Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Achieve Exam Success!

The most practical upgrade to existing buildings to improve daylighting is tubular light shafts. Tubular skylights, with their reflective tubing, can capture and channel natural daylight from the roof into building interiors that might otherwise lack direct sunlight. This approach is particularly effective for spaces that may not allow for traditional large windows or where installing conventional skylights is not feasible due to structural or design constraints.

By utilizing tubular light shafts, buildings can enhance natural lighting levels in interior spaces while minimizing the physical modifications required to existing structures. This technology also helps reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours, contributing to energy efficiency and creating a more pleasant environment for occupants.

In contrast, while skylights indeed enhance daylighting, their installation could pose challenges in terms of cost and structural changes, especially in retrofitted buildings. Operable windows can improve ventilation and allow some light in, but they are primarily designed for airflow rather than maximizing daylight. Exterior shading devices can help control glare and heat gain, but they do not inherently increase the amount of natural light entering a building.