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External Louvers Produce Green Benefits. Several books
and studies exist dealing with the benefits and
effects of exterior louvers on building energy
management.
Recent studies, published on the internet show that an external controllable solar shading system substantially reduces both the capital cost of plant and the associated running costs for air conditioning. A 20% reduction in the annual cooling energy demand can be achieved, which translates into a savings of over $130,000.00 per annum. This is based on independent ‘computer modeling’ of a multi-story structure based in Central Texas.
As one would expect, the benefits to the
owner in the form of economy, make for a strong case
in favor of External Louver systems. Another
compelling reason for using External Louver systems
is the architectural appearance which may become a
positive aesthetic enhancement.
We site below several strong points for your
research and consideration from
within the text of the Energy Study of The European
Solar-Shading Organization
(ESCORP-EU25)
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Solar Shading is probably the most
underestimated and misunderstood source of
passive cooling and CO2 reduction realized by
reducing the cooling energy demand.
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Successful daylighting designs will pay close
attention to the use of external shading devices
to reduce glare and excess contrast in the
workspace.
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External Louvers will reduced cooling energy
demand by avoiding superfluous solar heat gains,
and doing it without compromising the benefits
of daylighting.
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Relatively speaking, louvers have their most
positive effect on the cooling energy demand in
the Mid-West, West and Southwest.
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The effect of exterior louvers on the cooling
energy demand is also important for northern
orientations in sunny regions.
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Wintertime use of Solar Shading Devices offers
the potential for the benefits of thermal
resistance in their closed position.
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Benefits of Daylighting include:
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Improved Life-Cycle Cost
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Increased User Productivity
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Reduced Emissions
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Reduced operating costs
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Payback by energy savings
For additional research and educational benefits,
please refer to the following:
European Energy Study (ESCORP-EU25)
‘Sun Control and Shading Devices’ by Don Prowler,
FAIA
Daylighting by Greg D. Ander, FAIA,
External Shading Devices in Commercial
Buildings,
by Center for Sustainable Building
Research, University of Minnesota,
prepared by John Carmody and Kerry
Haglund
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