International Energy Agency: External shading can help preserve supplies

The International Energy Agency analysis stresses electricity affordability and reliability will be at risk if active cooling methods, such as air conditioning, are prioritised when it comes to combatting the effects of heatwaves.

Instead, more efficient technologies, such as external shading, should be used to ‘cut a building’s cooling demand’.

It states: ‘While the increased penetration of air conditioning units is helping households cope with heat, it also brings with it a series of challenges for the energy system – most notably an increase in peak demand, both during the day and in the evening.

‘During the early summer heat waves of 2025, France – where air conditioning ownership is low – recorded an evening electricity peak that was 25% above the off-season average. In New York, where air conditioning ownership is high, it was 90% higher.

‘These cooling-driven peaks can put electricity affordability and reliability at risk, especially if efficient technologies are not in place to dampen the effects on energy systems.’

The report highlights the role shading systems can play in preventing homes and workplaces from overheating.

The report explains: ‘At the building level, measures like proper insulation and exterior shading can cut a building’s cooling demand by up to 80%, while passive cooling techniques like natural ventilation can offer quick relief, lowering indoor temperatures by up to 9 °C.’

Shading is a proven passive method of keeping buildings cool, meaning an energy supply is not needed for the running of the product.

The BBSA’s Blinds Make Better campaign is working to highlighting the role shading products can play in preventing overheating.

Read more about Blinds Make Better here.