only part of the ultraviolet
radiation in daylight. The spectral transmission
curve of float glass is shown in Figure 8 in
Appendix A. Additional filtering may be necessary.
Certain chemicals will absorb almost all ultraviolet
radiation without affecting significantly the
transmission or colour of the light. These ultraviolet
absorbers can be incorporated in most transparent
and translucent plastics.
10.3.2 Illuminance
Daylight illuminance in interiors can
exceed 1 000 lx. For many display materials a
limiting level of 200 lx is recommended and
only 50 lx is recommended for materials very
sensitive to light. These values may conflict with
higher levels recommended in Appendix B for a
satisfactory visual environment and, if conservation
is a prime factor, this should be taken into account
in design decisions on window areas and methods of
daylight control.
11
BS 8206-2:1992
10.3.3 Exposure period
If degradation is a problem then the time for which
the material is exposed to relatively high
illuminances should be limited. Simple precautions,
such as pulling the blinds or curtains when the room
is unoccupied, will help. However, an awareness of
the possible damage due to long exposure to direct
sunlight or daylight should influence the
positioning and illuminance of any light sensitive
material.
11 Statutory requirements affecting
the provision of daylight
11.1 General
Fenestration and block layout may need to take into
account the statutory requirements referred to
in 11.2 and 11.3.
11.2 Rights of light
Common law rules, statutory rules and procedures
that govern the acquisition of the right of access to
and enjoyment of light received over neighbouring
land are complex and complicated. The assistance of
a lawyer versed in this area of law is suggested in
case of any doubt. Relevant legislation is set out,
respectively (for England and Wales) in the
Prescription Act 1832 and the Rights of Light
Act 1959, and (for Northern Ireland) in the
Prescription Act 1832 and the Rights of Light Act
(Northern Ireland) 1961. A period of twenty years of
uninterrupted access and enjoyment may be
necessary to establish such a right. There is no
equivalent legislation in Scotland.
It is impossible to establish definite conditions
under which the right would be upheld. A minimum
sky factor of 0.2 % over one-half of the room at a
working plane height of 850 mm is normally
considered sufficient.
NOTE Sky factor excludes reflected light.
A general right to sunlight remains to be
established in English law. There is no prescriptive
right to a view.
12
11.3 Building regulations
Approved means to satisfy the Building
Regulations 1985 concerning the conservation of
fuel and power include specified minimum
standards of thermal insulation of the fabric and
maximum areas of single glazing in walls and roofs.
In some cases this specified maximum area may be
less than that found necessary for effective
daylighting. Approved procedures are specified in
the Building Regulations 1985 which allow these
glazed areas to be increased, but when this is
achieved with glazing of lower thermal
transmittance, allowance may have to be made for
reduced transmission in the visible spectrum. To
prevent the spread of fire to neighbouring premises
the fenestration of external walling may have to be
restricted in area depending on the purpose group,
size and materials of the building, and its proximity
to surrounding buildings or to the site boundary.
The Building Regulations 1985 also include
requirements for the ventilation of rooms.
The Building Standards (Scotland)
Regulations 1990 contain requirements which
conserve fuel and power, limiting the overall
thermal transmittance of walls and roofs; to prevent
spread of fire, areas of doors and windows near
boundaries are restricted, with provisions similar to
those in the Building Regulations 1985. The
Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990
also provide for ventilation of rooms and for
minimum window areas in apartments.
© BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Section 4. Methods of calculation

12 Sunlight When rectangular obstructions on a stereographic

diagram are plotted, vertical edges are represented
12.1 Sunpath diagrams
by straight lines which converge to the centre. A
The sunpath diagrams given in A.3 horizontal edge, such as the head of the window
(Figure 9 and Figure 10) illustrate the apparent reveal, is represented by a curved line. It is normally
movement of the sun in London and Edinburgh. sufficiently accurate to draw this curve by finding
The concentric circles on a stereographic sunpath its highest altitude (68° in the example given
diagram represent angles of elevation above the in Figure 1) and the points of intersection with the
horizon; the scale and compass points around the horizon, which are 180° apart. Shadow angle
perimeter represent orientation. Each of the long protractors are available which may be traced to
curved arcs gives the sunpath, the solar altitude and give the lines of horizontal obstructions.
azimuth, for a particular day; the shorter, In Figure 2 an obstructing building is superimposed
converging, lines give the time of day. on the diagram. The longer elevations of this
Figure 1 shows how the outline of a window reveal, building face north and south. The building
seen from the window reference point, can be plotted lies 40 m due south of the window being studied, its
on the diagram. The window reveal cuts off the view flat roof being 20 m above the reference point. From
of the sky 59° each side of the window’s orientation the window, the obstruction subtends an angle in
and at 68° above the horizontal. On the sunpath plan between 130° and 200° from north, and 27°
diagram, the outline of the reveal (heavy line) shows above the horizon in altitude to the south.
that in mid-December sunlight could reach the All sunlight in mid-December is now obscured. In
window reference point between sunrise and January sunlight can reach the window for about
approximately 1 p.m.; in mid-June there is possible half an hour immediately after sunrise. In March
sunlight between approximately 6 a.m. and midday, the building no longer obscures the sunpath.
solar time (approximately GMT).

