See shade in a new light

Somfy - controlling and connecting shades in buildings, ensuring the well-being of occupants and paying constant attention to energy performance and sustainability

How do you ensure the health, well-being and productivity of a building’s occupants whilst also focusing on its energy performance?

Controlling light and heat while preserving natural resources is a fundamental human need - however, the world we live in is changing and we now spend over 90% of our time indoors, so ensuring this essential need is being met through our indoor spaces is vital.

The role of daylight in energy consumption

The average outside temperature is increasing and there is a real risk of our buildings overheating - creating greener, more efficient buildings is now a priority.

Managing daylight effectively can play an important role when it comes to the lighting, heating and cooling of our buildings and can save up to 15-20% of a building’s total energy consumption.

Satisfying the first step of the Trias Energetica, dynamic solar shading can drastically reduce the need for active cooling and, by optimizing daylight, also impacts on the use of artificial light required.

The EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) recommends dynamic solar shading as an energy efficient solution.

The Human Factor

Daylight for health, welfare and well-being

Light, ventilation, temperature and humidity determine our welfare and well-being. Because our bodies use natural light in the same way as water and food, getting sufficient quantities of the full spectrum of light is essential for our metabolic processes.

The amount of light we have access to has a major influence on temperature regulation and therefore our thermal comfort (ideally between 18 to 25⁰c). Daylight also provides visual comfort – essential for visibility when performing certain tasks and activities.

Automated and intelligently controlled solar shading means natural light is optimized, you preserve the full spectrum of daylight and diffuse light as required.

Intelligently managing daylight for increased comfort, well-being and sustainability.

Whether new build or a renovation, considering the effective use of daylight is essential when undertaking your building project. There are primary requirements and challenges to be addressed and effectively managing daylight plays a role in each of them.

• Health, welfare and well-being of the building occupants
• Limiting energy consumption
• Sustainability
• Connectivity and being as future-proof as possible

Our intelligent solutions for connected and automated shading help you meet both the demanding requirement for energy efficiency and improve the comfort and well-being of building occupants.

By limiting the use of artificial lighting, heating and air conditioning, you focus on optimizing your building’s energy efficiency, and therefore sustainability. And for occupants, personal controls give the freedom to easily manage the levels of natural light in their environment; minimising glare, modulating heat and ensuring comfort and privacy

Highlights

New Somfy Whitepaper available
Managing Daylight: Automation For Health, Well-being And Productivity

Did you know that the way a building is designed can affect our health, well-being and productivity levels? This is true particularly when it comes to daylight and the essential benefits it provides.

Our new whitepaper discusses how automation can improve health, comfort and sustainability

Download your copy here - NEBA - useful resources (somfy.co.uk)
Check out our latest Blogs
Take a look at our blog on Smart Buildings: Why Planning Early For Automation Is The Key To Unlocking Daylight Management