This year we’re spotlighting the second-ever Global Shading Day. This day sets out to emphasise the importance of solar shading as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for addressing climate change.
Promoting energy efficiency and enhancing human comfort and health, Global Shading Day aims to encourage the broader adoption of shading strategies in building design and construction practices worldwide through education and advocacy.
Solar shading can make a real difference in our world, but how?
Did you know that smart solar shading has the potential to slash energy consumption for cooling European buildings by a massive 60% by the year 2050? That's not all—this innovative technology could also prevent a staggering 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering our atmosphere. It's not just about keeping buildings cool; it's about creating a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Let’s explore in more detail how investing in solar shading and utilising Ellard’s blind motors and controls can help cut costs, reduce emissions and improve lifestyles.
Cutting Costs
Our extensive range of motors and controls for blinds allows users to completely customise their setup to ensure the perfect fit for their homes or commercial spaces. With the use of our home hubs, users can set up a space that works harmoniously with them, and that includes keeping their space at the perfect temperature.
The Luxury Hub and its smaller counterpart the Mini Hub seamlessly connect our blind motors to smart devices, allowing users to have complete control at their fingertips.
But how does this play a part in cutting down the cost of your space?
Over the summer months, as we see the temperatures rise, the average UK citizen runs cooling units in their property for up to eight or more hours a day in an effort to keep their space cool and comfortable. However, running an AC costs an average of 38p an hour, which over a week adds up to about £24 to your electricity bill, and with the instability of the national grid, we can expect to see these prices fluctuate further.
With the addition of our Home Hubs, users can pre-programme their blinds to stay closed during the hottest parts of the day and to open up when temperatures start to cool. Keeping UV radiation and heat out of buildings, it’s one of the most effective methods of keeping a space cool without stacking up high energy costs.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Heavy reliance on air conditioning during summer months is often deemed indispensable, particularly in buildings with extensive glazing. Currently, air conditioning constitutes 10% of global electricity consumption, with this figure steadily climbing. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Europe's annual air conditioning demand is projected to surge by approximately 30% by 2050. This surge will significantly escalate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with cooling in buildings for decades to come.
A recent study conducted by Guidehouse, a prominent global consulting firm, reveals compelling evidence that automated solar shading can substantially reduce energy usage, effectively curtail greenhouse gas emissions, and simultaneously help European buildings adapt to climate change, notably the increasing issue of overheating. Automated solar shading optimises the reduction of active cooling requirements in the warmer seasons and maximises solar gain utilisation in winter to minimise heating needs.
Dynamic solar shading presents a cost-effective solution to counteract the projected rise in air conditioning demand. It serves as a crucial technology to support greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation goals. Taking no action would result in 45% of European buildings requiring air conditioning by 2050, compared to the current 28%. However, in the scenario where solar shading is effectively implemented, the percentage of buildings needing air conditioning would remain static, resulting in a 58% reduction in potential greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Improving Lifestyles
The issue of overheating is emerging as a critical concern, particularly in well-insulated and low-energy buildings. Climate change exacerbates this challenge by heightening the risk of overheating. Sunlight penetrates through glazed surfaces but struggles to dissipate back outside, causing buildings to heat up, which has adverse effects on our overall well-being.
Given that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, it's imperative to ensure that indoor environments are comfortable. Smart Solar Shading presents a viable solution that positively impacts several key factors related to well-being, including thermal comfort, access to natural daylight, indoor air quality, and the ability to enjoy views of the surrounding environment.
So how can you do your part this Global Shading Day?
Take action by starting conversations, raising awareness, and most importantly, incorporating solar shading where possible.
If you would like more information on the benefits of automated solar shading, speak to a member of our team at sales@ellard.co.uk.
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