How solar shading can improve energy management

Businesses are being encouraged to adopt more innovative and conscientious methods when it comes to running their offices. From setting up shop in more sustainable buildings and reducing energy consumption to reducing the amount of paper they use and encouraging staff to recycle, there is a big focus on how we can be as environmentally friendly as possible.

One way of achieving this is through solar shading. Whilst many people still haven’t heard of this, it’s a fantastic way to improve energy management.

What is solar shading?

Sometimes referred to as solar control or solar protection, solar shading is a term which is used to identify the systems that are used to control the amount of heat and light that the sun admits to a building.

Insulation is used on the transparent parts of a building to create a thermally and visually comfortable indoor space.

How does solar shading promote energy saving?

Many buildings are sun traps and anyone who has ever sat in a badly ventilated office on a hot day will concur. Because solar shading controls the amount of heat and light that enters a building, it means that less energy is required for cooling and there’s also a lower chance that overheating will occur in the first place.

Solar shading is also very good at keeping buildings warm in the winter because it creates a thermal barrier. This means that once again, less energy is required to heat buildings up in the depths of winter.

One of the greatest benefits of solar shading is that it optimises the amount of natural daylight that enters a building. The outcome of this is that less energy is required for heating which is not only good for the environment but also great for your energy bills.

Naturally, the less energy you’re producing, the fewer carbon emissions you’re promoting which is great for those who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

What are the benefits of solar shading?

Aside from the energy-saving benefits, solar shading has a number of advantages including:

• Removes the glare you often get with windows and glass buildings
• It doesn’t impair or restrict any window views
• A vision barrier is provided from onlookers and adjacent buildings which means that you can enjoy greater privacy
• The damaging UV rays that the sun exposes us to can damage our skin and furniture. With solar shading however, 95% + of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation is filtered out so that you and your office equipment isn’t exposed to it
• It can improve the appearance of your building by adding a striking new dimension and even a splash of colour if you wish
• Another fantastic benefit of solar shading is that because your building will be consuming less energy, you can save yourself anything from hundreds to thousands of pounds a year which is a massive saving to any business
• Solar shading works by stopping shortwave radiation from reaching the glazing on your windows. This prevents excessive solar heat gain and the end result is a naturally air conditioned internal environment
• You can do your bit for the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of your building. This is something that all companies should be seen to be promoting and aspiring towards as there’s more emphasis than ever on being more environmentally conscious