Figure 1 — Window reveal drawn on a sunpath diagram for London

© BSI 02-1999 13
BS 8206-2:1992
Figure 2 — Obstructing building superimposed on the sunpath diagram
12.2 Probable sunlight hours
This clause gives a procedure for calculating the
fraction of probable sunlight hours recommended
in 5.3. It uses the probability diagram, which gives
the actual distribution of sunlight with respect to
solar altitude and azimuth.
Figure 11 in A.3 is based on the sunlight statistics
for London, although it may be used with reasonable
accuracy for assessing sunlight in other parts of
Britain. The density of dots is proportional to the
probability of the sun shining from a particular area
of the sky. There are 100 dots on the diagram, so
each dot represents 1 % of probable sunlight hours.
The dots below the dashed line represent the
sunlight occurring during winter months.
15)
Requests about the availability of the protractor should be addressed to BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR.
14
In Figure 3 the window reveal and the obscuring
building have been superimposed on the diagram.
There are 44 dots unobscured, that is 44 % of
probable sunlight hours, with 11 % occurring
during the winter months. The recommendation
of 5.3 is satisfied. However, it will be seen that a
considerable amount of direct sunlight will be
received in the room during late morning and
around midday in summer. Some form of shading
device may be necessary to prevent overheating.
NOTE The BRE Sunlight Availability Protractor 15), described
in CIBSE Applications Manual: Window Design, gives an
alternative graphic method of calculating probable sunlight
hours.
© BSI 02-1999

Figure 3 — Use of sunlight probability diagram to determine sunlight reaching window
reference point
12.3 Use of models
When the built form or its surroundings is complex,
it is usually quicker to examine sunlight patterns in
a scale model than to use graphical techniques.
Sunlight in a model may be studied either with a
heliodon or by using a sundial with an independent
light source. A heliodon enables a lamp to be set at
a position, in relation to a model, which corresponds
to given times of day and year for a particular
latitude. A sundial for the appropriate latitude is
placed on the model, orientated in relation to the
north point of the model, and illuminated with a
small light source or with actual sunlight. The
shadow trace on the sundial indicates the date and
time of the corresponding light falling on the model.
The accuracy of model studies is limited by the
possible precision of the model’s construction, by
divergence of the light beam across the width of the
model, and by errors in the computed position of the
light source. With a small scale model, it should not
be assumed that the occurrence of the shadow
pattern observed is more accurate than to the
nearest half-hour.
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
13 Calculation of average daylight
factor
13.1 Windows and rooflights with continuous
obstructions of uniform height
This clause recommends a procedure for calculating
the average daylight factors given as criteria in 5.5
to 5.7.
When external obstructions can be defined
adequately by two horizontal lines, i.e. the upper
and lower limits of the visible sky, the average
daylight factor on the working plane, D, expressed
as a percentage, is
TA w Û
D = -----------------------------
- (1)
2
A ( 1 –R )
where
T is the diffuse light transmittance of the
glazing, including the effects of dirt
(see A.2.2 for typical figures);
Aw is the net glazed area of the window in m2
(see 15.3);
15
BS 8206-2:1992

Û is the angle subtended by the visible sky BRE information paper IP 15/8816) gives additional
(degrees). It is measured in a vertical plane information on the calculation of average daylight
normal to the glass, from the window factor under rooflights.
reference point, as illustrated in Figure 4; 13.3 Room depth
A is the total area of the ceiling, floor and This clause recommends a procedure for calculating
walls, including windows, in m2; the maximum depth of a side-lit room in the case
R is the area-weighted average reflectance of described in 5.7 b).
the interior surfaces (A). In initial In a room with windows in one wall only, the
calculations for rooms with white ceilings following inequality should be satisfied.
and mid-reflectance walls, this may be taken
L L 2 -
----- + ----- ≤ -----------------
as 0.5. Table 4 in Appendix A lists
W H 1 –Rb
reflectances of various materials.
When two or more windows in a room face different where
obstructions, or differ in transmittance, the average L is the depth of the room from window to back
daylight factor should be found separately for each wall, as shown in Figure 5;
window, and the results summed.
W is the width of the room, measured parallel
To find the window area in square metres needed to
to the window;
achieve a given average daylight factor, the
equation may be inverted, as follows. H is the height of the window head above floor
level;
2
D A( 1 –R ) (2) Rb is the area-weighted average reflectance of
Aw = -----------------------------------
TÛ the interior surfaces (walls, floor and ceiling)
in the half of the room remote from the
13.2 Limitations of the formula window.
Equations 1 and 2 should not be applied where
external obstructions cannot be represented by a
single angle of elevation, for example where a
window faces into a courtyard. For further
information, see the BRE Report Site layout
planning for daylight and sunlight: a guide to good
practice (1991)16) and Tregenza P.R., Modification
of the split-flux formulae for mean daylight factor
and internal reflected component with large external
obstructions.

Figure 4 — Angle of visible sky used in calculating average daylight factor

16) Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR.

