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The Benefits of Solar Shading as a Way of Reducing Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency and conservation has always been high on the agenda and now with the introduction of the Climate Change Levy and amendments to Building Regulations impacting on the design of new buildings, it looks as if it will become even more challenging for the building industry. As part of the Government’s commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, we now have to look at ways in which to deliver low energy consumption without affecting the comfort, usability and aesthetics of our architecture.

30% of the energy consumed in the UK is wasted

It is a fact that around 30% of the energy consumed in the UK is wasted, contributing to global environment problems such as climate change, and this waste is costing billions of pounds.

In buildings, air conditioning, once seen as the ‘summer saviour’, is now increasingly identified as a major drain of energy. According to the Carbon Trust, air conditioning accounts for more than 50% of many buildings’ energy costs, with lighting accounting for around a further 15% and heating the next significant contributor. According to CEN (Creative Environmental Networks), a 20% reduction in energy consumption can easily be achieved by most businesses, and this reduction can have the same positive effect as a 5% increase in sales.

So how can we reduce this huge energy consumption created by air conditioning, lighting and heating, whilst providing comfortable working environments? The answer lies with solar shading and control.

controlling and diffusing sunlight will improve natural daylight in buildings

Controlling and maximising the potential of our biggest natural heat and light source – the sun – is, in theory, a simple proposition. However, with the sun come the issues of solar heat gain and the necessity to have control. In cold climates winter sun entering a south-facing window can contribute to passive solar heating whilst in warm climates, excess solar heat gain may result in high cooling energy consumption, such as air conditioning. In nearly all climates, controlling and diffusing sunlight will improve natural daylight in buildings.

Building Regulations suggest that there are three strategies for avoiding solar overheating

1. appropriate glazing design
2. the use of exposed thermal mass with night ventilation
3. the use of solar shading.

Solar shading is not a new concept. In fact it has been around for hundreds of years in the shape of external awnings. Today, awnings are still frequently used to shade the sun, as are roller, vertical and Venetian blinds.

maximum benefits from external solar shading systems

However, it is with external solar shading systems that maximum benefits and returns in terms of heat, light and glare control within buildings can be achieved. Fitting in with the Government’s plans for energy conservation, their promotion as a core function in building design is being led by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

In terms of costs, they also provide significant savings. When compared to the reduction in air conditioning requirements – both installation and running costs – solar shading can pay for itself in a matter of years.

enhancing the aesthetic appeal

As well as providing vital control of heat, light and glare, many architects are using external solar shading systems as a way of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings. Designed to blend with the architecture of the building whilst providing vital shading without obscuring the view through the glass, aerofoil fins and matrix style systems now offer a realistic method of providing passive temperature control.

So how exactly do they work? External solar shading systems are largely produced in extruded aluminium, which can be anodised or powder coated. Steel, timber and glass systems are also produced. Available in a range of sizes, the two most widely used systems are aerofoil fins and matrix style louvres.

Aerofoil fins are installed on vertical, horizontal or angled applications, in bays, above windows or glass elevations. Matrix louvres are normally projected horizontally or at an angle.

During the spring, summer and autumn, fixed horizontal fins or louvres projecting above windows on a south facing façade will provide shading throughout the day. During winter months, the sun is much lower and may project under the fins or louvres. However, as the sun is much cooler in the winter, solar heat gain is not a major problem. In fact passive heat gain in buildings from the sun during the winter months can be a positive contributor to heating.

For east and west facing façades, as the altitude of the sun is much lower, a slightly different system is required. In this instance, motorised fins can be installed, which when linked to a shading management system, can follow the path of the sun. This provides optimum protection against the sun whilst ensuring maximum visibility and natural daylight.

Government pressure to make significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.  

Energy efficiency and consumption will continue to cause concern amongst architects and building owners, and the Government will be sure to keep pressure on to make significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.  

The use of glass in new buildings continues to grow and with global warming the likelihood of heat gain in buildings will therefore continue. However, by tackling these issues at the early design stages and integrating solar shading systems into the design, these issues can be overcome. Solar shading is a proven method of controlling heat gain and is now commonplace on commercial, public, retail and industrial buildings. It is surely only a matter of time until it is commonplace on every new building.