Shining a Light on BREEAM: Solar Shading Strategies

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how solar shading contributes to BREEAM certification. We explore the various ways solar shading enhances a building’s energy efficiency, improves occupant well-being, and reduces its environmental impact. By following the actionable steps outlined, you can maximize your BREEAM score and create a truly sustainable building.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Alright, let’s talk about BREEAM and solar shading – a seriously underrated combo for boosting your building’s sustainability credentials. BREEAM, as you know, is a big deal when it comes to proving your building’s green credentials, it’s that globally recognized framework, and believe it or not, clever use of shading can really move the needle on your score. So, where do we even begin?

Why Solar Shading is a BREEAM Game-Changer

Frankly, the benefits are huge, and that’s probably why I’m so keen on it. Solar shading, when done right, is more than just a design element; it’s a strategic move that can significantly impact your BREEAM assessment.

• Saves Energy: Less sun blazing through your windows means less need for AC. It’s simple, really. This translates directly into lower energy bills and, more importantly, a smaller carbon footprint.
• Keeps Things Comfortable: Have you ever been in a building that felt like a sauna in summer? Awful, right? Solar shading helps regulate indoor temperatures, leading to happier, more productive people.
• Banish Glare: No one likes squinting at their screen all day. Effective shading minimizes glare, creating a more pleasant and productive workspace.
• Let There Be (Controlled) Light: Maximize that glorious natural daylight without the annoying glare. This means less reliance on artificial lighting and, again, lower energy consumption.
• Cut Carbon Emissions: All that reduced energy use? Yeah, that means fewer carbon emissions. It’s a win-win.

How to Ace BREEAM with Solar Shading

Okay, so how do we actually make this happen? It’s not just about slapping some blinds on the windows, you know. We need to be a bit smarter about it.

• Think Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute! Integrate solar shading into your design from the get-go. Trust me, it’s way easier than trying to retrofit later on. And, you know, chat with shading experts. They’ve seen it all.

• Climate Matters: What works in Miami might not work in Seattle. Choose shading solutions that are appropriate for your specific climate and building orientation. You might need different strategies for different sides of the building too.

• Go Green with Materials: Look for shading devices made from sustainable, recyclable, and locally sourced materials. It’s all about minimizing your environmental impact.

• Get Smart with Automation: Automated or motorized systems can optimize shading performance by adjusting to changing weather conditions throughout the day. Think of it as intelligent shading.

• Give People Control: No one likes being completely at the mercy of an automated system. Give occupants some control over the shading so they can adjust it to their liking. A happy employee is a productive employee!

• Keep it Maintained: A well-maintained system is an effective system. Implement a routine maintenance schedule to ensure your shading solutions perform optimally for years to come, it’s well worth the effort. Honestly.

• Track Your Progress: Monitor energy consumption and indoor environmental quality metrics to track the effectiveness of your solar shading solutions. It’s all about proving that your investment is paying off.

Your Solar Shading Toolkit

There are a few key types of shading that are worth knowing about. Different buildings and different needs require different solutions, as you might imagine.

• External Shading: Think brise soleil, overhangs, external blinds… These bad boys are great for blocking heat before it even enters the building. Plus, they can add some serious architectural flair.
• Internal Blinds: Adjustable blinds offer precise control over light and glare, which can really help with visual comfort. Just make sure you choose blinds with low transmittance values.
• Window Films: A cost-effective way to reduce glare and heat gain while still letting in plenty of natural light. Look for films with a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
• Automated Systems: As we discussed earlier, automated systems are the future. They adapt to changing conditions, optimize performance, and make life a whole lot easier.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it. By incorporating solar shading into your building design, you can boost your BREEAM score, reduce your environmental impact, and create a more comfortable and productive space for occupants. It’s a no-brainer, really.

Keep in mind that, while this info’s pretty current (as of today, March 17, 2025), BREEAM standards and technologies are always evolving. And, of course, solar shading is just one piece of the puzzle. To really create a sustainable building, you’ll need to combine effective shading with a whole host of other green measures. But hey, every little bit helps, right?