Heat gain reduction

3.1 Heat gain reduction

Cooling requirements for buildings are largely affected by heat gained from solar radiation.
Reduction of solar heat gain can very effectively decrease the energy consumption of buildings.

Some areas for consideration in building design in order to minimise solar heat gain are as follows

• Glazing - extent, orientation and specification of glazing
• Use of solar shading
• Ventilation � use of natural cooling
• Building footprint � use of narrow building footprints to allow passive cooling and heating and prevent deep floor plans
• Thermal Mass � consideration of building materials, radiant barriers, green roofs etc. to keep heat in building where require and to prevent excessive heat gain through fabric

In respect of new build it is often possible to include most if not all of these considerations.
However to adapting existing buildings is more difficult.
Retrofitting to allow some of the above features would have to be assessed on a building by building basis.

Useful links for guidance area;

• www.ashraethailand.org