An Architect's Guide

"It is a window in a residential, commercial, government or institutional facility that is treated by a window covering to prevent loss in the winter and to filter our solar heat gain in the summer with sustainable products and ideas."

This workbook accompanies the AIA approved course (HSW SD) called "An Architect's Guide to Sustainable Window Coverings". I have included a more indepth explanation of the topics that I present at my Lunch & Learn sessions. I begin with LEED and how Window Coverings apply to the USGBC's detailed requirements. Next I go beyond LEED to the many decisions that Architect's are required to correctly address when specifying Sustainable Window Coverings.

I cover SolarSmart Shading Systems which offers excellent performance for reducing solar heat from entering the space as well as dealing with light and glare control. Finally I address insulating products that keep the heat within the space, such as Cellular Shades, Draperies and Roman Shades.

I hope you find this guide useful. If you have any questions feel free to email me at: neil@dwfcontract.com.

Thank you,

Neil Gordon

Below is a summary of which window covering products and/or systems may qualify for credits when applying for various levels of LEED Certification. The LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 edition was the source used for the information in this document.

This credit has two parts, interior lighting control and exterior lighting control.

Both parts must be satisfied to earn this credit. The interior lighting portion of this credit has two compliance options to choose from. Decorating with Fabric’s motorized shades, used in conjunction with Decorating with Fabric controls, can meet the option 2 compliance method for the interior lighting portion of the credit: ―All exterior openings, such as windows, must have shielding that can be automatically controlled and programmed to close from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Shielding options include automatic shades that have less than 10% transmittance. An example is a timer-controlled automated rolling shade with the appropriate light transmittance.‖1

Light Pollution in the Northeast

This credit is only for LEED Core & Shell (CS). The intent of this credit is to educate tenants on sustainable design for their tenant improvement build-out. One of the LEED 2009 credits to be addressed is Daylighting and Views. Window shades are an excellent choice to control glare when pursuing a daylighting strategy. ―So that tenants can optimize daylighting, a LEED for Core & Shell commercial office building design should consider floor-to-ceiling heights, the bay size, the type of glazing, and the depth of occupied spaces. Daylight shelves and glare control devices should also be considered.‖2

Daylight Shelves

To achieve LEED certification all prerequisites must be satisfied. This prerequisite requires a 10% improvement (55% for existing buildings) compared with the baseline building performance rating. Decorating with Fabric's motorized shades, operating based on the sun’s movement through automated controls such as the Decorating with Fabric Digital Network, will increase energy efficiency. Motorized shades should be included in the energy model.

This credit is worth up 19 points. The minimum energy cost savings percentage is 12% for new buildings and 8% for existing building renovations. Additional points (up to 19) can be awarded for greater percentage savings. Decorating with Fabric's motorized shades, operating based on the sun’s movement through automated controls such as the Decorating with Fabric Digital Network, will increase energy efficiency.

Motorized window shades should be included in the energy model. ―Manually controlled interior shading devices such as blinds and curtains should not be modeled. Automatically controlled interior shading devices can be modeled…‖ 4

This credit is for LEED SCHOOLS, and applies to classroom furniture. One compliance option is to provide furniture that is GREENGUARD Children and Schools certified. If low-emitting products in schools—or any facility—is important to you, Decorating with Fabric has a wide range of GREENGUARD Children and Schoolscertified products. Many of our window shade fabrics are GREENGUARD certified.

1 P. 134, LEED Reference Guide For Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition 2 P. 145, LEED Reference Guide For Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition 3 P. 217, LEED Reference Guide For Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition 4 P. 270, LEED Reference Guide For Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition

Energy reduction through window coverings may be quantified in two primary categories; reduction of solar energy entering a space and thereby reducing the amount energy used for cooling and the 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.

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 generated 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.

Glare control is perhaps the most common failure in daylighting strategies. Large windows provide generous amounts of daylight. If not controlled, properly, this daylight can produce unwanted glare and affect interior lighting quality. Successful measure to control glare is achieved through Decorating with Fabric's SolarSmart Shading Systems.

SmartSolar Shading Systems by Decorating with Fabric is a very effective way of keeping the heat out of buildings by filtering the sun through its energy efficient fabrics.

The use of these shading systems also can significantly reduce glare.

Choosing the correct fabric for your project can be confusing. There are many options to consider such as, openness of the weave, visibility through the fabric, the color of the material and the content of the fabric. To make the correct choice, you first need to consider what is the purpose of the shading systems. Is it glare control or the reduction of heat penetrating through the widows or both?

