Sustainable Shading Materials to Achieve Net Zero Goals

Featured image from SevenStorm Photography on Pexels.

If you work in architecture, design, or construction, you know the pressure is on to incorporate sustainable materials into your projects..

The built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making buildings a major focus in the fight against climate change.

The UK government isn’t sitting on the sidelines.

With the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, updated in September 2024, there’s now a clear framework for reducing carbon output at every stage of a building’s lifecycle.

Regulations like Part O, introduced in 2022, are also pushing developers to limit solar gain—a critical step in preventing overheating and reducing the demand for air conditioning.

So where does solar shading fit into all this?

The Urgency of Sustainable Building Design

Solar shading isn’t just about blocking sunlight—it’s one of the smartest passive design strategies you can implement.

Done right, it:

✅ Cuts energy consumption by reducing the need for artificial cooling and lighting.

✅ Improves occupant comfort by managing heat and glare.

✅ Supports sustainable building certifications like BREEAM and LEED.

Instead of relying on energy-intensive solutions like air conditioning, effective shading prevents excess heat from entering the building in the first place.

It’s a simple but powerful way to slash operational emissions and meet sustainability goals.

How Enviroscreen Can Help

At Enviroscreen, we specialise in eco-friendly solar shading solutions tailored to meet today’s sustainability standards.

Whether you’re working on a commercial high-rise, healthcare facility, school, or residential development, we can help you:

🔹 Stay compliant with UK regulations, including Net Zero Carbon Building Standards and Part O.

🔹 Optimise energy performance with shading that lowers cooling loads and maximises natural daylight.

🔹 Choose sustainable materials, from recycled fabrics to low-carbon structural shading solutions.

Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. And the right shading strategy makes achieving it much easier.

The Growing Demand for Sustainable Shading Solutions

As the construction industry moves towards net-zero targets, the focus is shifting from traditional, high-carbon materials to low-impact, energy-efficient solutions.

No longer just an afterthought, shading is now a key factor in designing buildings that consume less energy, improve comfort and lower carbon emissions.

Shading That Saves Energy

The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) has made it clear: low-energy shading can significantly cut energy consumption.

According to their research, well-designed shading:

✔ Reduces cooling loads by limiting solar gain before it enters a building.

✔ Lowers air conditioning demand, cutting both energy costs and carbon output.

✔ Supports net-zero targets by making buildings more thermally efficient.

For architects, designers and facility managers, shading isn’t just about aesthetics anymore—it’s about delivering measurable energy savings while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Rethinking Materials: Moving Beyond High-Carbon Options

Sustainability starts with the materials we choose.

Aluminium, steel and plastic have long been used in shading systems, but they come with high embodied carbon costs.

Their production and transportation consume vast amounts of energy, and at the end of their lifespan, many of these materials end up in landfill.

Now, there’s a growing shift towards:

🌱 Recyclable materials – repurposed metals, plastics and composites that reduce waste.

🌱 Bio-based alternatives – fabrics and structural elements made from natural, renewable sources.

🌱 Lower-impact production – shading solutions that require less energy to manufacture and transport.

Sustainable solar shading isn’t just about blocking sunlight.

It’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of materials to make construction cleaner and greener.

Image from David McBee on Pexels.

Sustainable Materials in Solar Shading

The materials used in solar shading systems directly impact their sustainability.

Traditional options come with high environmental costs, while newer, eco-friendly alternatives offer a way to cut carbon emissions without compromising on performance.

The Problem with Traditional Materials

Many conventional shading systems rely on materials known for their high embodied carbon.

Here’s the problem:

❌ Energy-Intensive Production – Extracting raw materials and manufacturing aluminium, steel and plastic requires vast amounts of energy, often from fossil fuels.

❌ Transportation Emissions – These materials are heavy and costly to transport, adding more carbon emissions to the supply chain.

❌ End-of-Life Waste – Many traditional shading systems aren’t easily recyclable, leading to disposal challenges and unnecessary landfill waste.

If the goal is sustainable building design, rethinking material choices is critical.

Recycled Materials as a Solution

One of the most effective ways to lower embodied carbon is by using recycled materials.

The good news? Solar shading manufacturers are already leading the way.

♻ Recycled Plastics (PET, HDPE) in Shading Fabrics

• Used in shading fabrics, blind components and even structural elements.
• Diverts plastic waste from landfills and reduces reliance on virgin plastics.
• Some manufacturers are producing blinds made from ocean-recovered plastic, helping to tackle marine pollution.

