Daylighting
LEED NC 2.2 – EA 1.0
Daylighting shading systems work through redirecting the natural light to reduce the usage of artificial lighting and thereby reduce the energy used both for powering electric lights and energy used cooling the heat generate by the electric lights. However, using the daylight to accomplish this requires dynamic control over the solar energy entering the building for two reasons, the total solar energy transmitted to a typical window can exceed 1,300 watts per square meter and direct unfiltered sunlight is too bright for typical office interiors. The illuminance or intensity of the incident light, is measured in lux. Illuminance levels required for office work lie between 250 and 1,000 lux, with 500 lux being the generally preferred amount. Direct sunlight can produce illuminance levels of over 100,000 lux, far exceeding a comfortable amount.
A common strategy for harvesting this daylight is to redirect the light into areas where illuminance levels are supported with artificial light. For example, a passive or active light shelf can be both installed internally and/or externally along the upper portion of the glazing to catch and bounce the incident sun rays and direct them father into the space. Using a shelf with a high reflective or albedo value allows the light to be directed further into the space. Further enhancing this daylight harvesting can be achieved through ceiling systems which also utilize a high albedo rating thereby assisting in moving the daylight further into the space.
The common misconception is that these systems create more light and illuminance, however, these systems simply move the large light levels produced from the sun into areas not normally given exposure to the sun. Using a dynamic daylighting solutions such a light shelves can assist in reducing artificial lighting by up to 50% depending on the space and location of the building.
Energy Reduction
LEED NC 2.2 – EA 1.0
Energy reduction through solar shading and window coverings may be quantified by the reduction of solar energy entering a space and thereby reducing the amount energy used for cooling and reduction of thermal energy leaving the space and thereby reducing the energy required for heating.
About half of the Sun’s energy that reaches the Earth falls within the visible spectrum; the remaining half falls within the infrared – having a wavelength longer than that of visible light – and ultraviolet (UV) – having a wavelength shorter than that of visible light part of the spectrum. In summer, most regions need to filter out UV radiation from entering interiors due to the intense heat it creates. While modern spectrally selective glazing can be made to allow in only visible light (filtering out UV and infrared radiation), visible light also produces heat. Materials inside the building absorb heat from the visible light, causing the temperature of the materials – and building interior – to rise. As the temperature rises the materials produce thermal infrared radiation, which is then prevented from leaving the interior through the windows by the UV and infrared blocking glazing.
Thermal heat reduction is achieved through creating an isolating space along the window. This is calculated through the R Value or measurement of the heat absorbed by the material. R Value is the measure of apparent thermal conductivity and the higher the R Value the less heat is lost through the window or assembly. Decorating with Fabric offers the most efficient and extensive range of solar shading and window covering products in the market, providing the highest R Values of the industry.
Using selective solar shading and window covering applications from Decorating with Fabric the reduction of solar gain can be achieved through the use of fabrics with low Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SGHC). Decorating with Fabric offers a number of distinctive and designer friendly fabrics which can achieve very low SHGC through a variety of openness, weave structure, color and even enhanced reflective coatings.
Active and operable Solar Shading systems and Window Coverings allow the building occupant the flexibility to control the indoor environment based on both the ambient solar conditions as well as personal taste. Something simple low e or spectral glazing cannot achieve alone. In addition in climates with distinct seasonal difference the systems can be used to both reduce the incident solar gain, and in colder seasons, allow the gain to reduce heating loads in certain circumstances.
Recycled Content
LEED NC 2.2 – MR 4.1, 4.2
Recycled content can be defined as materials used in the production of products that have been directed from the waste stream. Usually these materials are associated into two categories, pre-consumer and post-consumer. Pre-consumer recyclable materials are items directed from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. These materials do not include rework items or materials that would have gone back into the standard work flow, but rather materials which would have been strictly wasted. Post consumer recycled materials are those generated by households, institutions or commercial facilities, which can no longer be used for their intended purpose.
Using products which are produced wholly or partially from recycled content reduces the environmental impact of harvesting and processing virgin materials. It also lessens the impact on landfills and other waste-containment systems. Decorating with Fabric strives to offer products from as many recycled or rapidly renewable materials as possible.
Automation
LEED NC 2.2 – EA 1.0
Maximum indoor comfort can be achieved through building and automation systems which regulate and allow users discrete management over thermal control and light levels to suit individual needs or those of groups in shared spaces. Control strategies can be developed to expand on the comfort criteria to allow adjustments to suit individual needs and preferences. These may involve system designs incorporating operable windows, hybrid systems integrating operable windows and mechanical automated systems, or automated systems alone.
Automated control systems for solar shading and window coverings can also maximize the energy reduction and light control options. Sun control systems which dynamically adjust to the angle of the sun dependant on the location and orientation of the building allows for optimal placement of the shading system. Systems which can automatically adjust to changing weather conditions and schedule multiple levels of activity; such as regular window cleaning, or evening privacy adjustments are possible.
Decorating with Fabric offers the most extensive collection of automation and intelligent control systems to suit any budget.
Indoor Environmental Quality
LEED NC 2.2 – EQ 4.2
Indoor environmental contaminants can originate within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. IEQ problems are often caused by ventilation system deficiencies, overcrowding, off gassing from materials in the office and mechanical equipment, tobacco smoke, microbiological contamination, and outside air pollutants.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are air pollutants produced from off gassing of materials that can cause respiratory and other health problems. In an indoor environment VOCs may be produced by many office components, including window coverings, air conditioners, wood and laminated furniture, ceiling systems, wall coverings, and carpets. In addition to being indoor air pollutants, VOCs escape into the atmosphere and contribute to outdoor air pollution and global warming.
Decorating with Fabric has a full line of low VOC products that pass the GreenGuard® Air Quality Certified® and GreenGuard® for Children and Schools SM standards. All GreenGuard Certified Products have been tested for their chemical emissions performance including for formaldehyde, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), respirable particles, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide.