Using blinds and awnings to stay cool in the summer months isn't new; it's been around for hundreds of years.

But did you know that sun protection is a dynamic and flexible solution that's highly effective all year round?

Shading devices play a vital role in keeping us warm and comfortable during the winter.

On sunny winter days, open your blinds, awnings, and curtains to capture free heat from the sun and warm your home and workplace.

Research shows that raising blinds and shades on sunny winter days can save you energy on heating at home: up to 15% in Northern Europe, 17% in Central Europe, and 41% in Southern Europe*.

At night, extend your blinds and curtains to keep the heat in and be more energy efficient.

In comparison, other solutions like solar control glass, which prevents heat from entering through windows, cause us to lose free heat during the winter, when we need it most.

This means you could be missing out on a lot of free solar gain (energy), especially now that buildings are being constructed with large expanses of glass to enjoy the views.

While solar control glass is fixed, smart shading is dynamic and flexible.

Solar control systems are a smart way to help regulate heat in your home, in addition to offering many other benefits: they provide privacy, security, and protection, and control glare caused by the low-lying sun when needed.

Blinds, shades, and awnings are a great way to stay comfortable year-round at home, in our workplaces, and in public spaces.

We will celebrate Global Shading Day on March 21, 2026, to raise awareness about the benefits of shading and promote more sustainable and energy-efficient lifestyles that protect us and the planet year-round.

Learn more at www.globalshadingday.com

*Research: Conventional control strategies for shading devices in residential and office premises, March 2025 https://es-so.com/resources/resource-center/documentation