Evaluation of lighting factors that influence energy efficiency for the design of educational spaces on the university campus of the UNA, Puno

Energy efficiency in higher education buildings is crucial to reduce energy consumption. The campus of the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Peru, faces unique challenges due to its geographical location at over 3800 masl and its position in the southern hemisphere, where lighting is a challenge for buildings. This study evaluated the lighting and energy efficiency in educational spaces using a prototype system with reflectors and a solar tube. Lighting levels were measured in three vocational schools using a digital lux meter at different periods of the day. In addition, an experimental prototype of natural lighting based on solar tubes was developed and its effectiveness was evaluated in selected classrooms with lighting deficits. Significant differences were demonstrated in the lighting levels in the classrooms, especially on the lower floors, where the illuminance levels did not reach the 300 lux recommended for general classrooms and 500 lux for laboratories. In classroom 105 of the Professional School of Architecture and Urbanism, classroom 101 of the Professional School of Human Nutrition, and classroom 203 of the Professional School of Sociology, the illuminance levels were well below the required standards. The implementation of the solar tube prototype significantly increased the illuminance levels in these environments. These remarkable increases improved the lighting comfort of the classrooms, meeting and exceeding international standards. It also highlights the importance of integrating daylighting solutions into the architectural design of educational buildings. Adopting these technologies is recommended in regions with similar geographic and climatic conditions to Puno. Implementing daylighting technologies, such as solar tubes, is an effective strategy to improve the quality of the learning environment in educational buildings.