3M Architectural Markets introduces the 3M™ Sunlight Delivery System, this daylighting solution captures and harnesses sunlight in an energy-efficient lighting system for commercial buildings. It is a sophisticated hybrid system combining multiple technologies to bring sunlight deep into interior spaces and provides consistent light levels throughout the day. The technology holds promise for both energy efficiency and improving the productivity and morale of building employees.
Daylighting is the original green building practice… The importance of integrating sustainability in building planning only continues to grow, and there is nothing more energy efficient than the sun.
Dan Franus, marketing manager at 3M Architectural Markets
The 3M sunlight delivery system provides the industry with a new method of daylighting that offers significantly greater capabilities than existing alternatives. Traditional daylighting methods such as skylights or tubular daylighting devices present a number of challenges. These systems can require multiple entry points and are often limited to top floor applications. They can also contribute to heat gain and loss for the building, and require regular maintenance.
3M™ Sunlight Delivery System, image courtesy 3M Architectural Markets
3M™ Sunlight Delivery System, image courtesy 3M Architectural Markets
However, 3M’s solution works differently—actively tracking, capturing and transporting the sun’s natural, full visible spectrum daylight beyond just the top floor and into the interior spaces of buildings where natural lighting is limited. The system uses a GPS-equipped rooftop collector with a single roof penetration to actively track the sun. Horizontal and vertical ducts lined with 3M reflective film carry the light into the building’s interior, where it is delivered with multiple light fixtures. These highly reflective films—with a reflectivity greater than 98 percent—enable the system to carry sunlight for longer distances and with less light loss than competitive products.
Energy-efficient artificial lighting is also incorporated into the light fixtures, with controls that provide consistent light levels in dark or overcast conditions.
3M™ Sunlight Delivery System, image courtesy 3M Architectural Markets
The 3M sunlight delivery system is designed to meet the needs of multiple incentives, rebates and building code mandates, as well as green building code certifications such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation. The system offers the potential to reduce a building’s energy demands during peak hours, when rates can be at their highest. In addition, the system can improve the well-being of people in the building, as data has shown that daylighting has a direct impact on productivity and satisfaction.
The 3M sunlight delivery system is targeted at new commercial construction projects, but can also be retrofitted into existing buildings. The U.S. Department of Defense awarded 3M an environmental technology demonstration and validation program and will install the system at one of its facilities later this year.
3M™ Sunlight Delivery System, image courtesy 3M Architectural Markets
3M™ Sunlight Delivery System, image courtesy 3M Architectural Markets
+ About 3M Architectural Markets
Based on 3M’s tradition of innovation, technological know-how and information resources, 3M Architectural Markets offers flexible, creative and technologically advanced surface finishing and lighting solutions for architecture and interior design. With a wide range of interior finishes and decorative glass finishes as well as natural and artificial lighting solutions, 3M Architectural Markets helps designers create a complete mood or atmosphere, defining the specific character of any environment. Their technologies are engineered to create design excellence, enhance human comfort and respect environmental sustainability, globally.
+ About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
+ For more information, please visit 3M Architectural Markets site.