SmartSolar Shading Systems offer weaves that range from 0%-25% in openness. 0% refers to blackout shades. The most common openness percentages for our fabrics are: 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%. Deciding upon which is the appropriate openness, one must consider the orientation of the windows. I usually recommend 3% or 5% for east, south and west facing windows. 10% is fine for north facing windows and 1 % works for bathrooms, where privacy is required. Below is a chart that suggests the openness factor by region.

SolarSmart Shading Systems are very popular because of the ability to see through the fabric when the shades are down. This also requires some careful decision making in order to select the correct fabric. As you can see in the photo below, darker colors offer better visibility then lighter colors and of course the more open the weave the better the view. The photos below compare a white fabric verses a black fabric.

SolarSmart Shading Systems are excellent at reflecting and reducing heat created by the sun. Color plays a huge role in this. The lighter the color the more effective the fabric in reducing heat gain. The difference between a light color fabric verse a dark color fabric is significant. The chart below is the fenestration properties of Mermet's 5% MScreen.

Shading Coefficient is the percentage of solar heat gain through a combination of glass and screen. Light colors have lower shading coefficients and darker colors have higher shading coefficients.

Let's take a look at the chart to demonstrate the benefit of lighter colors over heat gain. If we look at the color White/White we can see if we look over to the column called 1/4" Cl the number .36

MScreen in 5% White/White equals .36. This means that this color fabric allows 36% heat gain. Let's compare this to a dark color fabric.

MScreen in 5% Charcoal/Parrot equals .65. This means that this color fabric allows 65% heat gain.

That is a very large difference between two of the same exact fabrics in different colors.

Let's again examine 5% MScreen to determine the more effective fabric color for glare control. The column called Tv refers to Visual Transmittance which is the measurement of glare. The number is a ratio of the amount of total solar energy which passes through the glass and screen combined.

As before in our Shading Coefficient comparison, let's look at the chart.

MScreen in 5% White/White equals 15. This means that this color reduces glare by 85%.

MScreen in 5% Charcoal/Sky equals 5. This means that this color reduces glare by 95%.

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Solar transmittance (Ts) This factor gives the proportion of solar energy transmitted through the fabric.

A low percentage means the fabric performs well at reducing solar energy.

Solar reflectance (Rs) This factor gives the proportion of solar radiation reflected by the fabric. A high percentage means the fabric performs well at reflecting solar energy.

Solar absorptance (As) This factor gives the proportion of solar radiation absorbed by the fabric. A low percentage means the fabric absorbs little solar energy.

Solar radiation is always partially transmitted through, absorbed or reflected by the fabric. The sum of all 3 equals 100. Ts + Rs + As = 100% of solar energy.

From what you have read so far, it may seem that you must make a choice between the best heat reflection verse the best glare control. This is not the case.

SolarSmart Shading Systems offers an excellent fabric choice that has excellent glare control along with effective heat reflection.

The fabric is called SilverScreen by Verosol. SilverScreen has an ultra-fine layer of aluminum on a screen fabric that dramatically improves the solar energy performance, while demonstrating excellent view through. You can select a dark fabric which is great for glare and get a high heat reflection performance though its aluminum backing.

Aluminum backing

Once you are past the fabric choices, there are other options that Decorating with Fabric's SolarSmart Shading System offers. The control mechanisms are the next consideration. You can choose spring rollers, clutch rollers, spring-assist clutch rollers and of course motorization. Within motorization, your options include battery powered (limited in size and weight), hardwired and wireless controls. We also have the capability of integrating our controls with most automation systems like Lutron or Crestron.

Manual clutches are available in10lb, 20lb, and 24lb, depending on the size of shade and the fabric selected. They can be mounted either on right or left side. The chain can be Stainless Steel (standard) or nylon bead chain which hangs at the side, leaving the view unobstructed. 

Up and down stops prevent shades from being raised or lowered too far.

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Our spring-loaded idler and universal brackets offer installation ease and flexibility.

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Optional Spring Assist (large units require fixed-pin idler).

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Cord tension device is included, keeps loops from being easily accessible and out of reach of children.

Motorized SolarSmart Shades offer the ultimate in high-tech convenience in a functional shading system. The simplicity of roller shades combined with the versatility of motorized operation offers convenience as well as LEED compliance. 

Available in any size from 2' through 14' wide. Larger sizes available in other systems.

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Retract completely when not in use for an unobstructed view.

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Installation choices range from simple mounting brackets, to end caps and fascia, to complete extruded pockets with bottom closure panels.

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Have compact, tubular gear motors located within each roller for smooth, reliable operation.

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A simple wall switch or hand held remote is included with each unit.

