Smart material technologies are integrated to promote dynamic structures for new buildings and energy retrofitting. The responsive shading system utilises a self-actuating Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) that dynamically activates and operates based on specific thermal conditions as required. The study’s objective is to determine the most effective thermal activation stimulus for the adaptive shading system’s mechanisms based on an SMP actuator on the performance of buildings, focusing on energy savings and interior comfort. In addition, the IES-VE dynamic building energy simulation was employed to analyse and evaluate the responsive shading performance. The findings were validated by comparing the existing glass facade of a high-rise apartment in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results showed that the co-activation technique, combining solar radiation and air temperature triggers, proved to be the most efficient activation for improving the performance of responsive shading mechanisms in a hot climate. This system minimised solar heat gain, reduced glazed surface temperature, lowered indoor temperatures, reduced glare, and enhanced thermal comfort, resulting in notable energy savings and low-carbon emissions through reduced cooling consumption.