ABSTRACT
One of the key components for creating a cost-effective, energy efficient building is to understand the climate and apply passive strategies to reduce loads. Passive strategies require no energy to use, for example, having windows facing toward the sun that allow solar heat into the building in the winter but have shading so no solar heat enters in the summer. It is imperative to know when your building will need heat and when it doesn't, as well as if it will need cooling. Using a solar path diagram or computer modeling showing how the sun's rays will be striking your building (what direction and angle) will make it possible to reduce overheating and glare issues. Understanding other climate impacts, such as the amount of precipitation and when it occurs, helps the designer correctly detail the building envelope. It is also important for a designer to determine what defines comfortable conditions for the building's occupants in a particular climate.