16 © BSI 02-1999

Figure 5 — Limiting depth of a side-lit room
14 Calculation of daylight illuminance As daylight illuminances are always changing, it is
14.1 General
This clause recommends a procedure for calculating
daylight illuminance in relation to the criteria
discussed in 6.2.
In principle, the daylight illuminance at any point
can be found if the sky luminance distribution and
the geometry and reflecting characteristics of
obstructing surfaces are known. Computer
programmes are now available which can carry out
this type of calculation. In practice, however, it is
usually adequate to use a simple equation to obtain
internal illuminance, as follows.
Eh fo D
E in = --------------------
- (3)
100
where
Ein is the internal illuminance in lx;
Eh is the external unobstructed horizontal
illuminance in lx;
fo is a window orientation factor. This allows for
the effects of window orientation on
non-overcast days;
D is the CIE standard overcast sky daylight
factor at a given point, expressed as a
percentage. Its calculation is described
in 14.2.
(Values of Eh and fo are given in A.4.)
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
rarely appropriate to state a single-figure
illuminance value for a daylit interior. In practice it
is usually best to quote the percentage of a year that
a given internal illuminance is exceeded. The
fraction of the time that Eh exceeds a given
illuminance during a working day is given in
Figure 12 and Figure 13 (see A.4) for London and
Edinburgh.
In a few cases, month/hour average illuminances
may also be needed. Equation 3 can again be used,
this time with the average external illuminances
shown in Figure 14 (see A.4). However, high
precision is not possible, because the orientation
factor fo does not account for the variation in
orientation effects with time of day.
14.2 Calculation of daylight factors at a given
point
14.2.1 Components of the daylight factor
Daylight reaching a point in a room usually consists
of the following three components:
a) the sky component;
b) the externally reflected component;
c) the internally reflected component.
In calculating daylight factors for a room reference
point, the three components of daylight should be
calculated separately and added together.
Corrections for glazing materials other than clear
glass, dirt on glass and reductions caused by the
window framing can be applied to the total daylight
factor.
An alternative to calculation is to carry out
measurements in a scale model, preferably under an
artificial sky. Corrections, such as for dirt and
glazing, may still need to be applied to the results.
17
BS 8206-2:1992
14.2.2 Sky component
Two of the aids in common use for calculating the
sky component are the Building Research Station
(BRS) simplified daylight table (Table 2, A.1) and
the BRS Daylight Protractors17).
The daylight table (Table 2) enables the sky
component of daylight factors to be determined
when scale drawings are not readily available, and
is most appropriate for use in the early stages of a
design. This table gives sky components from an
overcast sky for rooms with vertical rectangular
windows glazed with clean, clear glass.
Figure 6 shows the information needed in making
calculations
where
h is the effective height of the window head
above the working plane after allowing for
overhead obstructions such as pelmets and
tie beams;
w1, are the effective widths of the window on
w2 each side of a line drawn from the room
reference point normal to the plane of the
window, the two widths being taken
separately;
d is the distance from the room reference
point to the plane of the window. (This is
the plane of the inside or the outside of the
wall, whichever edge of the window
aperture limits the view of the sky.)
The ratios h : d, w1 : d and w2 : d are worked out and
the sky components read directly from the table. In
general, the sky component at any other reference
point can be obtained by addition or subtraction. A
worked example using the table is given in the
CIBSE Code for Interior Lighting.
The Daylight Protractors, which were produced at
the Building Research Station (now part of the
Building Research Establishment), are widely used
for determining the sky component at the design
stage.
Figure 7 shows one of the protractors in use. First
the sky component for a window of infinite width is
found using a section of the room and the sky
component scale of the protractor (subtracting
where necessary to allow for external obstructions
and window sills). For windows of finite width, this
sky component is then multiplied by a correction
factor obtained using the auxiliary scale of the
protractor and a plan of the room.
17) Published by HMSO. Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire
18) Available from BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR.
18
NOTE Protractors are available for calculations with uniform
or CIE standard overcast skies, and for various slopes of glazing.
Transmission of single clear glass is allowed for. A full
description is given in the CIBSE Applications Manual: Window
design.
An alternative graphical technique is the use of the
Waldram Diagram18). This is particularly useful for
an accurate assessment of windows or external
obstructions of complex shape, although it is slower
to use than the BRS protractors. Both the BRS
Daylight Protractors and the Waldram Diagram can
be used to calculate the sky factor, where this is
needed for legal purposes.
14.2.3 Externally reflected component
The externally reflected component can be
calculated by considering the external obstructions
visible from the reference point as a patch of “sky”
whose luminance is a given fraction of that of the
sky obscured. In other words, the “equivalent sky
component” is first calculated by one of the methods
described in 14.2.2 and is then converted to the
externally reflected component by allowing for the
reduced luminance of the obstructing surfaces
compared with the luminance of the sky. The
luminance of obstructions varies widely in practice
but, unless the actual value is known, it is assumed
to be uniform, with a luminance of one-tenth of the
average luminance of the sky. When the tables,
protractors or diagrams are based on an overcast
sky (as are those given in this standard), the
externally reflected component is obtained by
dividing the “equivalent sky component” by 5. This
is because the luminance of a densely overcast sky
near the horizon is approximately half the average
overcast luminance of this sky.
14.2.4 Internally reflected component
The light reaching the room reference point after
reflection and inter-reflection from surfaces inside
the room depends on the reflectances of the walls,
ceiling and floor, and on the amount of light received
on them from the sky and the obstructions and
ground outside. This process of reflection and
inter-reflection is complex; some computer
programmes can simulate it but, as many of the
details needed for input may be imprecisely known,
it is often more appropriate to use a simpler
calculation.
WD2 7JR.
© BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

