External Solar Shading
In 2002, Part L2 was introduced into the Building Regulations in the UK, which has further enhanced the attractiveness and importance of these already popular systems. Following the Kyoto Agreement on climate change, many countries have agreed to reduce their carbon emissions with a view to helping reduce the overall affects of greenhouse emissions on the environment. Part L2 provides guidance and direction for building designers in terms of recommending passive measures such as External Solar Shading to prevent the overheating of internal building areas, which in modern structures are normally air-conditioned. In simple terms, by reducing the heat gain, the air-conditioning is not using as much electricity. Part L2 also limits the amount of glazing that can be used on any one façade, unless measures are taken to reduce solar heat gain. Given that most architects love to use vast amounts of glass, it is not surprising that External Solar Shading is so popular. In fact it is so popular that it is often specified for the East West, South and North façade of a building!