Integrated Analysis of Daylight and Solar Access Building Requirements and Performance in Urban Environments in Estonia

Daylight and solar access are important factors for the wellbeing of building occupants. Standards exist to guarantee natural illumination in buildings in the different countries of Europe and at the Union level. Often the same regulation presents both requirements of daylight and solar access the recommended levels of which have not been compared and tested for local climate conditions. This study analyzes the requirements of the Estonian and European standards and the combined fulfillment of the daylight and solar access requirements. Additionally, the appropriateness of the Daylight Factor levels and visual discomfort risks due to the required solar access of the two standards are analyzed using climate based simulations. The outcomes are useful for practitioners and for the Estonian legislator to adopt the European standard.