Automated blinds bring convenience/efficiency to U.N. Secretariat Building

On World Environment Day of 2007, secretary-general of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon envisioned that the United Nations' headquarters would "eventually become a globally acclaimed model of efficient use of energy and resources." To achieve this goal, a $2 billion retrofit program by Somfy Systems is currently in progress, bringing the United Nations' N.Y.C. headquarters into the 21st century. The installation features 5,000 motorized blinds and shades across 35 floors controlled using Somfy Digital Network technology. A top priority of the installation was making sure to maximize the utilization of natural light while maintaining occupants' exceptional views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Floor plans were revised to create a full loop corridor around the core to optimize circulation and maximize the usage of the passive zone. Integral to this is the installation of an automated motorized window covering system for natural light management. By automating motorized blinds and shades, the Secretariat Building optimizes the flow of natural light and heat in accordance with interior and exterior environmental factors and occupant preferences. Motorized window coverings automated with intelligent controls eliminate the drawbacks of fully-glazed facades such as glare and heat gain. Fabricated by Mariak and installed by City View Blinds, the motorized blinds and shades are powered by Somfy's ultra-quiet Sonesse 30 RS485 motors on Somfy Digital Network busline infrastructure. The near-silent operation of the Sonesse range maintains the acoustic comfort of the workspace and limits distractions. Each motorized blind and shade is on a schedule based on the path of the sun, which is determined by Somfy Sunis sun sensors. Somfy's five-button digital keypads were also installed, enabling office personnel to choose from five different preset slat angles, or close the blinds completely. When the building is unoccupied, the motorized treatments revert to the automated mode that reacts to the time of day and sunlight levels, ensuring the most efficient system operation throughout the building. Compared to similar buildings with static solutions such as films, fixed overhangs or manual window coverings, the Secretariat Building needs less artificial lighting, relies less on HVAC and can also implement an energy efficient demand/response program thanks to the installation of automated window coverings. In total, this retrofit is expected to save between $4 and $5 million per year while still maintaining the building's iconic glass façade, solidifying the United Nations reputation as a model of sustainability and innovation. Tom Murphy is the general manager of commercial building solutions at Somfy North America, Dayton, N.J.