With product carbon footprints and environmental product declarations, WAREMA provides data for assessing the environmental impacts of selected solar shading solutions.

To provide specific information about the environmental impacts of our external venetian blinds, roller shutters and window awnings we calculated their product carbon footprints (PCFs) and also prepared environmental product declarations (EPDs) in cooperation with the German Roller Shutter, Solar Shading and Automation Industry Association (IVRSA e.V.) and the German Institute for Construction and Environment (IBU e.V.).

An EPD is a standardised, independently verified environmental product declaration that provides transparent environmental data. Depending on the life cycle stage covered, EPDs include information on global warming potential, resource use and energy consumption, among other factors. They provide reliable figures that can be used when selecting and assessing construction products.

For building certification schemes such as DGNB, LEED and BREEAM, EPDs can provide important data for assessing certain environmental criteria.

External solar shading acts where sunlight first reaches the building: in front of the window. This can reduce the amount of solar heat entering the rooms. Automatic control also ensures that shading is used when needed, which is especially beneficial for buildings with active cooling.

A WAREMA model calculation illustrates the potential savings for three selected solar shading solutions: the window system external venetian blind, the front-mounted roller shutter and the front-mounted awning. Under the defined model conditions, the calculated savings potential during the use phase can be 13 to 28 times the accounted product-related greenhouse gas emissions.*

*The calculations used an average commercially available product size and configuration for each of the window system external venetian blind, front-mounted roller shutter and front-mounted awning.

The calculation of CO₂ emissions is based on the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol. All three scopes were analysed: direct and indirect emissions at the production site, as well as indirect emissions along the value chain.

The calculation of potential CO₂ savings is based on a room in a non-residential building (L × W × H: 8.25 m × 5.4 m × 2.8 m) with a window area of 70% (16.17 m²) on the west side. The active cooling setpoint was 22°C. The assumed service life of the solar shading product was 20 years or 10,000 operating cycles. The calculations were performed using a tool from Repräsentanz Transparente Gebäudehülle (RTG).

The result: The CO₂ emissions from the solar shading products range from 265 to 293 kg of CO₂ equivalents (CO_2e). By comparison, the savings potential during the use phase is up to 28 times the CO₂ emissions. Under the conditions described above, a window awning can save up to 7,297 kg of CO_2e ; an external venetian blind can save up to 5,834 kg of CO_2e ; and a roller shutter can save up to 3,931 kg of CO_2e.

*For three selected solar shading solutions, WAREMA modelled both product-related greenhouse gas emissions and potential savings during use.

The calculations used an average commercially available product size and configuration for each of the window system external venetian blind, front-mounted roller shutter and front-mounted awning.

The basis is a defined installation scenario in a non-residential building (L × W × H: 8.25 m × 5.4 m × 2.8 m) with a window area of 70% (16.17 m²) on the west side. The active cooling setpoint was 22°C. The assumed service life of the solar shading product was 20 years or 10,000 operating cycles. The calculations were performed using a tool from Repräsentanz Transparente Gebäudehülle (RTG).

Under the model conditions described, the savings potential varies by solar shading solution. For the window awning, up to 7,297 kg CO₂e were calculated, up to 28 times the accounted product-related greenhouse gas emissions. For the external venetian blind, the modelled savings potential is up to 5,834 kg CO₂e, 22 times the calculated greenhouse gas emissions of the product. For the roller shutter, up to 3,931 kg CO₂e were calculated, about 13 times the greenhouse gas emissions accounted for over the product life cycle considered.

WAREMA is the leading brand for technical sun shading products in Europe. For residential, commercial or public buildings, WAREMA supports architects and planners with individual sun shading solutions, optimally matched to on-site requirements and design needs. The range of products — from external venetian blinds and intelligent control systems to Outdoor Living solutions for external areas — delivers effective daylight control, contributes to the energy efficiency of buildings and enhances occupant comfort. The Architects’ Darling Award 2025 in Gold currently confirms WAREMA’s outstanding quality in the field of sun shading.