The amount of inter-reflected light varies according Rfw is the average reflectance of the floor and
to the distance of the room reference point from the those parts of the walls (excluding the
window. For most purposes, however, it is sufficient window wall) below the plane of the
to assume an average internally reflected mid-height of the window;
component over the greater part of the room with a
lower, minimum, value at points far from the Rcw is the average reflectance of the ceiling and
window. The minimum value is obtained from the those parts of the walls, (excluding the
average value using one of the factors listed window wall) above the plane of the
in A.1, Table 3. mid-height of the window;
The BRE inter-reflection formula is applicable in C is a coefficient having values dependent on
estimating the internally reflected component of the obstruction outside the window. For a
daylight factor for side- lit rooms. The average continuous obstruction with an angular
internally reflected component, as a percentage, is height v degrees above the horizon
given by (measured at the window reference point) it
is given by
0.8 A w
D i = ------------------------ ( C R fw + 5 R cw ) (4)
A( 1 –R ) v (5)
C = 40 – ---
2
where
Aw is the net glazed area of the window in
m2 (see 15.3);
A is the total area of the ceiling, floor
and walls, including windows, in m2;
R is the area weighted average
reflectance of the interior surfaces (A).
In initial calculations for rooms with
white ceilings and mid-reflectance
walls, this may be taken as 0.5.
Table 4 in Appendix A lists
reflectances of various materials;

Figure 6 — Dimensions used in BRS simplified daylight table

© BSI 02-1999 19
BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 7 — Use of daylight protractors

20 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Table 4 in A.2.1 lists reflection factors of various The allowance for dirt on glass is applied to the total
materials. The value 0.8 in equation 4 (see 14.2.4) daylight factor. In practice it varies with the degree
takes into account the transmittance of clear single of air pollution and how often windows are cleaned.
glazing; the value 5 is derived from an assumed In rural areas and for domestic buildings little or no
ground reflectance of 0.2. Equation 4 should not be allowance is usually necessary, but the rate at
applied when external obstructions cannot be which dirt is deposited on factories and offices in the
adequately described by a horizontal band of centre of cities may be rapid and there may be
uniform height, or when the ground reflectance is infrequent cleaning. The correction factors in
much greater or less than 0.2. Table 7 in A.2.2 are suggested according to the
When the three components of daylight factor have location and slope of the glazing. The maintenance
been estimated, their values are added together. programme has a pronounced effect on the average
Corrections may need to be applied for deterioration glass transmittance in dirty situations.
of room reflectances, dust or dirt on the glazing, 15.3 Overall aperture and net glazed area
types of glazing material other than single clear
If daylight factors are calculated from the overall
glass, and obstructions caused by the window
aperture area in the wall or roof, instead of the net
framing. Examples are given in 15.2. With the glazed area, a further correction factor should be
exception of deterioration of interior surfaces, it is used. It is given by the fraction
usually more convenient to multiply these
corrections by the total daylight factor rather than actual glass area
-------------------------------------------------------------------
by each of the components in turn. In all cases the overall area of aperture
product of the correction factors is taken.
Continuing the example given in 15.2, if a
Except for domestic buildings, an allowance for metalframed window is fitted and the size used in
deterioration of interior surfaces may need to be the calculation is that of the overall aperture (not
made. An average correction factor of 0.75 is usually the glass area) then the total correction would be
assumed and is applied to the value for the
0.7 (dirt) × 0.48 (glass correction factor) × 0.8
internally reflected component only. Alternatively,
(frame correction factor) = 0.27
when the location and type of work done in the
building are known, the correction factors in Table 5 Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8 in A.2.2 list typical
in A.2.1 may be used. correction factors. If there are any other
obstructions, such as curtains or structural
15 Examples of the calculation of supports, the overall transmittance should be
window transmittance reduced in proportion to the area of opening that
they obscure.
15.1 Average daylight factor
In equation 1 (see 13.1) the value of
transmittance T is the net transmittance of the
glazing. Thus for a vertical window in clear float
glass in an industrial location, the value of T is
calculated from the equation:
T = 0.8 (glass) × 0.7 (dirt) = 0.56
15.2 Daylight factor at a point
In Table 2 in A.1 (sky components) and equation 4
in 14.2.4 (internally reflected components) it is
assumed that the glass transmittance is 0.8. If there
is no additional obstruction, then only a correction
for dirt would be made (the difference between 0.8
and the transmittance of the float glass being
negligible). If body-tinted grey glass is used in place
of clear glass then, from the example in Table 6
in A.2.2, the total correction would be
0.7 (dirt) × 0.48 (glass correction factor) = 0.34

© BSI 02-1999 21
BS 8206-2:1992

Appendix A Data for daylight and

sunlight calculations
A.1 Daylight factor tables
Table 2 gives the sky component (CIE overcast sky)
for vertical glazed rectangular windows. Table 3
gives the conversion of average to minimum
internally reflected component.

