Shine Brighter with BREEAM and Solar Shading

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to maximizing BREEAM scores with solar shading. It covers key aspects like early integration, climate-specific design, user control, and material selection. By following these actionable steps, developers can significantly enhance their building’s sustainability and achieve higher BREEAM ratings.

Successful low-energy building design hinges on careful planning. Focus360 Energy can help.

Main Story

Alright, let’s talk about BREEAM and solar shading. It’s a hot topic, especially with everyone pushing for greener buildings, isn’t it? Getting that BREEAM certification isn’t just a badge of honor; it can seriously bump up a building’s value. And, as you probably know, solar shading is a key player in racking up those points. So, I wanted to walk you through some thoughts on how to really nail it when you’re integrating it. Think of it as a cheat sheet to making solar shading work for you and your BREEAM score.

Get Shading Into the Plans, ASAP

Seriously, don’t wait until the last minute to think about solar shading. Get it into the design phase right from the jump. Architects and engineers need to be on the same page from the beginning, so you can seamlessly blend these shading devices into the building’s DNA. You don’t want some clunky add-on later that throws everything else off. We’re talking a holistic, integrated design. For instance, I remember working on a project where the architect brought us in late, the shading requirements clashed with the window design and we had to spend 100s of hours finding a compromise. That’s valuable time wasted, and money down the drain.

Climate Matters (Duh!)

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook it. Tailor your shading to the specific climate where you’re building. What works in Dubai won’t cut it in Dublin, right? Hot climates practically scream for external shading like brise soleil to block that brutal direct sunlight. Cooler climates? Maybe internal blinds or films are enough to cut the glare and keep the heat from escaping. Thinking about seasonal shifts is key too. The sun is a very different beast in the summer vs the winter.

Orientation: Know Your Facades

Each side of the building needs its own game plan. South-facing walls? Those are sun magnets, demanding heavy-duty shading. North-facing? They’re usually a bit more chill. So, customize your approach. Different types of shading, different sizes, different placements – it all matters for energy efficiency and keeping occupants happy.

Let People Control Their Shade

Give people some power over their environment. It’s wild what a difference it makes to employee performance when they have agency over their lighting. If they can tweak the shading to their liking, it boosts comfort and satisfaction, plus, they’re more likely to be responsible with energy. You could go for automated systems that adjust based on sunlight and temperature. Or just give them manual controls. Maybe its just me but I like the idea of manual controls. The other day I went to visit a friend in his new smart home, he couldn’t even close the blinds without consulting an app – madness!

Sustainable Materials: It’s Not Just a Buzzword

Pick materials that are in it for the long haul – durable and eco-friendly. Recycled stuff is great. Avoid materials with a huge carbon footprint or nasty manufacturing processes. Low-maintenance is also a win. Less upkeep means less environmental impact down the road.

Innovative Design and Integration: Get Creative

Don’t be afraid to push the envelope. What about dynamic shading that reacts to the environment? Or blending shading with natural ventilation to boost air quality? Smart sensors and controls can monitor everything and tweak the shading accordingly. Do you think we are headed for a world where our entire building is a ‘smart system’?

Health, Well-being, and Productivity: The Human Factor

Solar shading isn’t just about energy; it’s about people. By taming glare and heat, you’re boosting visual comfort, easing eye strain, and making the indoor space way more pleasant. Good daylighting? It can lift moods and supercharge productivity. Which all circles back to happy, healthy, and productive occupants. Which in turn is great for business.

So, there you have it. Nail these steps, and you’re well on your way to a better BREEAM score and a building that’s not only sustainable but also a joy to be in. It’s a win-win, and it’s where the industry’s headed. Now, go get those points!