Greenhouse Growers Invest In Energy-Saving, Crop-Protecting Shades Ahead Of Another Hot Summer

UK greenhouse growers are racing to upgrade their screening systems ahead of another potentially record-breaking summer, as hotter, brighter conditions increasingly threaten crop quality, yields, and energy efficiency. 

Image: Bridge Greenhouses

With the Met Office's outlook for 2026 suggesting that global average temperatures will be 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, growers this year will need to take a more proactive approach to climate resilience. 

For greenhouse growers that means renovating and replacing their screen systems to ensure better regulation of light and heat ahead of the peak growing months.

“Extreme weather is increasing in frequency year-on-year – meaning greenhouse screens are becoming an essential investment rather than an optional upgrade,” noted David Summerfield, Managing Director of Bridge Greenhouses, a UK specialist supplier and installer of commercial greenhouses and control technology. 

While greenhouse crops naturally need warmth and light to grow, too much can cause crops to wither. 

Growers therefore are increasingly investing in shade screen systems to help protect crops and limit the potentially harmful effects of hot weather.

Bridge Greenhouses reports strong demand for new and replacement screen systems as growers look to get ahead of this year’s warm season rather than react mid‑heatwave when damage has already been done.

“After last year’s record-breaking summer, which saw extended heatwaves and extreme light levels, more growers are coming to us for screen renovations,” Summerfield revealed. 

“Our climate screen systems allow greenhouse growers to shade crops from excessive light and heat, while maintaining the ideal balance for healthy growth.” 

According to the Met Office, Summer 2025 was the warmest on record for the UK, with a mean temperature of 16.10°C, 1.51°C higher than the long-term average. The season surpassed the 2018 record, with June and July experiencing four significant heatwaves.

Growers under glass are seeing summers that are hotter, sunnier and more erratic, with heatwaves now a regular feature of the UK season rather than an exception. 

These conditions can push greenhouse temperatures beyond optimal ranges, causing stress, blossom and leaf scorch, reduced fruit set and inconsistent sizing, particularly in high‑value salad and soft-fruit crops. 

At the same time, volatile energy prices mean any solution that can both protect crops and lower heating and cooling demand is increasingly attractive for commercial glasshouse businesses. 

Climate screens sit at the heart of this response because they offer a relatively quick, retrofit-ready way to manage light and heat inside existing structures without rebuilding the greenhouse itself. 

“In addition to combating climate challenges, our advanced screens can be integrated with motorised drive systems and environmental control systems, making it easy for growers to stay one step ahead of unexpected weather without manual intervention,” added Summerfield.