Easier 'near-energy neutral' with solar shading

Exterior blinds are a fixture in sustainable construction. And thanks to the development of high-performance new fabric types, indoor sun protection also improves the energy efficiency of buildings.

New building and renovation regulations are being added all the time, and energy efficiency requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. "In addition to solid insulation and renewable energy, solar shading also makes a significant difference," says Stephan Martens of Solaye Fabrics. "Solar shading has become much more efficient in recent years and can thoroughly lower your home's EPC score. Both in a new construction and a renovation. With shading, it is a lot easier to achieve 'near energy-neutral building' (BEN)."

Outdoor blinds with cloth are expected to be present in the future in all buildings where it is technically and architecturally possible. It can be surface-mounted or recessed. "The latter is done through the cavity wall," Stephan explains. Less well known is that indoor shading fabrics have also evolved considerably in recent years. "New high-quality fabric types provide significantly better energy performance. It is on those fabric types that we focus with Solaye Fabrics."

For example, there are cloths with an alubed and highly reflective side, which limits or even blocks sunlight and heat flow. Stephan: "If you give in a little on the see-through to the outside, you get even better energy performance."

Another striking fabric is the Chameleon. "That one combines the heat protection of a white screen fabric with the light comfort and see-through of a dark one. Ideal for environments where light control is essential, such as schools and offices."

Sustainability in the construction industry is often referred to by abbreviations. We already talked about EPC and BEN, with Solaye's cloths you also score credits for BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Stephan: "And that both for heat gain and light comfort. That's because our cloths filter disturbing light."

Other sustainability labels are coming our way in the near future, including the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) and the LCA or life cycle analysis. "After the summer we are going to have more concrete data and will start distributing it to anyone who wants to get started with this," Stephan says. "The fact is that both today and tomorrow our cloths will reduce your energy consumption, avoid excess heat and improve your lighting comfort."