0800 Sunshade

What is a Shade Audit?

“a process for developing a strategic plan for protection of outdoor locations by assessing UV risk and exploring solutions”

The Shade Audit is a planning process that allows organisations with outdoor facilities to determine the risk of outdoor activities and to ensure they are providing adequate and effective shade.

The process assesses the quality and location of existing shade, compares that with the usage patterns at the site (the timing, duration and location of outdoor activities) to determine the risk of over-exposure and proposes ways in which the risk can be reduced.

Naturally, UV radiation levels and climatic conditions vary widely according to location and season. By considering the specific needs of individual sites, the Shade Audit allows organisations to ensure that outdoor spaces at their sites are appropriately and cost effectively protected from UV radiation by:

• Changing the way people use the site by rescheduling and/or relocating activities
• Making better use of existing shade
• Creating effective shade with high protection levels
• Locating shade structures and trees where they are really needed
• Developing supportive environments that suit local climatic and UV protection requirements

Importantly, as well as identifying possible shortcomings in existing or proposed facilities, the Shade Audit assists in the development of practical and economical solutions to the provision of shade and the creation of safer outdoor spaces.

What will the Shade Audit provide?

The Shade Audit provides organisations with:

• An independent UV risk assessment for each site
• Shade Audit Report detailing existing shade, risk activities and suggested solutions and recommendations
• Professional document to be used to manage future shade improvements

What is involved in a Shade Audit?

The Shade Audit process will involve:

• Conducting a site inspection and interview with staff or people utilising the space
• Establishing the usage patterns of activity areas
• Assessing the quantity and usability of existing shade
• Provide recommendations to address Shade Audit findings

Shade Audits are part of the professional service offered by 0800 Sunshade as part of our proposals to ensure we deliver the best shade protection for our customers. Contact your local 0800 Sunshade team to ensure you have shade protection that actually does the job.