The first Global Shading Day has taken place!

'Automated shading reduces the need for active cooling in the summer and maximizes the use of the sun in the winter'

As you read this Z&R, spring is in full swing and we have the first Global Shading Day behind us. A great new initiative at the beginning of spring to draw attention to the usefulness and necessity of shading as the first solution in the fight against building overheating. 

This new initiative was initiated by ES-SO, the European Solar Shading Organization, being the umbrella European trade organization of all manufacturers and suppliers in solar shading country. As the Romazo Manufacturers & Suppliers Association, we are affiliated with ES-SO and support this initiative wholeheartedly, as you will understand. 

It is a fact that the world, and therefore Europe, is getting warmer. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), between now and 2050, the average number of days per year that our continent requires air conditioning will increase by about 30%. This will significantly increase the demand for energy and associated greenhouse gas emissions for cooling indoor spaces in buildings in the coming decades. 

A recent study by Guidehouse, a leading global provider of consulting services to public and commercial markets, has produced remarkable results. It shows that automated solar shading can minimize energy consumption in buildings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously adapt Europe's building stock to the effects of climate change, such as the growing problem of overheating. 

Automated solar shading reduces the need for active cooling in the summer and mid-season - which is the focus of this study - and ensures optimal use of the sun in the winter to reduce heating needs. However, currently less than 50% of EU buildings are equipped with solar shading, many of which also do not perform optimally because they must be operated manually. 

Now I don't expect this to be new information for readers of Z&R. In fact, you probably spend every day getting this message across to your customers and associates. Automated solar shading is needed to minimize building energy consumption. This message from the shading industry to the market is now supported with a national and European initiative: Global Shading Day! 

Through many social media channels and newsletters, the solar shading world was able to learn about the first Global Shading Day. Shading companies were able to use this day to support their message to their customers and associates. In particular, to alert architects, contractors, consultants and policy makers that the built environment can no longer ignore automated shading! 

So I express my wish that together we embrace Global Shading Day and manage to make it an annual success!