Study: glazing and mobile solar shading – which solutions for high-performance façades?
Arcora carried out, for Saint-Gobain Glass and in collaboration with Actierra, the environmental subsidiary of Ingérop, a multi-criteria study assessing the environmental impact of different Saint-Gobain glazing types in a range of contexts.
Drawing on RE2020 calculations, dynamic energy simulations, daylight modelling and life-cycle assessments, the study aims to refine façade design choices at the design stage in order to meet carbon challenges, tighter environmental regulations, and requirements for thermal and visual comfort and energy performance in the context of climate change.
Objectives of the study:
- Measure the impact of different glazing types combined with mobile solar shading on indoor comfort and environmental performance.
- Assess sensitivity to variations in how blinds are used (programming, behaviour, maintenance).
- Measure the effects of global warming by 2050 on these parameters.
The analysis focused on the following configurations:
- Office buildings
- Location: Paris and Marseille
- Climate: current & 2050
- A large number of scenarios (orientation, façade construction techniques, glazing ratio, presence and type of fixed sun shading, etc.) to obtain representative results
The study notably highlighted the advantages of highly selective solar-control glazing, which improves occupants’ thermal comfort and reduces the sensitivity of performance to how mobile solar shading is used.