Take Charge of the Sun's Light

A welcome innovation, 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film utilizes micro-replication to redirect light that would have originally hit the floor a few feet from the window, up onto the ceiling, helping to light the room as deep as 40 feet from the window.

The technology "micro-replication" refers to microscopic structures that are able to redirect as much as 80% of light up onto the ceiling, providing more natural light, which has been linked to increased productivity and purchasing behavior, and helping to reduce your dependence on electric lighting.

Optimizing Natural Light

Daylight Redirecting Film is a simple, effective daylighting solution which comfortably brings natural light deeper into buildings.

Buildings with abundant natural light have been shown to:

  • Increase employee productivity
  • Boost retail sales
  • Improve student test scores
  • Decrease rates of absenteeism
  • Improve patient recovery times
  • Reduce energy costs

3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film installed in Clerestory Glass — Sacramento, CA.

Naturally Bright Day

Daylight Redirecting Film is designed to move excess light close to the window and redirect it deeper into the building to increase the daylighting penetration. Bringing natural light deeper into the building provides the many benefits of natural light for more occupants as well as reducing the need for artificial lighting which saves energy. In addition, Daylight Redirecting Film:

  • Reduces glare and discomfort caused by direct sunlight on occupants
  • Redirects natural light as much as 40 ft or more into the building
  • Extends daylight zone up to 8 ft into the interior for every 1 ft of treated window
  • Can provide up to 52% lighting energy savings compared to baseline usage
  • Can provide savings of up to 1.5 kwh/sq ft of floor area

How It Works

Before & After Comparison

When Shades are Open*

Before (Clear Glass)

Direct sunlight can beam into the space at low angles, causing glare and discomfort.

After (3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film)

The light from the upper glass is redirected to the ceiling, increasing natural light and decreasing glare in the space caused by direct sunlight.

When Shades are Closed*

Before (Clear Glass)

Shades are closed to block uncomfortable direct sunlight, which also decreases natural light in the space.

After (3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film)

Even when the vision glass shades are drawn, natural light continues to penetrate into the space through the clerestory glass with Daylight Redirecting Film.

*Simulated images

Case Study: US Department of Energy ESTCP Program

Locations

  • Washington, California (2), Texas, Virginia, Rhode Island
  • Analysis and report by TRC, formerly HMG
  • Measurements taken Solstice to Solstice

Results

  • Increased Illuminance up to:
    • 250 footcandles 8.5 ft from window
    • 50 footcandles 22 ft from window
    • 20 footcandles 35 ft from window

-Average spatial daylight autonomy increase of 11%, as high as 25%
-Average peak demand lighting energy reduction of 13%

Resources

Follow the links below for additional info and tools to help aid in deciding which product is best suited for your needs.