Professional Awning Manufacturers Association

Outstanding Contribution to Energy Efficiency: Michelle Sahlin commissioned the “Awnings in Residential Buildings: The Impact on Energy Use and Peak Demand” awning energy study, providing real data on how consumers can reduce their energy consumption, especially during peak demand during summer months. As awareness of the ramifications of rising energy demand grows—rolling blackouts, higher energy costs, impact on health and safety—people are looking for things they can do on an individual basis to make a difference. This study shows that installing awnings is a simple step that individuals and families can take for significant savings on cooling costs and on peak electrical demand by reducing solar gain through home windows; as well as for protection against U/V rays. The relevance to the public on all these issues is extremely high.

For a number of years the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has been seeking ways to inform architects, builders, energy companies and homeowners about the energy savings from awnings. However, the statistics for supporting this message on a nationwide basis have not been readily available. Awning energy related statistics that measured heat gain and energy savings were based on studies done as long ago as 1937 and considered only single-pane glass windows. Subsequent studies considered a variety of window glass, but did not cover a wide range of geographic locations.

Scope and Complexity of the Project: To fulfill the need for more current and comprehensive awning energy research, Michelle engaged John Carmody, Director of the Center for Sustainable Building Research, University of Minnesota to study the energy savings of the stationary traditional style of awnings. Awnings in the study were made out of woven opaque acrylic fabric. The traditional awning style and acrylic fabrics were chosen because they are the most commonly used in consumer/residential applications. Researchers used a specialized computer program to investigate variables in conjunction with a standard awning with sides. The variables included geographic location, window orientation and exposure, winter and summer usage, and window type.

The awning energy study investigates the energy savings for single family homes in terms of heat gain, energy costs in heating and cooling, and the reduction of energy use during peak periods. In the first phase of the study, awning impacts were measured in seven U.S. cities representing various climates nationwide, including, Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque, Phoenix, St. Louis and Sacramento.

Specifically, the study found that in Phoenix, Ariz., window awnings can reduce the use of home cooling energy as much as 21% compared to a home with completely unshaded windows. In St. Louis, Mo., awnings can reduce the use of cooling energy as much as 17%. Similarly, in Boston, Mass., awnings can reduce the need for cooling energy as much as 24%. These are significant percent savings in cooling costs as a result of using awnings. Similarly, there are significant percent savings in the peak electricity demand in all cities. For example:

Copyright© 2006 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Design. All rights reserved. Data used with permission.

Actions Taken Can Be Replicated: The study demonstrates that awnings could have significant impact on utilities, especially during times of peak energy usage. If energy companies encourage consumers to install awnings and many consumers do, there is less demand for energy at the times of peak usage. This in turn can reduce the need for additional mechanical equipment to cool the home.

National Scope, Contribution to Environment/Efficiency Gains, Leadership: Michelle Sahlin and PAMA have launched a communications program to educate editors/writers/producers of consumer media, architects, energy companies and other energy-related organizations with the goal of showing how something as simple as awnings can help reduce energy usage and costs on individual, local and national levels. Phase 2 of the study will be released later this year. For the Phase 1 study and more information go to: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070221/cgw028.html?.v=85.