Building Strategies

Passive Solar

Proper orientation to the south, effective glazing-to-thermal mass ratios, suitable insulation and appropriate overhangs allow for energy-efficient passive solar design. This form of design utilizes natural principles, including thermal radiation and material properties, to effectively heat spaces with little or no need for backup fossil-fuel-consuming mechanical equipment. To learn more, visit the US DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s page on Passive Solar Building Design and/or discuss Passive Solar design with your architect.