Reducing passive solar gain in cooled laboratories at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

This report examines how the 27 cooled labs at NOCS which experience the most passive solar gain can be better shaded from the sun. The objective is to greatly reduce the cooling load in these labs and hence electricity consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases. Cooling load can also be reduced by minimising heat from equipment and especially low-temperature freezers. Seven plates, on levels 1, 4 and 6, contain labs which have SE and SW outward-looking aspects i.e. away from the courtyards. The SE-facing labs may experience solar gain in the mornings whereas the SW-facing labs may experience solar gain throughout the working day. Currently solar gain is reduced by the use of double glazing, internal solar-control films and/or various types of internal blinds. To further reduce solar gain it is recommended that external solar-control films and brise soleil (fixed external shades) are installed while possibly retaining the blinds. Outside Plate 671 small trees could provide shade. Specific suggestions are made for labs in each plate, some of which include increasing the overhang of the new roof. The effect of solar shading on natural lighting in the labs will have to be considered in any new arrangement.