Innovative solar shading device to reduce high-rise CO2 emissions by 30%

The external shading system sits like a skin on the outside of a building, moving around on tracks to shield the sun while still allowing daylight to penetrate.

Made from a lightweight frame incorporating photovoltaic cells, the sunshield:

- Reduces the energy required to light and cool the building by 30%;
- Produces enough energy to power the movement of the shade and provide up to 10 percent of the
building's remaining power needs;
- Is made from a simple and cost-effective series of modular panels, which can be removed
individually without compromising the whole system; and
- Incorporates a guide rail at each floor level to provide both structural support and access for cleaningand maintenance.

The concept was developed through GHD's innovation program, which invites the company's 6000 people to submit, collaborate and vote on ideas and provides a transparent, formal process through which their innovation can be recognised and acted on.

The solar shading device was submitted by Martin Hay, Architecture Manager in GHD's Doha office, and developed and tested in collaboration with the company's Brisbane and Melbourne offices.

In the Middle East where summer temperatures can soar past 48C accompanied by weeklong dust
storms, keeping homes and offices cool and well lit can consume up to 70 percent of the total power use for a building.

Mr Hay said:

"To create truly sustainable cities, shading needs to be an integral part of any infrastructure to reduce the need for air conditioning and lighting in the first place."

"Hot countries have traditionally regulated temperatures using a combination of anti-sun glazing, internal blinds and air-conditioning. However, blinds do not stop the heat from passing through the glass façade and being trapped within the building, and reflective glazing systems increase the need for artificial lighting.