Internal Daylight/Sunlight Assessments
Why Do I Need Internal Daylight/Sunlight Assessment?
Internal Daylight and sunlight assessments are often a requirement of Planning and BREEAM. We provide analysis, design advice and reports to confirm that new developments meet planning and BREEAM requirement
SEES can provide Internal Daylight and sunlight assessments for:
Internal daylight assessment for planning application requirements
The 2022 update to the BRE 209 document was published on 9th June 2022. The new guidance reflects the UK National Annex of the British Standard: BS EN17037 (2018) and provides two methodologies for assessing the internal daylight amenity to new residential properties. These assessment methods are known as ‘Daylight Illuminance’ or ‘Daylight Factor.
Daylighting calculations a relatively inexpensive and effective means of gaining extra credits for BREEAM assessments
In order to prove a building has acceptable daylighting as a general rule 80% of net lettable floor area must be adequately daylit with an average daylight factor of 2% or more and a uniformity ratio of at least 0.4. SEES can put together the required reports to satisfy the BREEAM requirements.
How we can help
Based on the proposed development plans, we have the capability to assess the amount of daylight and its distribution within the rooms of dwellings with limited daylight and sunlight, such as basement dwellings and (Extension/Refurbishment).
This assessment allows us to determine if the lighting meets the BRE good practice guidelines or achieve the required level to meet BREEAM credit requirements. Our findings can then be used to advise architects on potential design alterations to improve daylight availability, including recommendations for window sizes and room layouts. Additionally, our internal daylight assessments are complemented by daylight impact assessments, aiding clients in obtaining planning consents. We also offer support for prior approval applications related to permitted developments.