♻ Recycled Metals (Aluminium, Steel) in Shading Systems

• Uses up to 95% less energy than producing virgin metal.
• Maintains the same durability and strength as newly manufactured metals.
• Ideal for structural shading solutions, including external louvres and brise soleil systems.

Switching to recycled materials helps cut carbon emissions without sacrificing quality or longevity.

Bio-Based and Sustainable Fabrics

Fabric-based shading systems—like roller blinds, curtains and screens—can also be greener by using natural, renewable materials.

🌿 Innovative Bio-Based Textiles

New developments in biodegradable and low-carbon textiles mean sustainable shading doesn’t have to rely on synthetic materials.

✔ Bamboo & Hemp – Fast-growing, renewable and naturally resistant to mould and bacteria.

✔ PLA (PolyLactic Acid) – A biopolymer derived from plants, offering lightweight durability without relying on petroleum-based plastics.

✔ Low-impact alternatives – These materials use less water, fewer chemicals, and less energy to produce than traditional polyester or PVC fabrics.

🌞 High-Performance Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainability shouldn’t come at the cost of durability.

Today’s eco-friendly fabrics offer:

✔ UV resistance – Prevents material degradation from sunlight exposure.

✔ Fire retardancy – Meets safety regulations without using harmful chemicals.

✔ Enhanced durability – Long-lasting fabrics reduce the need for frequent replacement, cutting down waste over time.

These options provide functionality, longevity and environmental benefits, making them an easy win for sustainable design.

Low-VOC Coatings and Finishes

🛡 Health Benefits

Traditional shading materials often use volatile organic compound (VOC) coatings, which can release harmful chemicals into indoor air.

Low-VOC alternatives:

✅ Reduce indoor air pollution, improving occupant health.

✅ Are especially important for healthcare, offices, and schools.

✅ Contribute to a safer indoor environment, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities.

🌍 Environmental Impact

Low-VOC coatings are a big win for sustainability, helping buildings achieve:

✔ Better indoor environmental quality (IEQ), a key factor in BREEAM and LEED certification.

✔ Compliance with green building standards without sacrificing material performance.

✔ Reduced off-gassing from newly installed materials, improving long-term air quality.

Benefits of Sustainable Solar Shading

Solar shading is a powerful tool for energy efficiency, carbon reduction and architectural enhancement.

Whether it’s external louvres, smart blinds, or high-performance fabrics, sustainable shading solutions provide measurable benefits for both buildings and occupants.

1. Reduced Building Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency is a priority in modern building design, and solar shading plays a crucial role in reducing energy demand.

✅ Lower Cooling Loads – By preventing excess solar heat from entering a building, shading can reduce air conditioning use by up to 30%. Less reliance on mechanical cooling means lower operational energy costs.

✅ Optimised Daylight Control – Well-designed shading maximises natural daylight without causing glare, reducing the need for artificial lighting. With lighting accounting for nearly 20% of a building’s energy use, cutting down on electric lighting significantly improves efficiency.

Incorporating the right shading system can lead to substantial savings, improving both financial and environmental performance.

2. Lower Carbon Footprint

Reducing operational and embodied carbon is essential for achieving net-zero goals.

🌱 Embodied Carbon Reduction – Using recycled metals, sustainable fabrics and low-impact materials cuts the carbon footprint of shading systems. Compared to virgin materials, recycled aluminium and steel require far less energy to produce.

🌱 Lower Operational Emissions – Solar shading reduces heat gain, limiting the need for air conditioning. With HVAC systems being a major contributor to a building’s emissions, this directly supports climate targets and sustainability commitments.

By integrating passive shading strategies, buildings can achieve better environmental performance from construction to operation.

3. Improved Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Sustainable shading doesn’t just benefit the planet—it directly impacts occupant health and comfort.

✅ Better Thermal Comfort – By regulating indoor temperatures, shading prevents overheating in summer and reduces heat loss in winter, maintaining a stable indoor climate.

✅ Enhanced Daylighting – Exposure to natural light is linked to higher productivity, better mood and reduced eye strain. Proper shading allows maximum daylight without glare, creating healthier and more comfortable indoor spaces.

✅ Reduced Noise & Glare – Certain sustainable shading fabrics also provide sound insulation, improving acoustic comfort, especially in offices, schools and healthcare settings.

For architects and designers, integrating sustainable shading means better buildings for the people who use them.

4. Aesthetic and Architectural Benefits

Sustainable shading enhances building design in meaningful ways.

Architectural Integration – Modern shading systems seamlessly blend into facades, offering sleek, minimalist, or statement designs depending on the project.

