March 21, 2023: The first "Global Shading Day"

On March 21, 2023, ES-SO will hold the first "Global Shading Day. With this day, it aims to make consumers and policymakers aware of the personal, environmental and economic benefits of shading. Making solar shading a standard in building codes would be a logical step, especially as climate change continues unabated.

We celebrate spring sunshine on March 21, and at the same time we are more aware of its dangers. Sun protection is becoming increasingly essential: not only for preventing overheated buildings, but also for combating global warming and reducing the use of energy-consuming air conditioners. ES-SO, the umbrella organization of the European solar shading industry, is therefore calling extra attention to solar shading, because the figures could not be clearer.

Solar shading can reduce CO2 emissions by 100 million tons, according to scientific research by Guidehouse₁. This could save up to €285 billion, a potential energy saving of up to 60% for cooling buildings by 2050. Today, these buildings are the main energy consumers in Europe, responsible for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. If we do nothing, due to climate change and heat waves, about 60% of buildings will need air conditioning by 2050.

Time to make it mandatory

Solar shading integrated into a building management system intelligently regulates heat and light levels. Shading systems are seen as passive cooling systems that allow homeowners to regulate daylight. Daylight does us good and it enhances our concentration and functioning. At the same time, it can be a nuisance and, if overheated, even a danger to the elderly. This is why ES-SO advocates making shading systems mandatory in the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). 

Consult a specialist 

With Global Shading Day, the ES-SO is calling on everyone to discover the numerous benefits of shading, take action and contact a shading expert. Spread across Europe, local authorities, manufacturers and distributors are organizing events and activities during the week of March 21 to highlight Global Shading Day.