The impact of daylight saving time on the energy efficiency of buildings: a bibliometric and general review

Abstract

The absence of standardized time zones has profound implications, influencing social, economic, and energy dynamics. It also disrupts personal aspects, such as sleep patterns and family routines. One specific dimension of this issue is the transition to daylight saving time (DST), which entails shifting between standard time (winter) and daylight saving time (summer). This practice has sparked global debates due to its varying impacts across regions and sectors. Although DST primarily aims to optimize energy consumption by leveraging natural daylight, much attention has focused on its broader societal effects. However, the energy performance of commercial buildings under DST remains an underexplored yet equally significant area. This article presents a literature review to critically evaluate the effects of the winter-to-summer time shift on commercial buildings, concentrating on three key factors: energy consumption, where seasonal variations in lighting, heating, and cooling demands may alter anticipated energy savings; occupant thermal comfort, as time changes can disrupt the circadian rhythms of building occupants, impacting productivity and well-being; and operational considerations, as building systems like HVAC andautomated controls must adjust to shifting daylight schedules. Accordingly, this review seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of how the winter–summer time transition affects commercial buildings by analyzing energy consumption patterns, occupant comfort levels, and operational challenges. In doing so, it contributes to optimizing building management practices under varying daylight conditions to enhance energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction.