Residential Shade Study

Commissioned by BC Housing, PUBLIC completed this study, which evaluates how passive and active shading can enhance occupant comfort while reducing our dependence on energy-heavy cooling like fans and air conditioning. While active systems are common, passive strategies—such as interior or exterior shades—offer superior building resiliency because they remain effective during power outages when mechanical systems fail. In fact, exterior shading is now one of the most powerful tools available to protect residents from summer heat. For years, residential buildings in BC’s southern coastal region relied on a historically mild climate, often lacking both shading and cooling infrastructure. However, as record-breaking summer temperatures become the new norm, these traditional designs are creating uncomfortable and often dangerous indoor conditions, making smarter shading solutions an urgent priority for the province.