07 March 2023

21 March: the first ‘Global Shading Day’ 

On 21 March 2023 ES-SO launches the first ‘Global Shading Day’. The aim is to make the general public and policy makers aware of the human, ecological and economic benefits of solar shading. Imposing standards in building legislation would be a logical step now that climate change is irrevocably continuing to accelerate.

On 21 March we celebrate the spring sun, but more than ever we are also aware of its dangers. Solar shading is becoming indispensable to protect buildings from overheating, but also in the fight against global warming by reducing the use of energy-consuming air conditioning. ES-SO, the umbrella organisation of the European solar shading industry, is therefore calling for extra attention to solar shading because the figures couldn’t be clearer.  

A scientific study by Guidehouse1 has shown that solar shading can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100 million tonnes and save up to €285 billion. This is a potential energy saving of up to 60% for the cooling of buildings by 2050. Buildings are still the leading energy consumers in Europe today, accounting for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. If we do nothing,  climate change and heat waves will increase the number of buildings requiring air conditioning by an estimated 60% by 2050.  

Time to make it mandatory

Solar shading integrated into a building management system manages heat and light in an intelligent way. These are sustainable  passive cooling systems also  enabling residents to control their use of daylight. After all, daylight makes us happy and it helps us focus and function, but it can also be a nuisance and even dangerous to the elderly in case of overheating. That is why ES-SO advocates making it mandatory within the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).  

Consult a specialist 

Global Shading Day is  intended as a call to discover the numerous benefits of solar shading, to take action and contact an expert. Local associations, manufacturers and distributors across Europe will organise info events and activities throughout the week around 21 March to call attention to Global Shading Day.