Solar screen shades can be part of a green, digitalized building movement

Green building practices are driving the increased use of building information modeling (BIM) software to create digital models for design and construction projects.


According to a report by the U.S. Green Building Council and industry organizations, green construction companies use BIM on more than half their projects, compared to only 28 percent BIM use by companies that aren't considered green building firms.


The study also forecasts strong growth for energy performance simulation tools by builders. Within the next two years, the study projects that 95 percent of firms using BIM for green projects will be using the technology to gauge energy performance, compared to 73 percent now.


For companies not focused on green projects, the increased use of energy simulation software will be much greater. The study predicts that non-green builders who use BIM will increase their use of energy simulation tools from 21 percent to 79 percent in the next two years.


Once green projects are built, the users of those homes and buildings can improve energy efficiency by installing solar screen shades. These window treatments improve temperature and draft control in a room, but also limit glare onto television and computer screens, while maintaining visibility of outside views.