Current at: 02 March 2007
Passive Cooling
Passive cooling can improve the efficiency of the building envelope by minimising heat gain from the external environment and facilitating heat loss. Passive cooling can be achieved by incorporating the following aspects into the home design:
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Air movement
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Cooling breezes
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Evaporation
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Earth coupling
The building envelope can be used to integrated these passive cooling options through:
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Use windows to designed to deflect breezes from varying angles
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Locate windows on walls with best exposure to common cooling breezes and
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Design for effective cross flow of air through the building
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Locating water features within close proximity to windows which receive cooling breezes
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Using concrete floor slab construction.
In conjunction with passive cooling principles, active cooling options, such as ceiling fans, can greatly improve the effect of cross ventilation, and air movement in the home.
For further information please refer to the fact sheets at www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/