Research firm commissioned to study impact of heat reflective coatings on energy consumption

In a release, Jotun Powder Coatings has announced introducing The Cool Shades Collection of heat-reflective architectural powder coatings, which it claims is energy-saving and environmentally friendly. The range has been specially formulated to reduce the temperature of aluminium building components exposed to the sun, and this helps reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort, the announcement added.

Giving details, Jotun said that it commissioned German sustainable architecture consultancy and research firm, ai³ to conduct a study on the impact of the Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) value on the users’ comfort and energy performance of buildings. The study reportedly covered the observation of simulation buildings, where heat reflective coatings were used on opaque parts of the façade, across five cities – Istanbul, Bangkok, Doha, Shanghai and Sydney. Non-insulated and highly insulated window types were observed during the process, said Jotun. Observations made in Doha, which represented the Middle East aspect of the study, were conducted on a residential building model containing 80 apartments and 20 floors, it revealed (See details on page 50).

Commenting on this, Yulia Gvozdeva, Global Product Manager, Jotun Powder Coatings, said that the positive results gained from the study assured architects and developers that The Cool Shades Collection helped deliver more environmentally friendly and sustainable projects.

Jager, Founder and Head of ai³, added: “The use of these heat reflective coatings in low insulated systems also leads to a reduced risk of contracting skin burns and irritation. In terms of energy efficiency in hot climate regions like the Middle East, the application of The Cool Shades Collection on the window frames and other metal components of the building’s façade leads to a reduction of energy consumption.