Skylights, which are windows installed in industrial buildings' roofs, allow natural light to enter, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. These installations are indispensable for energy savings, productivity improvement, and increasing property values, contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of investments.

According to SiiLA Market Analytics, the percentage of skylights in industrial buildings in Mexico typically ranges from 3% to 10% of the total roof area, influenced by local regulations, building design, and energy efficiency and sustainability goals. This percentage is crucial for determining the efficiency of natural lighting and energy savings. For example, on a 1,000 square-meter roof, 10% of skylights represent 100 square meters. However, there are facilities with even higher percentages, such as warehouse two of the O'Donnell Puente Mexico industrial park, six warehouses of the Convento City Park complex, and warehouse one of the Advance Tepotzotlan II in the CTT submarket (Cuautitlan, Tultitlan, and Tepotzotlan) of Mexico City, which reach or exceed 15%.

SiiLA data also show that the most common proportions of skylights in industrial buildings in Mexico are 3%, 5%, and 10%.

On the one hand, 13% of properties have 3% skylights, which is the minimum recommended for significantly improving natural lighting. About 45% of warehouses have 5%, while 19% reach 10%, providing significant natural light without compromising roof integrity or thermal efficiency. Skylights can constitute up to 20% of the roof area for buildings seeking environmental certifications like LEED. However, this increase must be carefully managed to control heat and prevent glare, thus ensuring an optimal and sustainable work environment.

Location, Quality, and Natural Lighting

The location and percentage of skylights are determined by considering key factors such as local climate, building orientation, and specific lighting and temperature control needs. In regions with warm, sunny climates, it is essential to moderate the amount of light entering to prevent excessive heat increase. Conversely, in areas with colder or cloudier climates, increasing the percentage of skylights is indispensable to maximize natural light and solar heat.

SiiLA Market Analytics reveals that the use of skylights varies considerably by region in Mexico. In the north, characterized by extreme climate, only 1% of industrial warehouses have more than 10% of their roof covered by skylights. Most of these facilities (68%) present a percentage of skylights between 5% and less than 10%, while the rest (31%) have less than 5%.

In contrast, in the central part of the country, where the climate is more temperate and stable, skylights are more extensive: approximately 63% of the warehouses have skylights covering more than 10% of the roof, while only 2% have less than 5%. In the Bajio, a region with a temperate and dry climate, most warehouses (57%) have between 5% and less than 10% of their roof covered by skylights, and 24% have less than 5%. These variations show how climatic conditions significantly influence adopting natural lighting strategies in industrial constructions.

Besides climatic influence, the quality of properties also determines the use of skylights. In class A and B warehouses, a percentage of between 5% and less than 10% of skylights predominates. However, 23% of class A warehouses opt for more than 10%, reflecting a strategy focused on energy efficiency and environmental comfort, characteristics aligned with their high quality and cutting-edge infrastructure. On the other hand, 30% of class B warehouses have less than 5% skylights, reflecting lesser use of natural light and possibly more limited investments in sustainable features. These data suggest that the design of skylights can indicate how modern and eco-friendly industrial facilities are, reflecting not only climatic and design needs but also the property's quality level.

The productive sector also influences the use of skylights in industrial warehouses. Generally, the percentages of skylights vary between 3% and 10%, depending on the industry. However, in warehouses dedicated to logistics, it is common for these percentages to exceed 10%. This is because logistics operations benefit significantly from improved natural lighting, which facilitates tasks such as storage and handling of goods, improves visibility and safety, and contributes to reducing energy costs. This trend highlights the importance of adapting the architectural design of industrial warehouses to meet both operational needs and companies' sustainability goals.

For more information on features and trends related to industrial warehouses in Mexico, explore SiiLA REsource or contact us at contacto@siila.com.mx.