Assessing the role of solar shading devices in mitigating overheating in high schools in Madrid

Abstract

Several initiatives promoted by industry and research organisations are currently investigating the role of solar protection systems in improving summer performance in educational buildings. Among them, the Spanish Solar-Shading Organisation (AES-SO) has launched a technical research initiative to analyse the real impact of solar shading in school buildings under current climatic conditions. This study addresses this gap through a parametric analysis of a representative classroom in Madrid. Sixteen scenarios are evaluated, combining construction periods, orientations, and dynamic solar shading devices. The objective is to quantify the impact of these solutions on indoor temperatures, OH hours and energy needs, providing essential data for the decision-making about retrofitting the school stock, which, as we know, must urgently adapt to the new climatic reality.