As new energy efficiency regulations came into effect last year, the UK is expected to deliver on its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and the environmental impact of building is subject to mounting scrutiny, the construction industry is increasingly looking at ways to improve its carbon footprint, With new builds needing to comply with energy efficiency regulations, older buildings must also limit their demand on precious resources and adapt to a changing planet. As a result, the need for energy saving measures have become paramount with the popularity of Solar shading dramatically increasing, demonstrating how vital it is for improving the efficiency of buildings around the world as the planet faces the challenges of climate change.
Solar shading helps reduce energy consumption
By blocking excessive sunlight and reducing solar heat gain, particularly through glazed areas, solar shading reduces the need for artificial methods of cooling such as electric fans and air conditioning. Although as technology progresses and mechanical cooling methods become more efficient, air conditioning still typically requires a significant amount of energy, sometimes drawn from fossil fuels, to cool indoor spaces. By minimizing reliance on artificial cooling systems, solar shading can help to reduce the energy consumption of the building, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.
Solar shading lowers electricity demand
Solar shading also helps to reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours by enhancing natural lighting and optimising daylight penetration. By utilising natural light, building occupants have a reduced reliance on electric lighting, which lowers electricity demand. This reduces the consumption of electricity from the grid, which may be generated from non-renewable sources, thus decreasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production.
Solar shading decreases the urban heat island effect
Some may be unfamiliar with the term “urban heat island”, but it is a term that has been in use since the 1800s.
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon describing the elevated temperatures felt in built up areas such as towns and cities – which are generally covered with human-made materials e.g. roads and buildings which absorb and retain heat – compared to rural surroundings. This can be acutely felt at night as the heat retained by artificial surfaces is gradually released, maintaining higher temperatures than in rural areas, combined with other factors such as the reduced cooling effect of vegetation in urban areas along with pollution as a result of every day human activity. In the UK, for example, the UHI effect is felt in cities such as London where temperatures can be 10 degrees higher than in more rural surrounding areas.
Solar shading helps to mitigate the effects of UHI by reducing solar heat gain – solar shading minimizes the contribution of the building to the heat island effect, helping to maintain a cooler urban environment thus reducing the energy needed for cooling.
Solar shading prolongs the life of HVAC
With solar shading reducing the heat load on a building, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, such as air conditioners and fans, can operate more efficiently. This means less strain on the motorised parts, leading to a longer lifespan for the equipment, reducing waste and the frequency of replacements as well as the associated carbon emissions from manufacturing and transportation.
Solar shading extends building materials lifespan
By reducing the amount of direct sunlight reaching building surfaces, solar shading can help shield exterior materials from damaging UV radiation and excessive heat. This line of defence can help prevent premature degradation and prolong the lifespan of materials, reducing the need for maintenance or replacements as well as the carbon emissions from manufacturing and transporting replacement materials.
Solar shading protects interior furnishings
Following the same principle outlined in the previous paragraph, solar shading lessens the amount of direct sunlight penetrating a building’s interior, reducing photochemical degradation thus shielding materials from sun damage. Furniture, wallpaper, paintings, textiles and soft furnishings can suffer loss of quality in both appearance and structure as a result of exposure to damaging UV radiation. Solar shading helps to prevent their premature aging and prolongs the lifetime of materials, minimising the need for maintenance or replacements and reducing carbon emissions from manufacturing and transporting replacement products.
There is no doubt that solar shading can play a significant role in reducing energy and resource consumption, lowering electricity demand, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and, in some cases, assists in the generation of renewable energy.
These benefits collectively and directly contribute to a decreased carbon footprint, helping to combat climate change and promote a more sustainable built environment.
