Southwest Environmental Limited

Passive Design Capacity Assessment

We can offer a planning stage Passive Design Capacity Assessment for you project.

A Passive Design Capacity Assessment evaluates a building's potential to achieve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption through design elements that utilize natural resources. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Objectives

Analyze the building's capacity to meet thermal comfort needs using passive design strategies. Identify opportunities to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Estimate potential energy savings achievable through passive design.

Assessment Steps

1 - Site and Climate Analysis

Analyze the site orientation, sun path, prevailing winds, and local climate data (temperature, humidity).

2 - Building Form and Envelope

Evaluate the building shape, size, and surface area for solar exposure and heat gain/loss. Assess the thermal performance of the building envelope (walls, roof, windows) including insulation levels and air tightness.

3 - Passive Design Strategies

Identify and assess the potential of passive design strategies like:

4 - Solar Design

Window placement, overhangs, and shading devices to optimize solar heat gain in winter and control heat gain in summer. Natural Ventilation: Strategies like cross-ventilation, stack ventilation, and windcatchers to promote natural air circulation. Thermal Mass: Utilizing materials with high thermal mass (concrete, brick) to absorb, store, and release heat for temperature regulation. Daylighting: Design elements like skylights, light shelves, and well-placed windows to maximize natural light and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

5 - Energy Modeling (Optional)

Utilize building energy modeling software to quantify the potential energy savings achievable through passive design strategies. Energy modeling would be carried out using the Passivhaus Planning Package.

6  - Reporting and Recommendations

Compile an assessment report summarizing the analysis, identifying opportunities for improvement, and recommending specific passive design strategies.

Benefits of Passive Design Capacity Assessment

Reduced energy consumption and operational costs. Improved thermal comfort for building occupants. Enhanced indoor air quality through improved ventilation. Lower environmental impact by minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.

By conducting a Passive Design Capacity Assessment, you gain valuable insights into your building's potential for energy efficiency and occupant comfort through harnessing natural resources. This can significantly reduce your building's environmental impact and operational costs.

Please contact us for a quotation for a Passive Design Capacity Assessment.

Which Planning Authorities Require a Passive Design Capacity Assessment?

We have received requests from clients in the following planning authority areas re. Passive Design Capacity Assessment: