Solar shading describes a number of systems used to control the amount of heat and natural light that is admitted into a building.

As an integral part of the 'building envelope' in buildings with good energy performance, solar shading has evolved from a 'component' or add-on to being part and parcel of the natural light and solar management system.

Shading is a cost-effective way of delivering energy savings up to 60 times its CO2 footprint over a 20-year lifespan.

Installing and properly operating solar shading can save energy costs on cooling, heating and artificial lighting. The principle is that it maximises natural light, keeps full-colour rendering of transmitted light, reduces glare and filters daylight, which helps to reduce overheating.

Dynamic solar shading, which self-adjusts during the course of the day, can generate cooling energy savings of more than 36 % when averaged across all glazing types and climate conditions in Europe.