Using automated blinds to combat overheating in commercial buildings

Combatting the increase in frequency and intensity of heat waves across the globe is one of the biggest challenges facing the architecture and construction industries.

In the UK, heatwaves like we’ve experienced this week are becoming longer and more extreme, and our commercial buildings must be built to withstand this.

Currently, we’re seeing an increased reliance on HVAC systems to provide cool, internal temperatures. But such a strain on one area leads to higher energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions.

This is where we believe automated blinds provides the answer. In this blog, we explain why addressing increasing temperatures is so important and assess the role of automated blinds.

Addressing increase heat waves in commercial buildings

We’ve all been in situation at work where the heat has caused us to become uncomfortable, fatigued and unproductive.

Solar gain builds up and continues to heat the room, and energy levels continue to fall.

In fact, research conducted by the TUC indicates how increasing temperatures in the offices can result in over a 5% drop in productivity.

Therefore, not only is there additional cost from using HVAC systems to control the internal temperature, there is also a rise in cost due to the drop in productivity levels.

The role of automated blinds

Unlike traditional motorised blinds, automated blinds do not require human intervention to operate.

There are numerous ways in which these blinds can be controlled; from light sensors to timers, or integrating into the BMS (building management system). We explain more about the difference between motorised and automated blinds here.

When it comes to preventing overheating during heatwaves, automation has a key role to play, from providing adequate natural daylight while managing heat gain to reducing cooling loads. These are just two of the seven benefits provided by our new automated blind range: S3 Synchronised Solar Shading.

Managing the natural light vs heat gain balance

Arguably one of the most challenging things to do in a commercial building during a heatwave is prevent as much solar heat gain as possible without compromising on the view to the outside.

Automated blind systems can be programmed to detect the level of natural light entering the space and change in height depending on this reading. This reduces the load on artificial lighting and provides an added cost benefit of lower electricity consumption.

However, as mentioned above, letting natural light into a space often comes with a disadvantage in a heat wave due to heat gain. This is where pairing automated blinds with a high-performance blind fabric is key.

When a high-performing fabric, like our SilverScreen® range, is used in tandem with automation, architects are ensuring their solar shading strategy will reach its full potential. The reflective metallised backing on the fabric reflects up to 85% of the sun’s radiation to prevent the build up of uncomfortable heat gain.

Reduced cooling load

This issue is relevant when architects are complying with Part O and Part L of the Building Regulations.

Part O states that all new residential buildings must have a strategy in place to reduce the risk of overheating. External blinds are specifically mentioned as an acceptable solution to comply with Part O, and their effect is optimised through the use of automation.

Meanwhile, Part L applies to non-residential buildings. Here, the regulations are focused on limiting the amount of solar heat gain during the summer months to either:

• Reduce the need for air-conditioning, or
• The installed capacity of any air conditioning unit already existing.

Automated blinds help maintain cooler indoor temperatures and therefore significantly reduce the need for excessive cooling. This results in energy savings and lower CO2 emissions.

By integrating automated blinds with building management systems, they can be synchronised with other building systems like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). The blinds can automatically adjust their position based on the cooling requirements of the space, ensuring optimal thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Specification

While there are significant advantages to specifying automated blinds, the systems are not limited to the solutions they provide during more frequent heatwaves.

Automation provides year-round benefits to both new commercial spaces and retrofits, and helps architects achieve sustainability accreditations like NABERS, BREEAM and WELL Certification. We discuss this topic in greater detail here.

If you’d like to learn more about automation, we have a RIBA-accredited CPD which covers the topic in greater detail. Follow the link here for more information.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with our Specification Team if you have any questions regarding spec or upcoming projects.