The first ‘Global Shading Day’

Industry informs and urges greater focus on sustainable solar shading

On 21 March 2023 Silent Gliss will join forces with our partners in the shading industry to celebrate the first ‘Global Shading Day’. An initiative launched by ES-SO, the umbrella organisation of the European solar shading industry, aims 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 arrival of the spring sun, but more than ever we are aware the challenges it presents for our planet. Solar shading will protect buildings from overheating and fight against global warming by reducing the use of energy-consuming air conditioning. ES-SO members are calling for the mandatory specification of solar shading because the figures couldn’t be clearer. 

 

A scientific study by Guidehouse  has shown that solar shading can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100 million tons 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. 


High time to make shading a requirement
Solar shading allows occupants manages heat and light to create comfortable and healthy environments. 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. 

 

About ES-SO 
ES-SO is a non-profit organisation under Belgian law that aims to promote the positive impact of solar shading on indoor climate management, thereby supporting the EU’s ambitious energy-efficiency goals. ES-SO is the European umbrella organisation of professional solar shading organisations. Across Europe  the solar shading industry employs over 450,000 people and generates annual sales in excess of €22 billion. ES-SO is based in Brussels, the ideal location to guarantee that the voice of the industry is heard and that it can make a positive.