22 © BSI 02-1999
 Table 2 — Sky component (CIE overcast sky) for vertical glazed rectangular windows
Ratio Sky component Angle of
a
h:d obstruction
00 1.3 2.5 3.7 4.9 5.9 6.9 7.7 8.4 9.0 9.6 10.7 11.6 12.2 12.6 13.0 13.7 14.2 14.6 14.9 15.0 90°

© BSI 02-1999
5.0 1.2 2.4 3.7 4.8 5.9 6.8 7.6 8.3 8.8 9.4 10.5 11.1 11.7 12.3 12.7 13.3 13.7 14.0 14.1 14.2 79°
4.0 1.2 2.4 3.6 4.7 5.8 6.7 7.4 8.2 8.7 9.2 10.3 10.9 11.4 12.0 12.4 12.9 13.3 13.5 13.6 13.7 76°
3.5 1.2 2.4 3.6 4.6 5.7 6.6 7.3 8.0 8.5 9.0 10.1 10.6 11.1 11.8 12.2 12.6 12.9 13.2 13.2 13.3 74°
3.0 1.2 2.3 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.4 7.1 7.8 8.2 8.7 9.8 10.2 10.7 11.3 11.7 12.0 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 72°
2.8 1.1 2.3 3.4 4.5 5.4 6.3 7.0 7.6 8.1 8.6 9.6 10.0 10.5 11.1 11.4 11.7 12.0 12.2 12.3 12.3 70°
2.6 1.1 2.2 3.4 4.4 5.3 6.2 6.8 7.5 7.9 8.4 9.3 9.8 10.2 10.8 11.1 11.4 11.7 11.8 11.9 11.9 69°
2.4 1.1 2.2 3.3 4.3 5.2 6.0 6.6 7.3 7.7 8.1 9.1 9.5 10.0 10.4 10.7 11.0 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 67°
2.2 1.1 2.1 3.2 4.1 5.0 5.8 6.4 7.0 7.4 7.9 8.7 9.1 9.6 10.0 10.2 10.5 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.9 66°
2.0 1.0 2.0 3.1 4.0 4.8 5.6 6.2 6.7 7.1 7.5 8.3 8.7 9.1 9.5 9.7 9.9 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 63°
1.9 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.9 4.7 5.4 6.0 6.5 6.9 7.3 8.1 8.5 8.8 9.2 9.4 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.9 62°
1.8 0.97 1.9 2.9 3.8 4.6 5.3 5.8 6.3 6.7 7.1 7.8 8.2 8.5 8.8 9.0 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.5 61°
1.7 0.94 1.9 2.8 3.6 4.4 5.1 5.6 6.1 6.5 6.8 7.5 7.8 8.2 8.5 8.6 8.8 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.1 60°
1.6 0.90 1.8 2.7 3.5 4.2 4.9 5.4 5.8 6.2 6.5 7.2 7.5 7.8 8.1 8.2 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.6 8.6 58°
1.5 0.86 1.7 2.6 3.3 4.0 4.6 5.1 5.6 5.9 6.2 6.8 7.1 7.4 7.6 7.8 7.9 8.0 8.0 8.1 8.1 56°
1.4 0.82 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.8 4.4 4.8 5.2 5.6 5.9 6.4 6.7 7.0 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.6 54°
1.3 0.77 1.5 2.3 2.9 3.6 4.1 4.5 4.9 5.2 5.5 5.9 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.9 6.9 7.0 52°
1.2 0.71 1.4 2.1 2.7 3.3 3.8 4.2 4.5 4.8 5.0 5.4 5.7 5.9 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.2 6.3 6.3 6.3 50°
1.1 0.65 1.3 1.9 2.5 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.1 4.3 4.6 4.9 5.1 5.3 5.4 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.6 5.7 5.7 48°
1.0 0.57 1.1 1.7 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.3 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.9 5.0 5.0 45°
0.9 0.50 0.99 1.5 1.9 2.2 2.6 2.8 3.1 3.3 3.4 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.2 42°
0.8 0.42 0.83 1.2 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 39°
0.7 0.33 0.68 0.97 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.8 2.8 35°
0.6 0.24 0.53 0.74 0.98 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 31°
0.5 0.16 0.39 0.52 0.70 0.82 0.97 1.0 1.10 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 27°
0.4 0.10 0.25 0.34 0.45 0.54 0.62 0.70 0.75 0.82 0.89 0.92 0.95 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.98 0.98 22°
0.3 0.06 0.14 0.18 0.26 0.30 0.34 0.38 0.42 0.44 0.47 0.49 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.53 0.53 17°
0.2 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.11 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.24 0.24 11°
0.1 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.5 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.08 6°
Ratio 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0 6.0 ` 0°
w : db
a
Height of window head above working plane: distance from window.
b
Width of window to one side of normal: distance from window.

23
BS 8206-2:1992
BS 8206-2:1992

Table 3 — Conversion of average to minimum A.2 Values of reflectance and transmittance

internally reflected component A.2.1 Reflectances
Average reflectance, R Conversion factor The reflectance of a building material in use is
0.3 0.54 affected by weathering, dirt and moisture. The
overall reflectance of a surface is also affected by its
0.4 0.67 shape: a deeply corrugated surface reflects less light
0.5 0.78 than a smooth surface of the same material. Glossy
surfaces have a slightly higher reflectance than
0.6 0.85
matt materials of the same body colour, but the
distribution of reflected light and the appearance of
the surface is more significant than the change in
total reflectance. Approximate reflectance values
are given in Table 4 and correction factors that
should be applied are given in Table 5.
Table 4 — Approximate values of the reflectance of light
Material Reflectance Material Reflectance

