External and internal shading should be used to prevent buildings overheating, according to a new report which cites BBSA research.
The Climate Change Committee document recommends existing buildings are retrofitted with shading as a way to adapt them to limit heat-related impacts.
It also refers to a study in 2018 which “found maximum internal temperatures of almost 50°C in a London office building converted to apartments, when they had no shading.”
This study was conducted by the BBSA’s Dr Zoe De Grussa. You can read more about it here.
The report goes on to list shading as methods which should be given consideration to limit overheating:
- External shading: Provides shading for windows and outdoor areas using shutters, canopies, balconies or external blinds.
- Internal shading: Measures such as blinds or curtains provide shading internally. This is generally lower cost but is less effective than external shading.
It also urges a behavioural change in building occupants when it comes to opening and closing shading at the correct times to limit overheating.
