How do you use renewable energy and passive design strategies in your structures?

1 Renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. They can be integrated into your structures in various ways, depending on the site conditions, the building type, and the energy demand. For example, you can install photovoltaic panels, solar water heaters, wind turbines, or micro-hydro generators to produce electricity or heat for your structure. You can also use biofuels, such as biogas or ethanol, to power generators or boilers. Renewable energy sources can help you reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills, and increase energy security.

2 Passive design principles

Passive design principles are those that use the natural elements, such as sun, wind, water, and vegetation, to regulate the indoor environment of your structure, without relying on mechanical systems. They can be applied to your structure in various ways, depending on the climate, the orientation, the shape, and the materials. For example, you can use passive solar heating, cooling, and lighting, by optimizing the window size, placement, and shading. You can also use passive ventilation, by creating openings, chimneys, or atriums that allow air to circulate naturally. You can also use passive landscaping, by planting trees, shrubs, or green roofs that provide shade, insulation, or evapotranspiration. Passive design principles can help you improve thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and daylighting, while reducing energy consumption and costs.

3 Renewable energy and passive design integration

Renewable energy and passive design strategies can work together to create structures that are more sustainable and resilient. However, they need to be carefully integrated, considering the trade-offs, synergies, and interactions between them. For example, you need to balance the solar gain and the cooling load, by choosing the appropriate glazing type, insulation level, and shading device. You also need to consider the impact of renewable energy systems on the building envelope, structure, and aesthetics, by selecting the suitable size, location, and orientation. You also need to evaluate the performance and reliability of renewable energy systems, by analyzing the energy output, storage, and backup options.

4 Renewable energy and passive design tools

To help you use renewable energy and passive design strategies in your structures, you can use various tools that can assist you in the design, analysis, and optimization process. These tools can range from simple calculators and spreadsheets, to more sophisticated software and simulation programs. For example, you can use tools such as RETScreen, HOMER, or PVsyst to estimate the feasibility and profitability of renewable energy systems. You can also use tools such as PHPP, EnergyPlus, or Ecotect to model and evaluate the thermal performance and energy efficiency of your structure. You can also use tools such as SketchUp, Revit, or Rhino to create and visualize your structure in 3D.

5 Renewable energy and passive design examples

To inspire you to use renewable energy and passive design strategies in your structures, you can look at some examples of projects that have successfully implemented these approaches. For example, you can look at the Bullitt Center in Seattle, which is a net-zero energy office building that uses solar panels, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets, and natural ventilation. You can also look at the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, which is a skyscraper that uses wind turbines, solar collectors, double-skin facade, and underfloor air distribution. You can also look at the Eden Project in Cornwall, which is a complex of biomes that uses geothermal energy, biomass boilers, and passive ventilation.

6 Renewable energy and passive design challenges

While renewable energy and passive design strategies can offer many benefits for your structures, they also pose some challenges that you need to overcome. For example, you need to deal with the variability and uncertainty of renewable energy sources, by ensuring adequate supply, storage, and grid connection. You also need to cope with the complexity and cost of renewable energy systems, by optimizing the design, installation, and maintenance. You also need to address the regulatory and social barriers that may hinder the adoption of renewable energy and passive design strategies, by complying with codes, standards, and incentives, and engaging with stakeholders, clients, and users.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?