Ground Materials used internally

Snow (new) 0.8 White paper 0.8
Sand 0.3 Stainless steel 0.4
Paving 0.2 Cement screed 0.4
Earth (dry) 0.2 Carpet (cream) 0.4
Earth (moist) 0.1 Wood (light veneers) 0.4
Grass 0.1 Wood (medium colours) 0.2
Green vegetation 0.1 Wood (dark oak) 0.1
Quarry tiles 0.1
Other external materials Window glass 0.1
Carpet (deep colours) 0.1
Brickwork (white glazed) 0.7
Portland stone 0.6 Paint colours
Medium limestone 0.4 (with BS 4800 colour code)a
Concrete 0.4
Brickwork (London stock) 0.3 White 00E55 0.85
Brickwork (red) 0.2 Pale cream 10C31 0.81
Granite 0.2 Light grey 00A01 0.68
Window glass 0.1 Strong yellow 10E53 0.64
Tree foliage 0.1 Mid-grey 00A05 0.45
Strong green 14E53 0.22
Strong red 04E53 0.18
Strong blue 18E53 0.15
Dark grey 10A11 0.14
Dark brown 08C89 0.10
Dark red-purple 02C39 0.10
Black 00E53 0.05
a
References given are values for gloss paint. BS 4800 lists approximate Munsell references for paint colours for building purposes,
and gives a useful method for deriving reflectances from Munsell references.

24 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Table 5 — Correction factors for deterioration In Table 2 (see A.1), in the BRS daylight
of interior surfaces, to be applied to the protractors, and in equation 4 (see 14.2.4) for the
internally reflected component average internally reflected component, it is
Type of location Type of work Correction factor
assumed that the diffuse transmittance of the
glazing is that for clear glass, approximately 0.8.
clean clean 0.9 When materials other than clear glass are used, a
dirty clean 0.8 correction factor should be applied. Examples are
given in Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8. In other cases
clean dirty 0.7
it may be obtained by dividing the actual glazing
dirty dirty 0.6 transmittance by 0.8. For solar control films which
are applied to ordinary clear glazing the visible
A.2.2 Transmittances diffuse transmission factor of the film alone can be
With the proliferation of glazing materials, it is no used directly as the correction factor.
longer possible to recommend particular correction The typical spectral transmission curve of float
factors for tinted, reflecting or diffusing glazing. glass is shown in Figure 8.
Table 6 gives approximate values, but these should
Table 7 — Correction factors for dirt on glass
be taken only for guidance. Information about
specific materials should be obtained from the Type of Vertical Sloping Horizontal
manufacturer. location glazing glazing glazing

Table 6 — Mean light transmittance and clean 0.9 0.8 0.7

correction factors of glazing materials industrial 0.7 0.6 0.5
Material Diffuse light Correction very dirty 0.6 0.5 0.4
transmittance factor

clear 6 mm glass 0.80 1 Table 8 — Correction factors for frames and

glazing bars
body-tinted 6 mm glass
Type of frame Correction factor
bronze 0.40 0.57
metal patent glazing 0.9
grey 0.39 0.48
metal frame, large pane 0.8
green 0.66 0.83
wood frame, large pane 0.7
strongly-reflecting 0.18 0.23
6 mm glass wood frame, “Georgian” pane 0.6
sealed unit (2 × 6 mm 0.65 0.82
clear glass)
sealed unit (6 mm clear 0.63 0.79
glass + 6 mm
low-emissivity neutral)
sealed unit (6 mm 0.26 0.33
reflecting + 6 mm
clear)
sealed unit (6 mm 0.15 0.19
strongly-reflecting
+ 6 mm clear)
wired cast glass, 6 mm 0.74 0.92

© BSI 02-1999 25
BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 8 — Typical spectral transmission curve of 6 mm clear float glass

A.3 Availability of sunlight
Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11 show,
respectively, sunpath diagrams for London, and for
Edinburgh, and a sunlight probability diagram.

26 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 9 — Sunpath diagram for London (latitude 51° N)

© BSI 02-1999 27
BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 10 — Sunpath diagram for Edinburgh (latitude 56° N)

28 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 11 — Sunlight probability diagram

A.4 Availability of skylight Table 9 — Diffuse orientation factors for
Table 9 gives diffuse orientation factors. Figure 12 an 09.00 to 17.00 working day (factor fo in
and Figure 13 illustrate diffuse illuminances for equation 3 in 14.1)
London and Edinburgh. Figure 14 gives mean Orientation Orientation factor
horizontal diffuse illuminances at London
north 0.97
and Figure 14 shows the spectral composition of
north sky daylight at 5 700 K. east 1.15
south 1.55
west 1.21

© BSI 02-1999 29
BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 12 — Diffuse illuminance (Eh) availability for London (see 14.1 for factor Eh
in equation 3)

30 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 13 — Diffuse illuminance (Eh) availability for Edinburgh (see 14.1 for factor Eh
in equation 3)

© BSI 02-1999 31
BS 8206-2:1992

Figure 14 — Mean horizontal diffuse illuminances at London (Kew)

