In European buildings, as much as 80% of total energy consumption is used for heating and cooling interiors. During the summer months, the demand for thermal comfort increases — ideally without relying on energy-intensive air conditioning systems. To address this challenge, architects and developers are increasingly turning to proven passive solutions such as external sun shading. These systems effectively reduce indoor overheating and support energy-efficient construction.

“Location is key when it comes to protecting interiors from excessive heat,” explains Paweł Wacławczyk, Director of the Sun Shading Segment at Aluprof. “Shading installed on the outside of a building can block solar rays before they reach the glass. As a result, a significant portion of heat is stopped from entering indoors, which directly translates into lower indoor temperatures and greater comfort for occupants.”

The effectiveness of sun shading depends not only on its placement but also on how it interacts with solar radiation. In the case of interior solutions, such as blinds or roller shutters, sunlight passes through the glass and is absorbed or reflected only once inside. In practice, this means that even if the light level is reduced, the indoor temperature will still rise.

How does smart sun protection work? A modern barrier against heat

Screens, also known as reflexols, are advanced textile shading systems that work by diffusing sunlight. Instead of completely blocking natural daylight, the specially designed fabrics filter and scatter it, reducing direct glare and the amount of heat transmitted indoors.

This makes it possible to maintain thermal comfort without completely darkening the interior. Such solutions are particularly effective in spaces with large glazed areas — such as living rooms, offices, or buildings with glass façades — where access to natural daylight is desirable but overheating is a major concern.

The right shading system not only minimizes temperature fluctuations but also improves the quality of light indoors — an important factor for both occupant comfort and work efficiency.

Smart shading: when technology works for you

Modern sun shading is no longer just a physical barrier against solar radiation. It has evolved into an intelligent solution that adapts to lifestyle, time of day, and even weather conditions.

“Façade blinds are a good example of a system that combines both aesthetics and functionality. Their aluminum slats allow precise adjustment of the tilt angle, enabling users to control the balance of light and shade throughout the day,” notes Paweł Wacławczyk of Aluprof. “In addition, these systems can be paired with automatic weather sensors, reacting autonomously to changes in sunlight, wind, or temperature. When needed, the blinds will automatically lower or adjust the slats to protect the interior against overheating.”

Full integration with smart building management systems turns blinds into more than just shading — they become an active element of energy-efficient architecture. According to ES-SO data, installing smart sun shading on 75% of windows in renovated buildings can generate up to 22% energy savings and an equivalent reduction in annual CO₂ emissions ¹.

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¹ ES-SO Statement on EU Renovation Wave Strategy, 2021 (https://es-so.com/onewebmedia/onewebmedia/ES-SO-paper_Renovation Wave.pdf)