The lights are on and the heating is running – for a complete feeling of well-being, the room must offer a perfect ambience. No wonder, then, that around 36 percent of final energy consumption in Germany is accounted for by the building sector, as found by the dena Building Report Compact 2018. And much greater levels of efficiency can be reached. Smart Home automation is able to create a pleasant room climate while saving energy for heat and power at the same time. The automated sun shading system plays a key role here. Live sustainably and use the power of the sun: Automated sun shading systems save energy for heat, light and cooling
Depending on the building, the right combination of building and automated sun shading system can save up to 70% of cooling energy and up to 30% of heating energy.
A current study by the Industrial Association of Roller Shutter Sun Shading Automation (IVRSA) confirms that, depending on the building, the correct combination of windows and automated sun shading can save up to 70% of cooling energy and up to 30% of heating energy compared to windows without sun shading systems.
With an automated sun shading system, heat and power savings can be made throughout the year. If all buildings in Germany were fitted with the perfect combination of windows and automated sun shading systems, the heating energy savings would be comparable to the annual energy production of approximately two medium sized atomic power stations. Compared to buildings without automated sun shading systems, up to six million tonnes of CO2 emissions would be avoided, the IVRSA study shows.
Save on heating costs in winter
During the cold months, the sun's radiation is directed into the rooms to provide heat. At night, air pockets between the tightly sealed external sun shading system, a roller shutter for example, and the window increases the heat insulation, preventing heat from escaping to the outside.
The use of sun shading systems at windows surfaces cuts energy costs during the heating period through simple physical principles.
Protection against overheating during the summer
This conventional function of the sun shading system can have a major impact on a building's energy requirement. Often, there is even no need to install an air-conditioning system, and this significantly reduces both construction costs and the running costs of properties. In summer, the sun shading system prevents rooms from becoming too warm during the day. An external sun shading system, such as an external venetian blind, which intercepts the sunrays before they hit the window, is especially efficient here.
Cooling loads can be significantly reduced with the right combination of windows and automated sun shading system.
Best possible daylight utilisation
In addition to heating and cooling energy, power for lighting can also be saved. According to our calculations, a sun shading system with slats combined with a good automated control can achieve energy savings for artificial lighting of around 20 percent or more. Modern daylight technology can help you to significantly reduce the current consumption for artificial lighting and save energy.
Decide on a WAREMA solution and save at least 20% of the energy required for artificial lighting!
Automated control systems, such as the bi-directional radio system WMS, are key to optimising energy savings. Because an automated sun shading system responds to temperature and climate changes independently and in good time, the result is a permanent feel-good atmosphere with use of the sun's energy as and when its required – even when the occupants are not at home.
WAREMA has analysed the CO2 footprint of window awnings, roller shutters and external venetian blinds. The result clearly shows that an external sun shading system can save up to 28 times more CO2 in its use phase than is produced during its entire life cycle. This is a powerful argument for external sun shading systems.
In the face of rising temperatures and increasing periods of hot weather, external sun shading systems are an indispensable component as a passive measure to address climate change. It is clear: the challenge of ensuring pleasant temperatures in buildings and keeping them comfortable for users is increasing – especially when air conditioning systems are not to be used. This is because the use of air conditioning systems is energy-intensive and causes additional CO2 emissions. Additionally, the waste heat from the units heats up the microclimate in urban areas, further exacerbating the rise in temperatures.
If, however, air conditioning in the building is necessary, the sun shading system contributes to lower cooling loads, thus reducing energy needs and ultimately CO2 emissions. Especially the automation of sun shading systems guarantees optimal results, as users often control the sun shading system too late, i.e. when the room has already noticeably warmed up. Moreover, an automated sun shading system reacts even when users are not present.
Sun shading systems also have advantages in non-air-conditioned buildings: in summer, they prevent direct sunlight entering the room, significantly reducing the incidence of energy. The room temperature remains pleasantly cool. On cold winter nights, closed roller shutters also provide potential energy and thus CO2 savings: an air pocket forms between the window and the roller shutter. This reduces the heat transmission coefficient and helps retain warmth in the building. Additionally, the incidence of energy from solar radiation during the day can be utilised while providing protection against glare. Heating energy needs can be reduced by up to 30% with an automated sun shading system (Study by Hauser commissioned by IVRSA).
For residential and non-residential buildings, the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW) offers a comprehensive range of loan and subsidy schemes. Additional funding opportunities are also offered by other institutions, some at state or local level. Online subsidy databases show the opportunities available.
Sustainable planning with energy-efficient sun shading systems from the leading SunLight Manager. WAREMA Project Consulting supports you in your projects as early as the planning phase.
Visit us at one of our Sunlight Experience Centres or contact your local partner directly to get a quote for your own customised solution. With our specialist dealer search, you are guaranteed to find the right partner for your project!