Seek shade!

Shade is a practical, user-friendly form of sun protection. Well-designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce UV exposure as well as create cool, comfortable spaces for physical activity and recreation.

Shade can be natural (trees, shrubs or shadow cast from nearby buildings), man-made or a combination of both. It can be permanent, temporary or portable.

The ideal shade scenario

SunSmart (Cancer Council Victoria) recommends outdoor spaces include:

• sufficient shade to protect all people when the UV reaches damaging levels (3 and above). In Victoria this is generally from September to April
• shade material that offers at least 94% block-out of direct UV and minimises indirect UV
• a combination of built and natural shade. Built shade structures provide predictable, reliable coverage, while natural shade is aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly
• shade that is easily accessible, attractive, in good condition and regularly maintained.

Remember that shade does not provide 100% protection. Some of the sun's UV can still reach you in the shade by reflecting off surrounding surfaces. As a rule of thumb if you can see the sky, you are less than fully protected so always combine shade with clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

How good is your shade?

The ideal shade scenario may not be achievable right away but the first step is to  assess the current shade and investigate how it can be improved. A shade audit will help you determine areas where improvements need to be made. Then you can start to explore solutions for reducing UV exposure such as changing the way the site is used, making existing shaded areas more appealing or embarking on a new shade development.

SunSmart's shade audit tool, Creating Effective Shade, provides a step-by-step guide to assessing the shade needs of outdoor spaces and for planning and developing new shade. It is ideal for use in parks, playgrounds, sports facilities and school grounds.