Figure 15 — Spectral composition of north sky daylight at 5 700 °K

32 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Appendix B Standard service and

design service illuminances
Table 10 gives standard service illuminances,
reproduced from BS 8206-1. Figure 16 is a flow
chart for obtaining design service illuminance, also
reproduced from BS 8206-1.
Table 10 — Examples of activities/interiors appropriate for each
standard service illuminance
Standard Characteristics of the activity/interior Representative
service activities/interiors
illuminance

lx
50 Interiors visited rarely with visual tasks confined to movement Walkways, cable
and casual seeing without perception of detail tunnels
100 Interiors visited occasionally with visual tasks confined to Bulk stores, corridors
movement and casual seeing, calling for only limited
perception of detail
150 Interiors visited occasionally with visual tasks requiring some Churches
perception of detail
Interiors visited occasionally but involving some risk to people, Loading bays
plant or product
200 Continuously occupied interiors, visual tasks not requiring any Monitoring automatic
perception of detail processes in
manufacture, turbine
halls
300 Continuously occupied interiors, visual tasks moderately easy, Lecture theatres,
i.e. details to be seen are large and/or of high contrast packing goods, rough
sawing
500 Visual tasks moderately difficult, i.e. details to be seen are of General offices,
moderate size and may be of low contrast. Also colour kitchens, laboratories
judgement may be required
750 Visual tasks difficult, i.e. details to be seen are small and of low Drawing offices, ceramic
contrast. Also good colour judgement may be required decoration
1 000 Visual tasks very difficult, i.e. details to be seen are very small Electronic component
and may be of very low contrast. Also accurate colour assembly, gauge and
judgement may be required tool rooms, re-touching
paintwork
1 500 Visual tasks extremely difficult, i.e. details to be seen Inspection of graphic
extremely small and of low contrast. Visual aids may be of reproduction, hand
advantage tailoring
2 000 Visual tasks exceptionally difficult, i.e. details to be seen Assembly of minute
exceptionally small and of very low contrast. Visual aids will be mechanisms, finished
of advantage fabric inspection

© BSI 02-1999 33
BS 8206-2:1992

NOTE The illuminances given apply to interiors lit predominantly with electric lighting. Where higher values are recommended for
daylit rooms with supplementary electric lighting, see 7.2.
Figure 16 — Flow chart for obtaining design service illuminance from standard service
illuminance

34 © BSI 02-1999

Appendix C Bibliography
C.1 General
This bibliography relates to specific topics
mentioned in this standard.
C.2 Criteria
CHAUVEL, P., COLLINS, J.B., DOGNIAUX, R.
and J. LONGMORE. Glare from windows: current
views of the problem. Lighting Research and
Technology. 1982, 14, 31–46.
COLLINS, B.L. Review of the psychological
reactions to windows. Lighting Research and
Technology. 1976, 8, 80–88.
KEIGHLEY, E.C. Visual requirements and reduced Services Engineers, 1989.
fenestration in offices. Building
Science. 1973, 8, 311–320.
NE’EMAN, E. and R.G. HOPKINSON. Critical
minimum acceptable window size: a study of
window design and provision of a view. Lighting
Research and Technology. 1970, 2, 17–27.
NE’EMAN, E., LIGHT, W. and R.G. HOPKINSON. Note 17, 1981.
Recommendations for the admission and control of
sunlight in buildings. Building and
Environment. 1976, 11, 91–101.
C.3 Calculation methods and data
BECKETT, H.E. and J.A. GODFREY. Windows:
Performance, design and installation. Crosby
Lockwood Staples and RIBA Publications Ltd.,
London, 1974.
BRE Digest 309: Estimating daylight in buildings-1 London, 1989.
and BRE Digest 310: Estimating daylight in
buildings-2. Building Research
Establishment, 1986.
HENDERSON, S.T. Daylight and its spectrum.
Adam Hilger, London, 1970.
HUNT, D.R.G. Availability of daylight. Department McGraw-Hill, London, 1981.
of the Environment, 1979.
LITTLEFAIR, P.J. Modelling real sky daylight
availability with the BRE Average Sky. Proceedings
of the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage,
Amsterdam, 1983.
LYNES, J.A. Principles of natural lighting. Elsevier
Publishing Company, London, 1968.
NE’EMAN, E. and W. LIGHT. Availability of
sunshine. Building and
Environment. 1976, 11, 103–130.
PETHERBRIDGE, P. Sunpath diagrams and
overlays. HMSO, 1969.
PHILLIPS, G.M. and P.J. LITTLEFAIR. Average
daylight factor under rooflights. CIBSE National
Lighting Conference, Cambridge, 1988.
© BSI 02-1999
BS 8206-2:1992
SECKER, S.M. and P.J. LITTLEFAIR. Daylight
availability and lighting use: geographical
variations. Lighting Research and
Technology. 1987, 19, 25–34.
C.4 Building types
CIBSE. Lighting guide LG MAG: Museums and art
galleries. Chartered Institution of Building Services
Engineers, 1980.
CIBSE. Lighting guide LG1: the industrial
environment. Chartered Institution of Building
Services Engineers, 1989.
CIBSE. Lighting guide LG2: hospitals and health
care buildings. Chartered Institution of Building
CIBSE. Lighting guide LG3: areas for visual display
terminals. Chartered Institution of Building
Services Engineers, 1989.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE.
Guidelines for environmental design and fuel
conservation in educational buildings, Design
C.5 Legislation
ANSTEY, J. Rights of light and how to deal with
them. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors,
London, 1988.
CLARKE, H.W., NELSON, J. and E. THOMPSON.
Knight’s Building Regulations.Charles Knight,
London, 1986 and later (loose-leaf).
ELLIS, P. Rights to light. Estates Gazette,
C.6 Design issues
BELL, J.A.M. Development and practice in the
daylighting of buildings. Lighting Research and
Technology. 1973, 5, 173–185.
EVANS, B.H. Daylight in architecture.
LAM, W. Sunlight as formgiver for architecture. Van
Nostrand, New York, 1986.
LITTLEFAIR, P.J. BRE Information Paper,
IP 22/89: Innovative daylight systems. Building
Research Establishment, 1989.
MOORE, F. Concepts and practice of architectural
daylighting. Van Nostrand, New York, 1985.
35
BS 8206-2:1992