Material & Colour Variety – From natural wood to high-tech sustainable fabrics, shading materials can complement both traditional and contemporary architecture.

Eco-Conscious Appeal – Sustainability is now a key design consideration, with developers and clients prioritising eco-friendly and energy-efficient aesthetics.

By choosing sustainable shading, buildings don’t just perform better—they look better too.

Certifications and Standards for Sustainable Shading

Certifications help ensure quality, sustainability and compliance in shading materials and systems.

Understanding these standards helps architects, designers and project managers meet sustainability targets and regulatory requirements.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

One of the most widely used green building standards in the UK and Europe, BREEAM assesses energy efficiency, materials, and indoor environmental quality.

Sustainable solar shading earns credits under:

• Energy (reducing cooling demand).
• Health & Well-being (improving daylight and thermal comfort).
• Materials (use of low-carbon and sustainable fabrics).

Incorporating BREEAM-certified shading materials contributes to higher building performance ratings.

2. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

A globally recognised sustainability certification, LEED encourages the use of shading systems that:

✔ Reduce energy demand by controlling solar gain.

✔ Enhance occupant comfort through optimised daylighting and glare control.

✔ Support low-carbon materials with verified sustainability credentials.

Shading solutions play a role in achieving multiple LEED credits, particularly in Energy & Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality.

3. WELL Building Standard

Unlike BREEAM and LEED, which focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, WELL is centered on human health and comfort.

Light & Thermal Comfort – Sustainable shading improves natural light exposure while maintaining optimal indoor temperatures.

Indoor Air Quality – Many sustainable fabrics and coatings reduce VOC emissions, supporting a healthier indoor environment.

Shading systems aligned with WELL principles create better spaces for occupants, making them a key element in human-centric design.

4. Additional Standards

Beyond the big three, several other sustainability certifications are important when specifying solar shading materials:

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – Ensures wood-based shading materials come from responsibly managed forests.

ISO 14001 – Covers environmental management systems, ensuring responsible manufacturing practices in shading production.

SKA Rating – A key certification for sustainable fit-out and refurbishment projects, recognising low-carbon shading solutions.

These certifications help verify that shading products meet high sustainability standards, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.

5. Fabric Certification: Ensuring Sustainability in Shading Textiles

Fabric-based shading systems—like blinds and curtains—must meet strict environmental and safety standards.

These certifications confirm sustainability, safety and indoor air quality compliance:

Cradle to Cradle Certified – Recognises products that are fully recyclable or biodegradable, ensuring they don’t contribute to landfill waste.

Oeko-Tex – Guarantees that fabrics are free from harmful substances, making them safe for indoor environments.

Greenguard – Focuses on low-VOC emissions, ensuring that shading materials don’t release harmful chemicals into the air.

Choosing certified shading fabrics ensures that buildings prioritise health, sustainability and long-term performance.

Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Solar Shading

Sustainable solar shading is on the rise, but widespread adoption isn’t without its hurdles.

Higher costs, limited material availability and the need for further innovation remain key challenges.

However, these obstacles also present huge opportunities for smarter, more efficient shading solutions.

Challenges in Sustainability

Sustainable materials and eco-friendly innovations often come at a premium cost due to:

• Higher production expenses for recycled and bio-based materials.
• Smaller economies of scale, making green alternatives more expensive than mass-produced conventional options.

However, these upfront costs pay off in the long run through:

✅ Lower energy bills – Reduced cooling and lighting demand means substantial operational savings.

✅ Longer product lifespan – Sustainable materials are often more durable, reducing replacement costs.

While cost remains a challenge, falling prices and increased demand will eventually drive more cost-effective solutions.

Opportunities for Innovation

With every challenge comes an opportunity for improvement and growth.

Sustainable shading is no exception.

As demand for low-carbon building materials grows, manufacturers are pushing boundaries with:

✅ Biodegradable fabrics – Materials like bamboo, hemp and PLA-based textiles are increasingly replacing petroleum-based synthetics.

✅ Recyclable components – Advances in recycled aluminium, PET-based shading fabrics and modular systems make it easier to repurpose materials at the end of their life.

With more focus on sustainable innovation, expect to see even more durable, high-performance eco-friendly shading solutions in the near future.

Smart and Integrated Shading Solutions

The future of shading isn’t just about materials—it’s about how shading integrates with building systems.

🔹 Motorised and Automated Systems – Smart blinds and external shading that adjust based on sunlight, temperature and occupancy.

🔹 BMS-Integrated Shading – Seamlessly connecting shading with building management systems (BMS) to optimise energy performance.

