The British Blind and Shutter Association is celebrating Global Shading Day on March 21 2025 to raise awareness of the importance of shading in creating climate resilient buildings for comfort and wellbeing.
Global Shading Day is a movement that emphasises how shading contributes to sustainable, energy efficient buildings that reject excessive heat in the summer and help retain heat during the winter.
With extreme weather events happening more frequently, a Global Shading Day website has been launched packed with information about how individuals, communities, businesses and policymakers can get involved.
Global Shading Day is organised by the European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO) and has attracted participants from across Europe and beyond since its launch in 2023.
Andrew Chalk, Director of Operations at the British Blind and Shutter Association which is a member of ES-SO, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Global Shading Day and to be able to talk about the positive benefits of shading.
“This is the third Global Shading Day and each year it is gathering more momentum.
“In the UK, blinds, shutters and awnings are often seen as decorative soft furnishings but shading can support our comfort and wellbeing and help us be more energy efficient.
“Shading contributes to sustainable, energy efficient buildings that reject excessive heat in the summer and help retain heat during the winter.”
The Global Shading Day website explains how shading can help save energy, support comfort and reduce emissions.
People are encouraged to participate in the awareness day by organising events, sharing knowledge and promoting the benefits of shading through social media and local media channels.
Ann Van Eycken, Secretary General of ES-SO, said: “In 2025, we are aiming to take Global Shading Day to new heights by involving even more stakeholders and amplifying our message through digital platforms.
“The launch of globalshadingday.com marks an important step forward in our mission to create more climate-resilient buildings and the benefits in energy saving and improved comfort these bring.”
To coincide with Global Shading Day, the BBSA is sponsoring an exhibition called ‘Shade the UK – Shading for a Resilient Future’ at the Building Centre, in London, from March 17 to April 21 2025.
The exhibition will highlight issues relating to hot weather in the UK, including stories about how people who have experienced heat and heatwaves and the range of shading solutions available for buildings and public spaces.
Find out more about Global Shading Day at www.globalshadingday.com.