Index probable sunlight hours principles of design 7.1

calculation 12.2 room brightness 7.2
Building Regulations 11.3 criterion 5.3 task lighting 6, 7.3
CIE standard overcast sky, definition 2.2.3 transmittance
definition 2.3.2 reflectance calculation 15
colour rendering 6.1 of ground 14.2.4 spectral curves A.2.2
conservation of materials 10 of walls 5.8 table of values A.2.2
daylight factor table of values A.2.1 transom
calculation 14.2 Rights of Light Acts 11.2 definition 2.1.4
definition 2.3.3 rooflight position in relation to view 4.4
daylight factor, average definition 2.1.3 trees 8.1
calculation 13 uniformity under 5.7 uniformity
criteria 5.5, 5.6 room reference point aim 5.7
definition 2.3.4 definition 2.1.8 calculation of room depth 13.3
daylight, definition 2.1.1 shading devices 8.1 on tasks 6.2
decorations, correction for sill, position in relation to view 4
deterioration A.2.1 view 4.4
window frame 15.3, A.2.2
degradation of materials 10 sky component
window reference point
dirt on glass, correction calculation 14.2
definition 2.1.9
factor 14, 15, A.2.2 definition 2.3.6
window reveal
dusk 7.4 tables A.1
on sunpath diagram 12.1
energy efficiency 9 sky factor
reduction of glare 5.8
externally reflected component calculation 14.2
window, definition 2.1.2
calculation 14.2 definition 2.3.5
working plane, definition 2.1.7
definition 2.3.7 Rights of Light 11.2
glare 5.8, 6.3, 7.2 sky luminance 2.3, 5.8
glass correction factor 15.3, A.2.2 skylight
definition 2.3.1
illuminance
principle of design 5.4
and degradation of materials 10.2
solar altitude
availability A.4
definition 2.2.4
calculation 14
on sunpath diagram 12.1
design service Appendix B
solar azimuth
from supplementary electric
definition 2.2.5
lighting 7.2
on sunpath diagram 12.1
on tasks 6.2
spectral composition of light and
standard service Appendix B
degradation 10.3
internally reflected component
graph A.4
calculation 14.2
specular reflection 6.3.3
conversion of average to
minimum A.1 sunlight
definition 2.3.8 calculation 12
definition 2.2.1
modelling 6.1, 7.3
duration 5.3
no-sky line
overheating due to 5.3
as criterion of uniformity 5.7
principle of design 5.2
definition 2.1.6
shading requirements 8
obstruction
sunpath diagrams A.3
calculation of effect 13.1, 14.2
supplementary electric lighting
definition 2.1.5
and skylight criteria 5.5
on sunpath diagram 12.1
and uniformity of skylight 5.7
orientation factor 14.1, A.4
colour 7.2.5, 7.3.3
overshadowing 8.2
controls 9.4
passive solar design 9.3 definition 2.1.10
possible sunlight hours for task lighting 7.3
definition 2.2.2
on sunpath diagrams 12.1
use of models 12.3

36 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 8206-2:1992

Publication(s) referred to

BS 4800, Schedule for paint colours for building purposes.

BS 6100, Glossary of building and civil engineering terms.
BS 8206, Lighting for buildings.
BS 8206-1, Code of practice for artificial lighting.
BS 8207, Code of practice for energy efficiency in buildings.
BS 8211, Energy efficiency in housing.
BS 8211-1, Code of practice for energy efficient refurbishment of housing.
BS 8220, Guide for security of buildings against crime.
CIBSE Code for Interior Lighting 198419)20).
CIBSE Applications Manual: Window design 198719).
CIBSE Lighting Guide LG MAG Museums and art galleries 198019)21).
BRE Digest 272 Lighting controls and energy use 198322).
BRE Report Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: a guide to good practice 199122).
BRE Sunlight Availability Protractor 197523).
CRISP, V.H.C., LITTLEFAIR, P.J., COOPER, I. and G. McKENNAN. BRE Report Daylighting as a passive
solar energy option: an assessment of its potential in non-domestic buildings 198822).
LITTLEFAIR, P.J. BRE Information paper IP 15/1988 Average daylight factor: a simple basis for daylight
design21).
LONGMORE, J. BRE Daylight Protractors. HMSO 196822).
TREGENZA, P.R. Modification of the split-flux formulae for mean daylight factor and internal reflected
component with large external obstructions. Lighting Research and Technology. 1989, 21, 125–128
Waldram Diagram, 198622).
Buildings, the key to energy conservation edited Kasabov, G. RIBA Energy Group 197924).

19) Available
from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Delta House, 222 Balham High Road,
London SW12 9BS
20)
In course of revision; publication expected in late 1992.
21)
Under review.
22) Available from the Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford, WD2 7JR.
23) Requests about the availability of the protractor should be addressed to BRE, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR.
24) Available from the Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London W1N 4AD.

© BSI 02-1999
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