Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of daylight on the learning environment. Enhanced student performance and mood, increased teacher and student attendance, reduced energy costs, as well as a positive effect on the environment are some of the improvements seen in school buildings that use well-planned daylighting concepts. Looking at the list of benefits, one might be surprised that optimizing daylighting in schools often is regarded as a design preference instead of a basic responsibility. Recognizing the importance of daylighting, Title 24, California's energy code, was revised recently to include mandatory lighting control requirements wherever rooms have windows. It is crucial to consider daylighting from the beginning of the project--as early as during site analysis and planning. A building's site, orientation and massing should be viewed through the lens of optimizing daylight opportunity. The efficiency of daylighting is dependent on interdependent factors. The project team should start from a premise that students come first and that optimal daylight conditions are central to comfort and performance. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the systems of buildings are linked closely to one another. One system within a building, when optimized, cannot be modified without making adjustments to others. This balance often is offset when cost-reduction measures come into play. Informed cost-reduction strategies carefully weigh the consequences of each measure and look at them in the context of the entire building to determine if: (1) Integrity of the sustainability concept is maintained; (2) Net cost savings are gained; (3) Immediate cost savings retain long-term benefits (energy savings, student performance, etc.); and (4) Cost reductions have a negative effect on other aspects of the project (energy code compliance, high-performance incentives or financing).