Blinds & Shutters - Issue 3/2023

SOLAR SHADING
Solar gains
Stuart Dantzic
managing director,
Caribbean Blinds,
looks at the
importance of
solar shading
The earth’s climate is rapidly changing, with
temperatures rising by an average of 0.08°C
per decade since 1880. According to data
collected by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2022 was
the sixth warmest year on record, with climate
experts predicting that 2023 will be even hotter.
According to the World Economic Forum, when
heatwaves occur “without any shades or ventilation,
you’ll quickly be in danger zone” – further proving
that now is the time to take action through
legislative measures to make buildings more climate
resilient in preventing overheating.
The solution: External
shading
As the sun is not static, a dynamic solution is
required to adapt to the changing ambient
conditions, preventing unwanted solar heat gain
during the summer months and allowing free solar
gain when required in the winter.
New research shows that passive cooling
techniques such as shading and natural ventilation
can not only prevent homes and workplaces from
overheating but also reduce the load on air
conditioning – a proven contributor to CO2
emissions and greenhouse gases – by as much as
80%, delivering a number of economic and
environmental benefits including reduced energy
costs and safe, sustainable buildings that are
comfortable and healthy for their occupants.
Awnings
Not a new concept to the UK, awnings were
used on elaborate glass shop frontages in the
1800’s before air conditioning was invented as a
way to passively cool the interior of buildings whilst
also protecting goods from the damaging effects of
the sun. Today, awnings are growing in popularity
because not only do they offer additional privacy –
particularly in built-up areas – but they serve two
main functions essential for a healthy living
environment.
Firstly, they provide instant shade from sunlight;
both heat and glare (bright light), outstanding UV
protection (typically 95% minimum UV block) and
shelter from unexpected rain showers. Secondly,
awnings provide a much-needed cooling effect to
the indoor room adjacent to where they are
positioned, both during the summer and winter
months. As a result, they ensure a comfortable
indoor living space, eliminating any bright light to
prevent glare, all whilst filtering damaging UV rays
to stop fixtures and furnishings from fading.
24 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE THREE 2023
continues on page 26