A Different Approach to Virus Mitigation

Natural Light Found to Help Kill Bacteria Indoors

A recent study conducted by the University of Oregon evaluated sunlight's impact on dust and germs in an indoor space. According to the research, published in the journal Microbiome, rooms exposed to daylight have fewer germs and half the viable bacteria compared with dark rooms.

Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, Ph.D., the co-author of the study and co-director of the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon concluded that "Until now, daylighting has been about visual comfort or broad health. But now we can say daylighting influences air quality."

A Different Approach to Virus Mitigation

Great news, but what do you do about spaces with limited sunlight exposure? Well, there is another option that's simple and cost-effective: Tubular daylighting, a top lighting system that evenly distributes sunlight without glare and minimal solar heat gain. Tubular daylighting allows for beautifully-natural light without any complicated structural modifications. In addition, the delivery of quality daylight to the school environment has shown to improve concentration, reduce behavioral issues and foster greater student achievement. 

Solatube offers daylighting solutions for all types of education spaces including classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, labs, hallways, cafeterias and more.

Featured

  • golden trophies with falling confetti

    Spaces4Learning Launches 2026 New Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning is happy to announce that we’re now accepting entries for the 2026 New Product Awards! The awards program recognizes the outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products or services are considered particularly noteworthy.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.

  • Western Kentucky University, Gilbane Announce “Elevate WKU” Partnership

    Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., recently announced that it has reached the financial close on a on a public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane Development, according to a news release.

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.