‘Use shading to avoid overheating in buildings’

Shutters, external blinds and awnings are products which should be used to prevent overheating, according to new building regulations.

‘Part O: Overheating‘ aims to protect the health and welfare of people in buildings by reducing high indoor temperatures.

It will be introduced on June 15 and specifically refers to using shutters, external blinds, and awnings as a way of avoiding high internal temperatures.

More than 1.5 million homes are expected to be built over the next five years so it is vital planning and building policy is adapted to help prevent overheating.

Shading is a passive cooling solution meaning it is a better way of preventing overheating in buildings than air conditioning which uses energy to cool.

The BBSA’s Dr Zoe De Grussa sat on one of the committees which advised the UK government on this new regulation.

Dr Zoe said: “The fact shading products are now specifically referred to as a way of mitigating overheating really highlights how important a role shading will play in the design of new buildings. But of course, there is still room for improvement.

“In the future we need to see more reference made to integrating shading and other passive means of cooling buildings before active cooling solutions are implemented – specifically in non-domestic buildings and the renovation of all buildings.”

To find a BBSA member who can help you with your shading requirements, use our member search.