Control of solar shading IP 4 17

BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.

Control of solar shading (IP 4/17) was written by Paul Littlefair and published by BRE on 2 November 2017. The 8 page Information Paper replaces IP 12/02, which has been withdrawn.

Solar shading can have a major impact on building energy use and occupant comfort, reducing cooling load and overheating. Under cloudy conditions, moveable shading can be retracted to allow daylight and useful solar gain to enter the buildings, reducing dependence on electric lighting and heating.

A wide range of dynamic shading systems is available. The way these systems are controlled can have a significant impact on building energy efficiency and on occupant comfort and wellbeing.

IP 4/17 gives guidance about whether to use automatic or manual controls, or a mixture of both, and describes a range of control strategies and how to implement them. It will be of interest to building designers, services engineers, shading manufacturers and installers.

--BRE Group

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