Green Benefits

Green Benefits of Exterior Louvers

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)

• Solar Shading is probably the most underestimated and misunderstood source of passive cooling and CO2 reduction realized by reducing the cooling energy demand.
  Shading Coeffecient
• Successful daylighting designs will pay close attention to the use of external shading devices to reduce glare and excess contrast in the workspace.
• External Louvers will reduced cooling energy demand by avoiding superfluous solar heat gains, and doing it without compromising the benefits of daylighting.
• Relatively speaking, louvers have their most positive effect on the cooling energy demand in the Mid-West, West and Southwest.
• The effect of exterior louvers on the cooling energy demand is also important for northern orientations in sunny regions.
• Wintertime use of Solar Shading Devices offers the potential for the benefits of thermal resistance in their closed position.
• Benefits of Daylighting include:

Improved Life-Cycle Cost

1. Increased User Productivity
2. Reduced Emissions
3. Reduced operating costs
4. 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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