Reduce Thermal Gain, Save Energy Costs & Reduce Carbon Emissions

Commercial Cassette Awnings, Canopies & Solar Shades Are Part Of A Green Lifestyle

Markilux retractable commercial awnings and solar screens can keep the interior of a building up to 20 degrees cooler by stopping solar thermal transfer caused by sunlight penetration through windows and doors. At the same time, our retractable shade solutions don't permanently block desired views and add elegance to any building - residential or commercial.

Markilux cassette awnings are a passive green technology that prevent the sun from ever hitting windows and doors. As soon as sunlight contacts window glass, the sun's infrared rays pass through the glass and transfer heat into a building, even if the building has double-glazed, low-e windows and interior drapes or blinds. The sun's heat is then trapped inside,warming the interior which must then be cooled.

You simply can't get the cooling effect achieved by retractable commercial awnings or exterior solar screens with double-glazed low-E windows, interior drapes and blinds.

A recent study by the Center For Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota found that commercial cassette awnings provide significant savings on cooling costs, as well as on peak electricity demand. They do this by significantly reducing solar gain through a building's glass surfaces. The study found that awnings can reduce the need for cooling energy in residential applications as much as 33%.  In commercial applications, where there is a much higher percentage of glass to total exterior surface area than in most residential settings, the savings are even more dramatic.

Commercial Awnings Help Reduce Production of Greenhouse Gases

Unlike Europe, where awnings significantly reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning in the summer, most American commercial buildings do not yet have retractable awnings or exterior solar screens installed. Because awnings and exterior solar screens reduce the cooling energy required at times of peak usage, there is also a decreased need for electricity consumption, and for utilities to supply generating additional generating capacity. This reduces production of the greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.

A stylish commercial cassette awning or window screen is helping reduce energy bills and related greenhouse gas emissions. Markilux cassette awnings can be equipped with sensor-controlled automatic operation for extreme ease of use and maintenance. When not in use, our awnings and solar shades retract fully into a stylish cassette that blends seamlessly into the decor of the building, protecting it from the elements and ensuring a long life.

Now that's a green benefit for all of us that's easy--and fun--to live with.

Learn more about how Markilux Architectural Shade Solutions perform as a stunning decorative accessory while providing valuable energy savings in a presentation Awnings As A Decorative Means of Saving Energy.

(p class="normal">For more information about any of our fully-retractable commercial awnings or exterior solar screens, please call us at 650/685-6888, or send an email to info@markiluxawnings.com.