Designing for Solar Access

Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of solar access in building design, impacting both energy efficiency and occupant comfort by maximizing natural light, reducing heating costs, and promoting sustainable energy use in the LEED v4 BD+C and O+M Rating System.
2. Utilize various tools and techniques for assessing solar access, including sun path diagrams, sky view factor analysis, and comprehensive site surveys, to understand sunlight availability and shading patterns.
3. Explore LEED v4 BD+C and O+M credits relevant to solar access, including EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, which incentivizes energy-efficient building designs, and IEQ credits related to daylighting, promoting occupant health and comfort.
4. Gain insight into passive solar design principles and their contribution to achieving LEED v4 BD+C Credit, focusing on elements such as proper building orientation for solar gain and active solar-ready design for future renewable energy integration.