BRE Test Report 248038 compares Solatube 330DS with Monodraught SunPipe

When you're specifying a light pipe it's not always easy to cut through all of the sales jargon to determine which product is the best for your project. Well hopefully this should make things easier.

Recent testing at the UK Buildling Research Establishment (BRE) has shown that the Solatube® 330 DS Daylighting System (530mm diameter) is up to 20% more efficient at delivering light than the Monodraught 530mm diameter SunPipe. Tests were carried out in overcast and simulated sunlight conditions with the Solatube® Daylighting System delivering consistently better results.

Comparing tubular daylighting devices?

As the world-renowned innovator of daylighting systems, Solatube® provides a compelling alternative to artificial lighting, bringing the benefits of brilliant, natural light to both new and existing buildings while at the same time reducing energy costs and consumption. But how do you ensure you are getting the most efficient system?

Solatube® uses the most advanced technologies in every daylight system to ensure that efficiency and performance is unrivalled. One of Solatube's key features is its exclusive, super-reflective tube material... even small differences in a tube's reflective value will make a significant difference to the amount light delivered.

BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, providing its customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday items. It aims to lessen its environmental impact in a number of ways and where appropriate looks to utilise innovative technology.

As part of this aim, BP recently installed thirty-one Solatube® 290DS Daylight Systems in conjunction with a DALI interactive lighting system at a new flagship store in Hampshire. BP is trialing the two systems with the objective of reducing energy consumption as part of its drive to reduce CO2 emissions at its UK retail sites.

Solatube® delivers gold medal Olympic performance

Billed as the 'Green Olympics', the organisers of Beijing 2008 are boasting a host of energy saving technologies in the construction specifications of the various sporting venues for this summer's games.

As part of the drive to lower emissions, 148 Solatube® Daylight Systems have been installed into the roof of the massive new 8,000 seat gymnasium built to stage the Judo and Taekwondo events during the coming weeks.

With tube lengths in excess of eight meters, only Solatube's 99.7% reflective tubing was considered to be up-to-the-job of delivering enough light to satisfy the needs of both athletes and spectators.

Solatube® Daylight Systems fuel BP's drive to reduce carbon footprint

Seventeen Solatube® Daylight Systems were installed as part of a trial at BP's site in Childs Way, in Milton Keynes, in the retail and back office areas.

Jason McMenamin, BP's maintenance co-ordinator comments:
"Installing the Solatubes has the potential to help us to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, the use of daylight rather than electric light creates a better place for our customers to shop and our staff to work."

Environment Agency sees daylight for saving energy

The Environment Agency has installed Solatube® Daylight Systems to bring daylight to windowless areas.