Other Design Features to Consider

Orientation – The orientation of a building often is determined by siting considerations. However, for those sites where there is a choice, analyzing the effect of orientation on energy and equipment costs can lead to a more energy-efficient building. While it is important to look at each project on an individual basis, as a general guide, long, narrow buildings facing south with their long axis running east/west will have lower peak cooling loads and electricity demand costs, and may be able to utilize smaller cooling equipment. Conversely, buildings facing east or west with their long axis running north/south will have higher peak cooling loads and electricity demand costs, and may require larger cooling equipment.

Landscaping – Well designed landscaping can reduce cooling costs from summer heat gains in building. Trees planted on the east, west and south sides of a one-or two-story building can effectively reduce summer solar heat gains through windows which is one of the major contributors to the cooling load on an air conditioning system. Trees also produce a natural cooling effect in the areas surrounding a building by evaporating water though their leaves. This can help offset the “heat island” effect in urban areas such as Phoenix.

Daylighting – Daylighting with skylights and other types of architectural glazing features can provide natural lighting creating a pleasant working atmosphere. Daylighting strategies may by particularly effective using skylights in large open areas such as warehouses and manufacturing plants, and in office spaces where the electrical lighting system output can be efficiently varied over a wide range of light levels. In the Arizona desert climate, however, it is important to balance daylighting strategies with good solar heat control in order to keep cooling loads down. See our business fact sheet on Energy-Efficient Lighting for more information on daylighting controls.

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