In a typical office building, lighting and climate control make up more than 65 percent of energy usage. It's smart business to invest in solutions that help in curbing energy consumption. Lighting control systems can certainly help, and automation applied via occupancy sensors, timers, and other means can contribute to a more efficient environment. So can automated climate control.

Beyond lighting and climate control, another solution can yield efficiency and other benefits. The intelligent harnessing and management of natural light are sometimes overlooked. Before the advent of electricity, buildings relied on natural light to illuminate interior spaces. The availability of reliable and ubiquitous electric power changed the nature of building design and de-emphasized natural light. But now, with new energy regulations, a better understanding of the effects of climate change, and a new emphasis on sustainability, building design is once again focused on maximizing the benefits of natural light. This new concept is called designing for Daylight Autonomy.