Building orientation for passive solar

Intent

To reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by designing to maximize opportunities for solar design.

Requirements

Meet all of the following requirements:

• The south-facing glazing area is at least 50% greater than the sum of the glazing area on the east- and west-facing walls.
• The east-west axis of the building is within 15 degrees of due east-west.
• At least 90% of the south-facing glazing is completely shaded (by awnings, overhangs, plantings) at solar noon on the summer solstice and unshaded at noon on the winter solstice.

In areas south of 25 degrees of latitude or where topography significantly impacts insolation, orientation may be adjusted to meet local conditions provided the team provides documentation to demonstrate that its building orientation decision is based on solar and meteorological data for the site.