Using passive solar design for energy efficiency
If you want to do your bit to combat global warming, then you’ll want to know about building your new home using passive solar design. So what is it and what strategies can you implement to achieve better energy efficiency in your new custom home or renovation? Here are some design tips to help you go green.
Passive solar design is the utilisation of the sun’s energy, the geographical climate and the properties of different materials used to heat and cool buildings. When sunlight strikes a building, the building materials can reflect, transmit or absorb the solar radiation. In addition, the heat produced by the sun causes air movement that can be predictable in designed spaces. These basic responses to solar heat lead to design elements, material choices and placements that can provide heating and cooling efficiencies in a home.
There are four key passive design strategies you can implement into your next custom designed home to maximise your homes energy efficiency.
Passive Heating
Passive solar heating combines a well-insulated envelope with other elements that minimize energy losses and harness and store solar gains to offset the energy requirements of the supplemental mechanical heating and ventilation systems.
Examples of elements that contribute to passive solar heating include:
- Orientation
- Building shape
- High-performance windows (eg: double glazing)
- High-performance insulation
- Window to wall area
Passive Ventilation
Passive ventilation strategies use naturally occurring air flow patterns around and in a building to introduce outdoor air into the space. Wind and buoyancy caused by air temperature differences create air pressure differences throughout occupied spaces. Buildings can be designed to enhance these natural air flows and take advantage of them rather than work against them.
Examples of elements that contribute to natural ventilation include:
- Operable windows
- Building shape
- Orientation
- Strategic architectural features
- Central atria & lobbies
Passive Cooling
Passive cooling strategies prevent the building from overheating by blocking solar gains and removing internal heat gains (e.g. using cooler outdoor air for ventilation, storing excess heat in thermal mass).
Examples of elements that contribute to passive cooling include:
- Fixed/operable external shading
- Passive ventilation
- Stacked cooling
- Thermal mass
- Nocturnal cooling
Daylighting
Daylighting maximizes the use and distribution of natural diffused daylight throughout a building’s interior to reduce the need for artificial electric lighting.
Examples of features which contribute to a daylighting strategy include:
- Space planning
- High ceilings paired with tall windows
- Window size and placement
- Interior surface colours & finishes
- Skylights & light tubes
The benefits of going green will help you:
- Save money on energy bills and you may qualify for government rebates.
- Increase the comfort level in your home with better air distribution and less noise.
- Create a healthier living environment as it prevents pollutants.
- Contribute to a cleaner environment by using less energy and increased efficiency of energy production.
Let our experienced team at Benjamin Cristian guide you on maximising your new home or renovations energy efficiency. We’re here to help!