How Important Is Sustainability in Shading?
Sustainability and the environment are very hot topics in 2022. As more and more climate scientists stress the importance of reducing climate change before it’s too late, every industry should be aiming to reduce its environmental impact.
According to Greenpeace, ‘The effects of climate change include extreme heat and drought, more rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events such as storms and floods. Climate change is a consequence of rising average global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. From only 1ºC above what they were before the industrial era, small changes in temperatures are already affecting the environment and people worldwide’.
Blinds and curtains may seem like a tiny, insignificant industry when it comes to causing global environmental changes, but we are part of a much larger industry – construction.
A new building can produce around 80 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s equal to about 5 new cars – and that’s just for a typical 2- bedroom house! Imagine the impact every time a new skyscraper is constructed. With an entire ‘New York’ being constructed every month for the next 40 years, it’s no wonder people are concerned about the impact this has on a planet that’s already near breaking point.
Consequently there have been developments that show the industry has noticed and is adapting to suit our environmentally conscious society. ‘Green buildings’ or ‘Green construction’ is the new normal in 2022. More and more companies are expected to adopt these new building techniques as our concern for environmental safeguarding continues.
Green buildings typically use 25% less energy and create 34% less carbon dioxide emissions than a standard building. According to the World Green Building Council; “a ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life”.
So what part do blinds play in this?
Regardless of whether you’re building a 2-bedroom semi-detached house in Swansea or a 50-storey skyscraper in London, chances are blinds or curtains will be on your specification. An architectural specification is a detailed description of everything about the project, including dimensions, preferred products and materials.
These specifications usually advise the contractor which products are required and sometimes from which supplier. Usually, whatever is specified in the spec will end up getting used on the project. Blinds are no exception to this. Therefore, it’s important that whoever is putting together the blinds and curtains package for this specification is paying attention to what they’re asking for.
Is the supplier they’ve mentioned eco-friendly? Have they asked for an energy-saving automated control system? Is the blind itself made from sustainable or recycled materials?
Sustainable Fabrics
Fabric on your office blinds is arguable the most important component, especially if you ask the end client. It’s easily the most visible part of the blind and the part that’s most recognisable.
Traditionally, the main thing to focus on when choosing a fabric is what it looks like. Whilst that is still an important factor, most clients these days will tell you it also needs to be sustainable.
There are many different options if you want to use a sustainable fabric for your blinds. Our Spectrum 4060 fabric is an aluminium backed screen fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles. PET is commonly used for packaging e.g. plastic containers, drinks bottles.
Whilst PET is highly recyclable, it is difficult to reuse to make food-grade products such as bottles and containers. This is why it is used by so many other industries to make things like fabrics.
Another benefit of using Spectrum 4060 is that the aluminium backing reflects heat and glare and can reduce internal temperatures. This makes a more comfortable environment to work or live in and reduces the need for air conditioning. Similarly, the aluminium backing will reduce heat loss in the winter and lessen the need for central heating. This will reduce energy consumption as well as running costs.
Reduce Energy Usage with Automation
The Building Energy Efficiency Survey 2016 reported that 67% of energy consumption in commercial buildings was used to provide building services including lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling. Improving your energy efficiency can have a huge impact on your running costs. Whilst it may sound counterproductive to use electricity to reduce energy consumption, there are many ways in which it can help.
Relying on manual operation of your blinds to control temperatures or light levels doesn’t really work. For example, in a large office building, staff will close the office blinds when the glare is too much to cope with, but they will rarely open them again when the glare reduces. In fact, on average, office blinds are only moved twice a week! And only 12% of people operate their blinds once a day. Typically blinds will remain static and the HVAC and artificial lighting will be forced to work longer and harder.
An automated shading solution is the most effective way to improve light and heat levels in a building as it means the blinds can react to sunlight levels and temperature in real-time.
When your shades are static, it forces heating and air-conditioning systems to work longer and harder to maintain a consistent internal environment.
The recent Schneider Electric’s Powering Change report stated that only 32.9% of businesses have adopted energy-efficient solutions. It’s vital that more businesses lower energy usage to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Manufacturer
You might not realise it but the manufacturer you choose to buy your blinds or curtains from can also have an impact on the environment. For example, where is the company based? If the production facility is based in the same country as you, then getting the product to you will create fewer emissions than it would if it required ships or planes to transport it.
Packaging also matters. Does the supplier use an excessive amount of plastic in their packaging? Do they utilise recyclable materials such as cardboard or shred instead? These are all seemingly minor things that are worth thinking about when choosing your supplier for your next project.
Umbra are a UK based manufacturer who are experts in blackout roller blinds and automation. For free advice or guidance on specifying your shading package for your next project, why not book a session in our virtual showroom?
Our expert will demonstrate full-size products in our custom-built space over video call, so you can book it at a time that suits you. Interested? Click the button below to book your free project consultation.