Decorating with Fabric can offer a wide choice of other applications for its SolarSmart Shading Systems. Besides the common style roller shades we can also fabricate Roman Style Shades as well as Green House Shading Systems.

Many times there is a need for two shades at a window. Bedrooms may require a Blackout Shade along with a Solar Shade. We can offer clever installation solutions where the shades are offset in order to compact the space needed for two functioning shades either manually or motorized.

Decorating with Fabric offers one of the largest motorized window shades on the market today. Colossal Shades provide superior solar control for large window openings with sizes going all the way up 28' 9" in width and up to 30' tall.

An unprotected skylight can generate intense heat and glare. Skylight Shades are the ideal remedy. Inconspicuously recessed into the skylight opening, a Skylight Shade provides solar and UV control to protect people and furnishings. We recommend lighter color fabrics and hardware to absorb less heat. Venting space between shade and glass are also highly recommended. Choose motorized or crank—both are a breeze to install and are engineered to be durable and reliable.

The loss of heat in winter months is a major concern. Especially since untreated windows can be a significant cause of heat loss. Solar shades are excellent solutions for keeping the heat out, but are not effective as insulators.

Here we turn to products that act as insulators on the window. There performance is measured by its R-Value.

Below is a chart that shows the R-Value of Hunter Douglas products.

These numbers are based on a combination of the product along with a low-e double glazed window.

Duette Architella Hybrid Shutter

Aluminum Blind

The best performing product is the Duette Architella (shown below). This is a double cellular shade that creates three chambers of air, which acts as an insulator. The addition of side tracks adds to the shades insulating performance.

Other effective products besides the cellular shades are wood and hybrid shutters which perform well because of its ability to seal off the window. The worst performing treatment is Aluminum Blinds.

Three chambers of air

Side Tracks

Since Decorating with Fabric is a Drapery Workroom, I would be amiss in not discussing the insulating attributes of Drapery and Roman Shades. Full length lined drapery panels also trap air like the cellular shades do. As you can see in the graphic below a double line drapery is over 300% more energy efficient then an unlined drapery.

Chambers of Air

310% Improved Performance over an unlined Drapery.

Soft Fold Roman Shades create a pocket of air due to Decorating with Fabric's unique construction. The space between the face fabric and lining creates an air pocket as you can see in the photo below. Roman Shades can be fabricated with a wide range of fabrics, but if warmth is a priority you many want to select a heavier fabric.

To achieve a higher degree of warmth, we also recommend interlining the shade. Interlining is a flannel fabric that goes in between the face fabric and the lining, adding the extra chamber of air.

SolarChoice Heaters is a breakthrough passive solar heater that masquerade as vertical blinds. These innovative heaters can significantly reduce heating bills and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It's a smart, simple way to generate clean, renewable heat with a solar heater that is the newest application of solar heating technology.

How do SolarChoice Heaters work?

Appearing and operating as vertical blinds, SolarChoice Heaters draw cool air into the bottom of each solar heating blind. As air travels up each vane and along the solar heated aluminum core, it exits the top and re-circulates into the room at temperatures up to 120 degrees. It's a simple passive solar heater that generates heat to help reduce your heating bills.

Decorating with Fabric is extremely proud to announce its conversion to a Green Workroom. As a full service drapery and upholstery workroom in the New York Metro area, Decorating with Fabric has successfully employed sustainable supplies, products and practices into its workroom and installation business.

Thorough research has produced suitable and sustainable alternative supplies for the workroom. We have sourced: Organic Cotton Threads, Organic Cotton Linings, Natural Latex Rubber, and Organic Cotton Batting & Stuffing. Our Installers deliver products in Reusable Canvas Bags instead of disposable plastic bags.

We do not use Monofilament Thread, Adhesive Spray Glue, Polyurethane Foam, Dacron Polyester, and Plastic Bags. All of which contribute negatively to the environment.

As an alternative to the everyday choices of fabrics, we now offer a growing selection of sustainable and green products. Included are such items as: Sustainable Silks, Cradle to Cradle Fabrics, Recycled Polyester Fabrics, Organic Cotton Fabrics, Natural Pillow Fill, PVC Free Fabrics, and Fabrics Manufactured in an ISO 14001 Certified Facility.

Recycling concerns are addressed through a careful analysis of the workroom processes. All remnants and cutoffs are donated to local schools. Client's old treatments (that are replaced with new treatments) will be donated or recycled. All polyurethane foam and waste from fabrication and installation is recycled within state laws.

Decorating with Fabric is dedicated toward the efforts of creating a living & working environment that is energy efficient, healthy and productive. We are also aware of our own footprint in the design, creation and installation of our treatments and strive to provide sustainable solutions that protect the environment.