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Daylighting reduces energy usage by exploiting natural light while controlling for adverse solar impacts. Glass in daylighting applications can increase occupant wellbeing and job performance while providing for a wide range of architectural aesthetics to meet desired design intent. This document describes the benefits of daylighting, the role of glass in daylighting design to reduce energy consumption, improve light level control, and enhance occupant comfort, with example applications using glass as part of the overall daylighting strategy. The document also includes daylighting design tools and resources.

The Technical Services Division of the National Glass Association (NGA) has produced this Glass Technical Paper solely for informational purposes. This Paper was developed by dedicated member volunteers and subject matter experts. The Glass Technical Papers FM04-12 (2019) Daylighting and FB53-17 (2024) Benefits of Decorative Glass in Daylighting Applications were originally approved and published in 2012 and 2017. This consolidated version of the two documents was updated and published in January 2026.

Tags Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency; Flat GlassFlat Glass; InsulatingInsulating; DecorativeDecorative; DaylightingDaylighting; High-PerformanceHigh-Performance; SustainabilitySustainability