Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

SECTION APa s s i ve Solar De s i g nPassive solar design is a broad term used to encompass a wide range of strategies andoptions resulting in energy-efficient building design and increased occupant comfort.The concept emphasizes architectural design approaches that minimize building energyconsumption by integrating conventional energy-efficient devices, such as mechanicaland electrical pumps, fans, lighting fixtures, and other equipment, with passive designelements, such as building siting, an efficient envelope, appropriate amounts of fenestration,increased daylighting design, and thermal mass. Many passive buildings are compatiblewith active components such as solar hot water systems. In short, “passive solardesign balances all aspects of the energy use in a building: lighting, cooling, heating, andventilation. It achieves this by combining, in a single concept, the use of renewableresources and conventional, energy-efficient strategies.” 1The basic idea of passive solar design is to allow daylight, heat, and airflow into a buildingonly when beneficial. The objectives are to control the entrance of sunlight and airflows into the building at appropriate times and to store and distribute the heat and coolair so it is available when needed. Many passive solar design options can be achieved atlittle or no additional cost. Others are economically viable over a building’s life-cycle.The U.S. Department of Energy has shown that passive solar buildings use 47 percent lessenergy than conventional new buildings and 60 percent less than comparable olderbuildings. Passive solar design strategies can benefit most large buildings and all smallbuildings. 2 It has been used effectively in an estimated 17,000 commercial buildings inthe United States—ranging from offices and warehouses to schools, health care centers,libraries, and airport terminals. Passive solar design is best suited to new constructionand major renovation because most components are integral elements of the building.Depending on siting, the range of improvements planned, and the building’s characteristics,a number of passive strategies can potentially be incoporated into existing buildings.For example, designers can consider using advanced glazings when replacing windowsduring a renovation. 3