Future-Proofing Commercial Buildings: Heatwaves, Buildings, and the Urgency of Innovation

Overheating in commercial buildings is no longer a seasonal inconvenience. It’s a challenge that threatens tenant well-being, increases energy consumption, and drives up operational costs. With stricter regulations and growing tenant expectations, addressing overheating has become a top priority for those managing office spaces.

Understanding Overheating in Modern Buildings

The Growing Challenge

As global temperatures rise, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. Overheating occurs when buildings trap excess heat, creating uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe indoor environments. This challenge is particularly pronounced in office spaces with extensive glass facades or airtight designs intended to improve energy efficiency, such as near-zero energy buildings (NZEBs).

• Fact: Without adaptation, the health and productivity impacts of overheating could triple by 2050, according to the Climate Change Committee.

The Impacts of Overheating

Overheating has widespread consequences for commercial buildings:

• Tenant Wellbeing: Uncomfortable indoor environments reduce focus and increase health risks.
• Energy Costs: Greater reliance on cooling systems inflates operational expenses.
• Regulatory Compliance: Failure to address overheating can hinder certifications like WELL and LEED or adherence to mandates such as the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Stakeholders need comprehensive strategies to combat overheating while enhancing property value and sustainability.

Static Shading Falls Short

In many buildings, traditional shading systems, such as manually operated blinds, are the first line of defence against solar heat. While they offer temporary relief, they often fail to address the full scope of the problem.

• Infrequent Adjustments: Blinds in office buildings are manually adjusted only twice a week on average, leading to inconsistent results and inefficient use of natural light.
• Energy Inefficiency: Static systems cannot adapt to changing sunlight and heat, forcing HVAC systems to overcompensate, driving up energy use and costs.

Dynamic Shading: A Smarter Solution

How It Works

Dynamic shading systems offer a responsive approach to managing solar heat gain. By integrating seamlessly with Building Management Systems (BMS), these systems automatically adjust to environmental conditions, such as sunlight intensity, building orientation, and temperature.

• Benefits:
  • Block excessive solar heat during peak hours.
  • Maintain natural light without glare.
  • Reduce cooling loads by up to 35%, significantly lowering energy costs.

The Advantages at a Glance

1. Enhanced Comfort: Consistent indoor temperatures improve tenant satisfaction.
2. Energy Efficiency: Reduced HVAC reliance lowers operational costs and carbon emissions.
3. Increased Productivity: Employees in offices with dynamic shading report a 30% improvement in focus and comfort.

• Case Study: A retrofit project in Amsterdam equipped with dynamic shading systems reduced cooling energy use by 25% and achieved WELL certification, demonstrating the benefits of combining innovation with sustainability.

A Holistic Approach: Insulation and Ventilation as Key Partners

While dynamic shading addresses solar gain, it works best as part of a broader strategy that includes insulation and ventilation.

Insulation: A Thermal Barrier

Modern insulation prevents excessive heat from entering a building while retaining warmth in winter. Retrofitting older buildings with advanced insulation materials enhances energy performance and reduces operational costs.

• Fact: Retrofitted buildings with improved insulation see 20–30% energy savings annually.

Natural Ventilation: Passive Cooling

Ventilation systems enhance cooling by circulating fresh air and removing trapped heat, particularly during cooler nighttime hours. This reduces reliance on mechanical systems and improves indoor air quality.

• Key Benefit: Ventilation systems can lower HVAC energy consumption by 15%, offering significant operational savings.

The Role of Sustainability Certifications

As highlighted in CBRE’s 2023 report on sustainability in real estate, green certifications are transforming how buildings are valued. Certifications like WELL, LEED, and BREEAM not only improve environmental performance but also drive financial benefits for stakeholders.

• Rental Premiums: Certified buildings command 7% higher rents on average, regardless of age.
• Occupancy Rates: Certified offices have lower vacancy rates, confirming that sustainability is a key tenant priority.

For developers, achieving these certifications is more than compliance—it’s a competitive advantage that attracts premium tenants and increases asset value.

Somfy’s Role: Smart Solutions for Resilient Buildings

Somfy specialises in dynamic shading solutions that seamlessly integrate with modern and existing building systems. These solutions enhance tenant comfort, improve energy efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.

What Somfy Offers

• Dynamic Shading: Reduce cooling reliance, improve natural lighting, and lower energy costs by up to 35%.
• PRISM Office: Gain actionable insights into shading performance, energy savings, and tenant comfort. Predict ROI through data-driven analysis of energy savings, CO2 reductions, and productivity improvements.
• Sustainability Compliance: Can help to achieve standards such as NZEB, WELL, and LEED while enhancing long-term property value.

With Somfy’s expertise and tools like PRISM, developers and building managers can address today’s challenges while positioning their buildings as leaders in the market.

Conclusion: Building Resilient, Profitable Spaces for the Future

Overheating isn’t a future problem—it’s a current challenge that demands immediate attention. By embracing dynamic shading, insulation, and ventilation, stakeholders can transform commercial properties into energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable spaces.

In a market increasingly shaped by green certifications and tenant expectations, the time to act is now. With holistic strategies and innovative technologies, today’s buildings can lead the way to a more resilient and profitable tomorrow.