Energy Modelling for Shading Systems

R3,000

Learn how external and internal shading materially changes heating, cooling, daylighting and compliance outcomes in South African buildings.

Pro tip: In South African projects, shading is not a “nice-to-have” finish detail — it is a performance variable. If you model it properly, you can reduce peak cooling loads, improve thermal comfort, and strengthen your SANS 10400-XA submission strategy.

Why This Module?

Designed for South African climate realities: From Cape Town’s winter rainfall and coastal glare to Pretoria’s intense summer solar gain, shading decisions must respond to local orientation, latitude and seasonal sun paths — not imported assumptions.
Direct relevance to SANS compliance: The module shows how shading interacts with SANS 10400-XA, SANS 204, façade performance and energy modelling inputs used to demonstrate responsible building envelope design.
Better design outcomes for high-risk façades: West-facing glazing, deep-plan office plates, double-volume atria and curtain wall systems can all behave very differently once shading geometry is modelled correctly.
Supports specifier confidence: Understand when fixed fins, overhangs, screens or operable systems are appropriate, and how to justify them to clients, contractors and sustainability reviewers.

Detailed Curriculum

1. South African energy and compliance context

How shading contributes to the building envelope strategy under SANS 10400-XA, and where it fits within broader energy-efficiency and comfort objectives.

2. Climate zones, solar geometry and façade orientation

Reading the sun path for South African latitudes, with practical implications for north, east, west and south façades across inland, coastal and high-altitude sites.

3. Shading typologies and performance behaviour

Comparing overhangs, vertical fins, egg-crate systems, external screens and internal blinds in terms of solar control, daylight access and glare reduction.

4. Energy modelling inputs for shading systems

How shading depth, spacing, openness factor, orientation and control strategy are translated into model assumptions that can influence annual energy use intensity.

5. Daylight, glare and occupant comfort

Balancing useful daylight with visual comfort, overheating risk and workstation usability in offices, classrooms, healthcare and mixed-use buildings.

6. Glazing, SHGC and envelope interactions

Understanding how shading modifies solar heat gain through glazed openings, and why the same blind specification can produce different outcomes depending on glass type and orientation.

7. Specification and coordination workflow

Translating performance objectives into coordinated design decisions across architect, façade consultant, quantity surveyor, energy modeller and blinds/shading supplier.

8. Reporting and documentation for project teams

Communicating assumptions, limitations and performance intent clearly so shading choices are defensible in submissions, design reviews and handover documentation.

Pro tip: A west façade that looks manageable in elevation can become the dominant source of peak cooling load in simulation. Always test shading early, before the glazing package is frozen.

Learning Outcomes

Identify how shading systems influence annual and peak energy demand in South African commercial and institutional buildings.
Interpret the effect of façade orientation, latitude and climate zone on shading effectiveness.
Select the appropriate shading typology for a given performance brief, including glare control and daylight access.
Explain how shading assumptions should be represented in an energy model and documented for compliance reviews.
Assess trade-offs between solar control, thermal comfort and visual amenity when specifying blinds or external shading.
Produce a defensible shading rationale that supports design coordination and SANS-aligned performance outcomes.

Who Should Take This Module

This module is intended for South African architects, interior architects, building specifiers, sustainability consultants, façade designers and technical professionals who need to make informed shading decisions in the context of energy performance, compliance and occupant comfort.

It is particularly valuable for teams working on office buildings, education facilities, healthcare environments, mixed-use developments and retrofit projects where glazing and solar gain are central design issues.

Prerequisites

None — suitable for all registered professionals. A working familiarity with basic building-envelope concepts and SANS 10400-XA will be helpful, but the module is structured to support both emerging and experienced practitioners.

Pro tip: Don’t treat internal blinds and external shading as interchangeable. In modelling terms, their impact on solar heat gain, daylight autonomy and glare control is materially different — and that distinction matters in specification.

CPD Points

1 structured CPD point

This module has been prepared for professional learning aligned to South African built-environment requirements. SACAP / SAICE / ECSA accreditation pending.

Ready to sharpen your energy-modelling decisions and specify shading with confidence?

PURCHASE THIS MODULE — R3,000

Related Resources

SANS Compliancy Pillar Page Shading Specification Checklist Daylight & Glare Assessment Guide Solar Heat Gain Calculator

🔗 Related Free Tools

🔧 Energy Modelling Tool
Free tool — use now 🔧 Glazing U-Value Calculator
Free tool — use now 🔧 Shading Calculator
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Courses, guides & resources

Energy Modelling for Shading Systems | SANS Compliancy CPD Module