GCC buildings can reduce energy costs by up to 25 percent with a new line of sun control fabric launched today by Hunter Douglas, according to industry experts.

Demonstrating the strong potential for building sustainability, the GCC hosts 1,236 LEED-rated projects, with 837 (68 percent) in the UAE, according to a report by Ventures Middle East. Qatar has 190 projects, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 158 projects, and Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain combining for 51 projects.

With the UAE as the region’s leader in green buildings, Dubai has one of the region’s more ambitious plans, with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy expecting nearly one quarter – 30,000 of Dubai’s 130,000 buildings - to be energy-efficient by 2030, at a cost of USD 820 million, according to the report.

Supporting sustainable buildings in the region, Hunter Douglas, an international manufacturer of sun control systems based in The Netherlands, has released the new Screen Nature Ultimetal sun control fabric, which reflects 70 percent of solar energy that strikes buildings and can substantially reduce energy costs.

In projects with a lot of glass, such as skyscrapers, Screen Nature Ultimetal can cut the amount of energy needed for cooling by 25 percent by blocking out glare, while minute holes allow for light and openness.

Robin van der Velden, Manager of Window Covering Division, Hunter Douglas Middle East, said: “With GCC countries among the world leaders in focusing on sustainable buildings, skyscrapers in particular require advanced solutions to cope with harsh daylight, while ensuring people have a comfortable climate and visibility. Screen Nature Ultimetal pushes the boundaries of sustainable sun control, combining visual appeal, thermal performance, and environmental properties, while substantially reducing energy consumption.”

Screen Nature Ultimetal is recyclable by being made with of fibreglass with a reflective aluminium layer, is fire-safe, and free of PVC, odours, toxic vapours.

Wouter Beck, Director of GreenTech, Hunter Douglas, said: "Fibreglass shading fabrics often come with a protective layer of PVC. Despite its strong protective properties, PVC is not the most environment-friendly material in terms of production or recyclability. The yarns used in Screen Nature have a patented inorganic coating that offers excellent protection. Screen Nature Ultimetal has two additional advantages: the material is fire-safe as well as odourless, due to the absence of softeners."

Job Hoevenaars, Product Manager, Hunter Douglas, said: "The fabric halves the solar heat gain coming through the window. This means the interior temperature will remain pleasant in summer without much additional cooling. This also makes the Screen Nature Ultimetal sun control fabric ideal for projects facing high requirements with regard to Energy Performance Certification and sustainable schemes, such as BREEAM and LEED."

Screen Nature Ultimetal is part of Hunter Douglas’ roller blind range, EOS 500, an innovative, modular roller blind system consisting of 300 interchangeable components.