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Darmstadt University of Technology won the 2007 Solar Decathlon with this passive house designed specifically for the humid and hot subtropical climate in Washington, D.C.^[14]

Sunlight has influenced building design since the beginning of architectural history.^[15] Fully developed solar architecture and urban planning methods were first employed by the Greeks and Chinese who oriented their buildings toward the south to provide light and warmth.^[16]

The elemental features of passive solar architecture are Sun orientation, compact proportion (a low surface area to volume ratio), selective shading (overhangs), and thermal mass.^[15] When these features are tailored to the local climate and environment they can produce well lit spaces that stay in a comfortable temperature range. Socrates' Megaron House is a classic example of passive solar design.^[15] The most recent approaches to solar design use computer modeling to tie together solar lighting, heating, and ventilation systems in an integrated solar design package. Active solar equipment such as pumps, fans, and switchable windows can also complement passive design and improve system performance.

Urban heat islands (UHI) are metropolitan areas with higher temperatures than the surrounding environment. These higher temperatures are the result of urban materials such as asphalt and concrete that have lower albedos and higher heat capacities than the natural environment. A straightforward method of counteracting the UHI effect is to paint buildings and roads white and plant trees. Using these methods, a hypothetical "cool communities" program in Los Angeles has projected that urban temperatures could be reduced by approximately 3 °C at an estimated cost of US$1 billion, giving estimated total annual benefits of US$530 million from reduced air-conditioning costs and healthcare savings.^[17]

For more information see the following links:

• Passive Solar Building Design


• Urban Heat Island

Notes