Monodraught has introduced a new range of Sunpipes manufactured using material that is made from more than 90% recycled aluminium which, says managing director Tony Cull, makes this already sustainable product even more environmentally friendly.

The new range was developed jointly by Monodraught’s research and development department and the commercial design team as part of an ongoing brief to ensure that the company’s growing range of natural technologies not only provide innovative energy-saving solutions for buildings, but are also manufactured from sustainable materials wherever possible.

Sunpipes, the natural lighting system that eliminates the need to use electric lighting during daylight hours, are acknowledged as one of the most innovative solutions to the problem of growing energy consumption. Now, they offer an unbeatable combination as the natural, energy-free and sustainable source of daylight.

The performance of these recycled aluminium Sunpipes will remain unchanged as the silver mirror finish is the same. They will still bring natural daylight into just about any building and typically provide approximately three times as much light as a similar conventional rooflight. When mounted on the roof the highly reflective Sunpipe tubes, which are now made from more than 90% of recycled aluminium, reflect and intensify sunlight and normal daylight into the space below.

The natural light is spread evenly using a patented prismatic diffuser; lighting areas without glare and eliminating heat transfer. The design of the diamond shaped dome ensures that dust and dirt is washed off naturally and no maintenance is required outside or inside the building. Sunpipes can even be mounted horizontally to pipe light deep into interiors and can be used in basements.

At least 75% of electricity costs used for lighting can be saved during daytime, where Sunpipes are used to replace electric lighting during daylight hours. In addition, considerable environmental and health benefits are experienced (natural daylight is known to combat SAD) due to the much improved working environment.

Monodraught says that ultimately the entire range of Sunpipes, from 230mm to 1000mm, will be made from recycled aluminium. The 750mm and 1000mm Sunpipes are designed for large industrial/retail units and are ideally suited to buildings of more than 7m in height. For example, the latest 750mm diameter Diamond dome Sunpipe produces approximately twice as much light as the popular 530mm diameter system and, as it produces approximately 1000 lux at floor level, is ideal for industrial units, warehousing, high-bay retail stores, etc. At the other end of the range 300mm diameter Sunpipes are typically used in corridors, offices, wash rooms and internal stairways.