Shine Brighter: 11 Solar Shading BREEAM Boosts

Summary

This article provides 11 actionable steps to improve your BREEAM score using solar shading. From energy efficiency to occupant well-being, discover how the right solar shading solutions can make a substantial difference. Follow these tips to optimize your building’s performance and achieve a higher BREEAM rating.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Shine Brighter: 11 Solar Shading BREEAM Boosts

Want to give your building’s BREEAM rating a real shot in the arm? Solar shading is the unsung hero you need. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about crafting a building that’s genuinely sustainable and a joy to be in. And it’s not just for new builds, either, because you can retrofit to great effect. These eleven strategies will help you boost your score, slash energy costs, and create a more comfortable, productive environment for everyone.

1. Minimize Cooling Loads

The big one: cutting down on heat gain. Solar shading acts like a shield, deflecting those scorching rays before they even reach your windows. Less heat means less reliance on the AC, and that translates directly into lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Consequently, that’s a direct win for your BREEAM score. I remember one office building where we installed external louvers; the drop in their summer energy bill was genuinely impressive; their sustainability manager was over the moon.

2. Optimize Energy Performance

Think of your building’s envelope as its skin. Solar shading improves the performance of that ‘skin,’ which will directly impact your energy performance assessments. Less energy use? Yes, please! That means less strain on your HVAC systems, which, in turn, means lower operational costs. Everybody wins, right?

3. Control Glare

Glare is the enemy of productivity. I’m sure we have all experienced the glare of the sun, and how much it can affect your work when trying to look at your screen. Effective solar shading manages and minimizes direct sunlight, creating a far more comfortable and productive visual environment. Believe me, your employees will thank you. That is, if they knew it was you who invested in their benefit!

4. Maximize Daylight Utilization

Who needs artificial light when you can harness the power of the sun? Solar shading systems can optimize natural light while reducing the need for those energy-guzzling overheads. Not only does this boost energy efficiency, but it also contributes to a more pleasant and productive indoor environment. It’s about getting that sweet spot: enough light to thrive, not so much that it blinds you.

5. Maintain Views

Now, you don’t want to block out the world entirely, do you? A well-designed solar shading system should allow occupants to enjoy natural light and views without the negative effects of glare and excessive heat. It’s about finding that balance between privacy, comfort, and connection to the outside world. One of the biggest complaints of poor design is ‘it’s like a prison cell’.

6. Implement Flexible Solutions

One size definitely does not fit all. Incorporating adjustable shading systems allows occupants to customize their light and heat control according to their specific needs and preferences. And you know what? People like having control over their environment, so this is a great way to boost satisfaction. Some might even argue it is almost ‘luxurious’.

7. Enhance Thermal Comfort

Staying comfortable is key to staying productive. Solar shading helps you maintain stable indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain, creating a healthier and more comfortable indoor climate. This can be especially important in spaces with lots of direct sunlight or poor ventilation.

8. Use Durable, Recyclable Materials

The material you choose matters. Opt for shading solutions made from durable and recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact throughout the material lifecycle. Doing so positively impacts the materials category within BREEAM, and it’s simply the right thing to do.

9. Implement Lifecycle Assessments

Think long-term. You want materials with a low environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. Choosing materials based on lifecycle assessment criteria can significantly improve your BREEAM scores. It’s about considering the full picture, from cradle to grave, to use the saying.

10. Manage Waste Effectively

Don’t forget about waste! Solar shading solutions can play a role in your waste management strategies, contributing to a more sustainable building and boosting your BREEAM score. How? Think about responsible disposal, recycling programs, and minimizing packaging waste. Don’t let it all end up in landfill!

11. Reduce Light Pollution

Light pollution is a real problem, especially in urban areas. Solar shading helps control light spillage at night, which is particularly important for compliance with light pollution regulations and higher BREEAM scores. Less light pollution also benefits local ecosystems and stargazers, I guess?

Further Considerations for BREEAM Success with Solar Shading

To really nail your BREEAM score with solar shading, keep these best practices in mind:

• Early Integration: Get those shading strategies planned from the very beginning. The earlier you incorporate them into the design process, the better they’ll integrate with other building systems. You don’t want this to be an afterthought, trust me.
• Climate-Specific Design: Choose shading solutions tailored to the local climate and sun orientation. What works in Miami isn’t going to cut it in Minnesota, right?
• User Control: Give occupants control over their shading systems. This is a huge win for comfort and satisfaction. It lets people set their own environment, just how they like it. They will thank you for it, trust me. Some people can be picky, but I won’t say names!

By implementing these strategies, you’re not just boosting your BREEAM score; you’re creating a building that’s more sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. It’s an investment in the future and a win-win for everyone involved. And when you look around at the great office you have created, you can say ‘I did that!’.