Mitigating Glare and Solar Heat Gain with Exterior Shading Systems

摘要

Harnessing the sun's free energy in the form of daylighting, the benefits of natural light are numerous indeed. But only carefully calibrated shading designs will optimally deliver the potential health and wellness benefits from natural daylighting as well as occupant comfort and productivity and energy savings. With a goal of optimizing solar control and mitigating unwanted heat gain and glare, exterior shading systems are a proven and highly recommended strategy for optimizing performance. In a recent study, Cornell University researchers reported a high 84 percent decrease in eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision symptoms that often result from prolonged computer and device use at work, which can detract from productivity.1 The study also found that workers sitting close to a window that optimized daylight exposure were 2 percent more productive, which equates to an additional $100,000 per year of value for every 100 workers.