Solar shading - helping to significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings

For centuries retail shops were shaded using external blinds making sure that the internal environment was not subjected to excessive heat gain and reducing glare to create a comfortable shopping environment and protect merchandise.

The advent of air conditioning when energy was cheap and plentiful saw a near era of building design. Large plate glass windows and curtain walling maximised the view into and out of the premises with the resultant heat gain mitigated by running energy-hungry air conditioning systems.

Around 40% of commercial

floor space is expected to be air conditioned

by 2020 compared to 10% in 1994 -Carbon Trust

According to the Carbon Trust retail shops are responsible for over 40% of all air conditioning energy use in the UK. Whilst a passively cooled retail environment may be some way off the heat gain through the glazed facade can be significantly reduced using appropriate solar shading.

Traditional shop blinds and more modern external solar protection devices not only offer protection but can become style statements and enhance the facade of a retail environment.

Solar Shading – Triple cost savings

Correctly specified and operated solar shading can reduce capital costs, running costs and maintenance costs of retail environments. Reduction in energy use also reduces CO2 emissions ensuring compliance with ever-tightening emissions legislation.

Air Conditioning CostsExternal Awnings

PotentialSavings

Per m2 For 200 m2 3 Awnings

Installed Cost £150 £30,000 £9,000 £21,000

Running Costs £57 £11,400 £30 £11,370

Maintenance Costs

£16 £3,200 £500 £2,700

TOTAL £44,600 £9,530 £35,070

External shading will probably not mitigate the entire cost of air conditioning in an existing building but will significantly reduce the cooling load. In new build the intelligent use of appropriate solar shading, when combined with other design elements like passive cooling, can remove the need for air conditioning.

External blinds can also support company branding