Global Shading Day 2024 is a campaign to make buildings more energy efficient. Independent research shows blinds and shutters can help save energy.
The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is celebrating Global Shading Day on Thursday 21st March to highlight how shading can help create more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
The European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO) calls for attention to solar shading every year to highlight its importance in combating global warming helping making buildings more climate resilient.
Independent research commissioned by the BBSA shows that blinds can help save energy. The research, by the University of Salford’s Energy House laboratory, showed that blinds can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 33%.
A report published earlier this year said it is essential to adopt “an approach to heat-resilience adaptation which prioritises passive cooling – that is, the use of measures which do not require energy consumption.”
Andrew Chalk director of operations at the BBSA added: “Shading is a proven, passive way to reduce overheating and reduce reliance on air conditioning as well as regulating glare from daylight exposure.
“Shading supports sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that reject excessive heat in the summer and help retain heat during the winter.”
Global Shading Day is organised by ES-SO and timed to coincide with the spring equinox. The goal is to help people find out more about the benefits of using blinds, shutters and awnings to save energy, and support their comfort and wellbeing in a changing climate.
Shading has been widely identified by experts around the world as a passive way to help create healthy, productive and comfortable indoor environments. It is said to:
– Create climate-resilient buildings
– Reduce air-conditioning requirements
– Create passive cooling which consumes no energy
– Improve people’s wellbeing
Global Shading Day was launched in 2023 and takes place on the first day of spring.
