Efficient shading is the energy strategy that is often overlooked. The best energy strategies are those that reduce the need for it. Keeping heat out in the summer and keeping it in when it is cold is obvious but with ample supplies of cheap energy we have got used to using energy to solve the problem rather than stopping it happening.

 We insulate our lofts and walls but the windows are the part that we tend to still solve with cure rather than prevention. Shading is the insulation of the transparent parts of your building.

 The simplest savings can be achieved with behavioural change zero cost and up to 10% energy saving. A shading strategy is part of that “Turn off the lights – close the blinds” in its simplest form. Follow the link to adopting our industry best practice for your existing buildings that will make savings for you.

For longer term strategy or if you are considering refurbishment using the most efficient shading will not only reduce your carbon footprint but the capital cost can be lower than energy consuming alternatives. Energy savings in use are then a bonus.

Our energy advice notes show all of the elements to consider but for advice on the issues to consider follow to these links

energy efficient shading topics

In today's high-tech, heavily insulated buildings flexible, effective solar shading is more important than ever  before.  Soaring energy costs and the rising summertime temperatures in our cities make it essential to consider shading at the early design stage.  Solar control needs to be considered as part of the building services package to ensure a comfortable, energy efficient internal environment.

Solar shading has an important role to play in the refurbishment of existing buildings, too.  Today, older buildings are often required to house high-tech workplaces, with exacting glare requirements and energy intensive IT equipment.  Retrofitting solar shading can control glare and overheating, without the need to resort to expensive, energy hungry air conditioning.

The Conference, jointly organised by BRE and the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA),  covered some of the important and complex issues that designers and consultants have to address, and described different approaches that can be taken to achieve the best solution.

The programme featured expert speakers from the UK and Continental Europe, and included:

• the latest design techniques; double facades, automated shading
• how to obtain independent design data for shading performance, including a demonstration of a free access database for designers and specifiers
• architectural integration, with case studies of facade designs and shading in highly insulated homes
• the regulatory context including the Building Regulations limits on solar overheating and European requirements
• solving the problems of overheating, excessive cooling costs, heat retention and glare.

Energy advice - why it is necessary to consider shading

To view the make it safe video follow the link  http://www.makeitsafe.org.uk/video.php

Many of the options offered by BBSA members can be retrofitted to existing blinds so you do not have to wait until you replace a blind to improve it’s safety. To improve awareness and support the Make it Safe campaign AT HALLMARK WE WILL PROVIDE CLEATS AND GUIDANCE LEAFLETS FREE OF CHARGE AT OUR SHOWROOM WHETHER OR NOT WE SUPPLIED THE BLINDS.

Follow the links below for more information or for more specific advice please do not hesitate to contact our sales office.

Child safety: What are the recommendations for blinds fitted in areas used by children

Child safety: What are the current requirements of EN standards

Child Safety: What safety devices are there?

Child Safety: What is the future requirement likely to be?

Hallmark Blinds Limited 
173 Caledonian Road,
London,
N1 0SL. 

Tel: 020 7837 0964
Fax: 020 7833 1693

info@hallmarkblinds.co.uk

co no 1645708

vat registration no. GB577789458

As energy costs continue to rise the contribution that effective shading can make to reducing them is probably far more than you would imagine.

Follow the link below to our index of discussion topics on issues and solutions

Energy Efficient Solar shading

After over 15 years of involvement by our trade association to ensure that they are realistic, most EU standards have now been approved. Compliance is not compulsory so implementation will gradually take effect as the standards become more recognised and companies can justify the cost of certifying compliance. 

EU Directives and Building Regulations 

Solar shading was introduced into Part L of the regulations for most commercial buildings in July 2004 to meet the UK governments’ commitment to the Kyoto accord. Although the initial requirements seemed to have been introduced rather rapidly revisions introduced in 2006 allow for more accurate calculation methods that eliminate many of the anomalies of the original proposals. 

The need for solar shading is also included in the SAP Code calculations for energy efficiency of domestic new buildings that were introduced in 2006.

Index of European and UK standards and regulations