JPA will design buildings where possible that employ passive systems or measures that achieve a reduction in the heating or cooling load without the use of mechanical systems.

We can provide advice and guidance on ways to ‘design out’ the need for active heating and cooling thus reducing the carbon emissions of a development. Our in-house Thermal Modelling service allows us to ‘test-drive’ a building design and to analyse the appropriateness and benefits of a ventilation strategy or the passive design measures which have been proposed.

Ways of maximising a building’s passive heating/cooling capabilities are as follows:

• The orientation of a building should be such that it allows solar radiation to heat the space through the glazed areas whilst at the same time minimising heat losses from shaded facades.
• Glazing should be arranged to increase the amount of daylight available, so reducing the need for artificial lighting. However this needs careful consideration so as not to increase heat gains to the space, driving the need for an active cooling solution.
• Natural ventilation can be maximised by allowing solar heated air to assist natural convection by using the 'stack effect', therefore minimising the need for mechanical ventilation.