How do our window treatments contribute to Indoor Environmental Quality?
Window treatments serve multiple functions, including solar shading, glare reduction, thermal insulation, and provision of privacy. SMCCCD’s standard for window treatments is comprised of a number of components: roller shades, blackout curtains, and horizontal blinds. Our standard roller shade is made by Mechoshade. These shades have a transparency to them, allowing a visual connection to our beautiful exterior environments, while still reducing eye strain associated with glare and providing privacy. They reduce heat gain when it’s hot outside and heat loss when it’s cold, improving occupant comfort. Their flat surface and washable fabric are easy to clean, allowing for ease of maintenance and ensuring that dust is minimized in our indoor environments. Damaged fabric can be easily replaced by local staff over the coming decades, reducing the total cost of ownership. The roller shade’s level of transparency provides adequate light control to allow for visual projection in our classrooms
