Sun Day: Sustainability with Smart Sun Protection from Griesser

On May 3rd, Sun Day, Griesser highlights the sun as our central energy source. Solar energy can be transformed into electricity – and also be used passively to provide pleasant warmth in winter and cool rooms in summer. The Fenaco example in Puidoux shows how this works with an intelligent sun protection solution from Griesser.

Case Study: The «Prisma» Building of the Fenaco Cooperative in Puidoux, Switzerland

Initial Situation

• Building over 30 years old, severe overheating in summer, high energy consumption in winter
• No air conditioning desired – objective: natural climate control.

Solution

• Refurbishment of the façade and replacement of window
• Installation of Griesser external venetian blinds with sun tracking
• Automated system based on KNX standard for control of blinds, skylights, and façade glazing

Results

• 50% reduction in heating energy
• Noticeable improvement of indoor climate
• Decrease in electricity consumption
• Positive feedback from employees

The Role of Griesser: Technology that Thinks with the Sun 
Griesser external venetian blinds dynamically adjust to the sun’s position. In winter, they allow light and warmth in; in summer, they prevent overheating. This adaptive control system was essential in achieving energy savings at Fenaco.

Making Sustainability Visible
The combination of building insulation, intelligent automation, and effective sun protection shows how buildings can be future-ready – without air conditioning. The integration of a photovoltaic system was also enabled by precise solar radiation measurement – with the aim of supplying the building with 85% solar power.

Griesser not only protects from the sun – Griesser harnesses it
The “Prisma” building of Fenaco illustrates how the smart use of solar energy promotes sustainability – in perfect alignment with Sun Day.

Excerpt from the article “Making the Most of the Sun” by Pierre Schoeffel, GNI.