• EU Standards and Building Regulations
• Energy Efficient Savings
• CIBSE Presentation: Retrofitting Solar Shading.
• Window Energy Ratings
• Make It Safe Campaign: Child Safety
• Solar Shading and Intelligent Facades Conference
• CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

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Solar Shading and Intelligent Facades Conference

Hallmark Blinds supported the joint BRE/BBSA conference that was held on 29^th September 2011

 The presentations were recorded and are currently being edited and we will shortly be providing an on-line link to them

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