Article
21/03/2026
Shading makes a difference!
More than just an awareness day - a movement to help reduce energy consumption in a warming climate for our health and comfort.
As the world responds to a rapidly warming planet, overheating in homes, workplaces and public buildings is becoming an increasingly urgent issue.
Longer, hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves is leading to rising indoor temperatures which impacts health, comfort, sleep, learning and productivity. At the same time, increasing reliance on air conditioning is driving up energy demand releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which is leading to further heating of the planet and escalating the need for cooling.
ES-SO is committed to building a global movement, supported by the shading sector, to encourage people to recognise the benefits of shading all year round – a practical, effective way to prevent overheating, combat rising temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
Dynamic shading prevents excessive heat from the sun entering a building - it is a passive solution to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce dependence on energy intensive cooling systems, supporting energy efficiency and climate resilience.
In the winter we want to encourage people to maximise free heat from the sun during the day and use shading to retain heat in the evening. Research shows that opening blinds and shutters during sunny winter days can save on heating energy – by up to 15% in northern Europe, 17% in central Europe, and 41% in southern Europe.
We want to help people to recognise that because shading is dynamic and flexible it can support energy efficiency at all times of the year – winter and summer.
- Said Ann Van Eycken, Secretary General of ES-SO.
Global Shading Day 2026 is more than just an event; it’s a call to action for governments, architects, engineers and individuals to integrate solar shading into their daily lives and long term planning – helping to deliver healthier, more comfortable buildings fit for a warming climate.
Find expert advice and learn how to support the cause at www.globalshadingday.com. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate by organising events, sharing knowledge, and promoting the benefits of solar shading through social and local media channels.
© Carola Merello - Barreca & La Varra - Resstende Srl - Urban Office Campus - Ph Diana Lapin - One Works - Amma architecte - Sun&Lux - Mairie de Porcieu-Amblagnieu - Nodal + Sasu / Antoine Huot - Stores Seas - Schenker Stores - Ville de Poissy - Gautier + Conquet - Nickl & Partner - Ates - Samuel Moraud - N.Hugoo & J. Moussafir architectes - Luc Boegly - Samuel Moraud - Warema - Atelier d'architecture Thierry Dubuc - Mermet