The impact of automated solar shading on Global Shading Day
Created by the European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO) in 2021, Global Shading Day occurs on 21st March each year and aims to raise awareness of the hugely positive impact solar shading can have on the built industry in its attempts to combat climate change.
The international event sheds light on how solar shading can reduce building energy usage and carbon emissions while simultaneously improving occupancy comfort and wellbeing. For example, did you know that certain automated solar shading solutions can reduce building energy consumption by 50%?
To highlight this year’s Global Shading Day, we’ve decided to take a look at two of our recent projects that showcase the positive impact solar shading can have on a building.
Automated Solar Shading at GSK
One of the clearest examples of this is our work with Overbury at GSK’s new central London hub; a project that epitomises the positive impact solar shading can have on a building.
We were tasked with supplying, manufacturing and installing a fully automated solar shading system that would help the building achieve BREEAM Outstanding.
Early discussions with Overbury and Pensons provided us with an opportunity to create a bespoke S3 Synchronised Solar Shading solution, through our own range of KNX control options linked to a weather station and room setting plates.
The system provided automated solar shading for over 560 roller blinds in Kvadrat’s high-performance Eco fabric, and over 250 curtains throughout the building, resulting in the following:
- Optimal blind performance – The combination of automation and a high-performance blind fabric ensures the system will provide the highest level of performance.
- Reduced embodied carbon – Our S3 systems require less cabling and containment than other automated and motorised systems, reducing the embodied carbon during installation.
- Potential 50% energy consumption saving – Research from the Bremen University of Applied Sciences found that KNX controls and equipment can provide a 50% energy consumption saving in buildings across heating, shading, lighting and ventilation control.
Click here for more information about the project.
External Shutters at Television Centre
A flagship external shutter installation in White City, the Television Centre project is believed to be the largest installation of such systems in the UK to date.
Working with Maccreanor Lavington and Kier Construction, we were able to supply and install over 400 motorised external roller shutters, building on our strong relationship with manufacturers Warema.
The use of such systems is an excellent example of how external blinds or shutters can provide a passive shading solution to prevent unnecessary usage of HVAC solutions, many of which come with high carbon dioxide output and energy usage.
Follow this link for more information.
Both projects highlight the growing importance of automated solar shading to combat rising temperatures in the future.
Without automated solar shading at GSK, for example:
- Blinds are likely to have been left in one position throughout the day, resulting in uncomfortable internal temperatures and significant glare issues for occupants.
- The use of carbon-emitting air conditioning systems are likely to have been the solution for the former, while the latter could cause significant health issues.
If you’d like to discuss automation, external solutions or solar shading for your projects, please contact us here and our expert team will be in touch.