🔹 Self-Powered Shades – Some shading solutions now feature solar-powered automation, making them fully self-sustaining.

These technologies improve energy efficiency, enhance occupant comfort and ease of use.

Circular Economy Approach

Manufacturers are shifting towards recyclable blinds, shades and structural elements that can be repurposed at the end of their lifecycle.

Instead of discarding old shading systems, modular designs allow components to be replaced or repurposed, cutting waste.

A circular approach to shading ensures that materials stay in use for as long as possible, reducing environmental impact.

How Enviroscreen Can Help

Choosing the right solar shading solution ensures your project meets sustainability goals, regulatory requirements and architectural expectations.

That’s where Enviroscreen comes in.

With decades of experience in bespoke shading solutions, we provide:

✔ Sustainable Materials – Our range includes recycled fabrics, low-carbon metals, and bio-based textiles, all designed to lower embodied carbon.

✔ Regulatory Compliance – Our solutions align with Part O Regulations, BREEAM, LEED and WELL standards, ensuring your project meets the highest sustainability benchmarks.

✔ Tailored Shading for Any Sector – Whether it’s a commercial office, healthcare facility, school, or residential development, we design and install shading systems that enhance performance and aesthetics.

✔ Advanced Solar Control – From motorised blinds to BMS-integrated solutions, we help you implement energy-efficient shading that responds to your building’s needs.

✔ Expert Support from Concept to Completion – We work closely with architects, designers and project managers, offering consultation, supply and installation services.

At Enviroscreen, we don’t just supply shading—we create solutions that improve building efficiency, occupant comfort and long-term sustainability.

Looking to integrate sustainable shading into your next project? Let’s talk.

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Solar Shading

With net-zero targets shaping the future of construction and regulations like Part O pushing for better solar control, integrating low-carbon, energy-efficient shading solutions is now a core part of responsible building design.

Why It’s Time to Prioritise Sustainable Shading

✅ Cuts energy consumption – Reduces cooling loads and artificial lighting demand.

✅ Lowers carbon emissions – Supports net-zero goals by minimising operational and embodied carbon.

✅ Enhances occupant comfort – Improves thermal control, daylight balance and indoor air quality.

✅ Elevates architectural design – Offers modern, innovative and eco-friendly shading solutions.

Sustainability is about future-proofing buildings while improving performance, aesthetics and cost efficiency.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Shading

The transition to eco-friendly materials, smart automation and circular design is well underway.

But to fully realise the benefits, architects, designers, and facility managers must proactively integrate sustainable shading solutions from the start of a project.

Those who embrace sustainable shading now will not only stay ahead of regulations but also deliver more energy-efficient, comfortable, and visually striking buildings.

FAQ: Sustainable Solar Shading

1. Why is solar shading important for energy efficiency?

Solar shading controls solar gain, reducing the need for air conditioning by up to 30%, while also optimising natural daylight to cut down on artificial lighting use. This lowers energy demand and reduces operational carbon emissions.

2. What are the most sustainable materials for shading systems?

Some of the most eco-friendly materials include:

• Recycled aluminium and steel – Reduce embodied carbon while maintaining durability.
• Bio-based textiles – Bamboo, hemp, and PLA fabrics provide low-carbon, biodegradable alternatives.
• Recycled plastics (PET, HDPE) – Used for shading fabrics and components, diverting waste from landfills.

3. How does solar shading contribute to net-zero buildings?

Sustainable shading reduces both operational carbon (energy use for cooling and lighting) and embodied carbon (materials and production emissions). This helps buildings meet net-zero targets and gain certifications like BREEAM, LEED and WELL.

4. What are the key regulations affecting solar shading in the UK?

• Part O Regulations (2022) – Requires buildings to limit solar gain to reduce overheating.
• UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (2024 update) – Provides guidance on reducing carbon emissions throughout a building’s lifecycle.

5. How do smart shading systems improve sustainability?

Automated shading solutions can adapt to sunlight levels, temperature and occupancy, reducing cooling and lighting loads. Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) further enhances energy efficiency.

6. What shading certifications should architects look for?

For sustainable projects, look for shading products with:

• BREEAM – Recognises energy-efficient and sustainable materials.
• LEED – Credits for reducing energy consumption and improving IEQ.
• WELL Standard – Focuses on indoor environmental quality and occupant health.
• Cradle to Cradle, Oeko-Tex, Greenguard – Verifies fabric sustainability and low-VOC emissions.

7. Is sustainable shading more expensive?

Initial costs can be higher, but the long-term energy savings and reduced maintenance needs make sustainable shading a cost-effective investment.