Sun protection manufacturer strengthens focus on outdoor blinds

In the Dutch and Belgian sun protection market, Warema plans to focus more heavily on outdoor blinds. "Actually, the Netherlands is more a country of screens, but when you talk about energy savings and CO2 reduction, outdoor blinds are much more effective. Moreover, it is an aesthetically very attractive product," says Roelof Rozema, Managing Director of Warema Benelux BV.

Founded in 1955 as a small family business, Germany's Warema then grew into today's renowned awning manufacturer, with global sales of 750 million euros and 5,500 employees at branches in the Benelux countries, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Italy. "In the area of sun protection, no other company offers as complete a package as we do," Rozema knows. "Our main pillars are quality, service and reliability. This expressly includes keeping our promises. The latter may sound like an open door, but it is definitely an added value these days." 

Angled exterior blinds

According to Rozema, the increased focus on exterior blinds that the company intends to implement on the Dutch and Belgian markets is only logical: "In terms of energy savings and CO2 reduction, a theme that is becoming increasingly important, exterior blinds are much more effective than screens, for example. Moreover, it is an aesthetically very attractive product. An additional advantage of an exterior blind is that there is always some light and visibility to the outside, which creates a pleasant working environment in office environments, for example. With a closed screen or roller shutter, on the other hand, there is no light from outside at all, so you are often forced to turn on the light inside, which is obviously not very energy-efficient. In addition, Warema distinguishes itself particularly with slanted exterior blinds, which is an ideal solution, for example, for a slanted window under a roof."

BENG requirements

At a time when energy performance of buildings is becoming increasingly important, Warema has become an indispensable partner for the building industry. By naturally reducing the heat load, Warema's shading solutions contribute substantially to the energy efficiency of buildings. "For example, in view of the BENG requirements - for Nearly Energy Neutral Building - we are very much concerned with CO2 reduction. For example, we make calculations for architects to reduce BENG 1 using solar shading. For example, on hot summer days, outdoor blinds can keep out much of the sun's heat, significantly reducing a building's cooling load."

Solar sun protection

A sustainable solution that Warema is also increasingly focusing on is that of solar awnings, in which integrated solar panels generate electricity. "Ideal for situations where no external power supply is available and also energy-saving," says Rozema. "Because no wiring is required, our SolarKits for roller shutters, outdoor blinds and screens are easy to install and therefore also well suited for renovation projects or monumental buildings." 

Climate Control

Going one step further are intelligent sun protection systems with sensor-controlled screens and slats that automatically adjust to the position of the sun and the outside temperature. "A great example of such a climate-controlled system is our conservatory awning Climara," continues the managing director. "This offers perfect heat protection and automatically ensures that optimum use is made of solar heat or light when desired."