Passive Design Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization
AIAU25-DECARB3
Included in subscription
1.5
LU|HSW
Course expires on: 01/26/2028
Included in subscription
1.5
LU|HSW
Description
Passive design is a powerful strategy for reducing energy demand and advancing building decarbonization. This course provides architects, designers, and sustainability professionals with a foundational understanding of passive design strategies and how to apply them from early concept through building operation.
You’ll explore how passive design aligns with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and how strategies—such as building orientation, envelope design, natural ventilation, and thermal mass—can reduce reliance on mechanical systems while improving thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
You’ll assess factors like climate zones, sun paths, wind patterns, and topography, and be introduced to tools for climate analysis, energy modeling, and ongoing performance assessment.
By the end, you’ll be able to implement passive design strategies like system minimization and informed material selection that improve building performance, support occupant wellbeing, and reduce carbon emissions.
Learning Objectives
Define passive design and its historical development and describe how its key principles align with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Assess site-specific factors—such as climate zones, microclimates, sun paths, wind patterns, topography, and natural features—to inform and optimize passive design strategies.
Explore passive design strategies—including optimized building orientation, system minimization, effective envelope design, and strategic material selection—to enhance energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ).
Identify tools for site and climate analysis, early energy modeling, post-occupancy evaluation to refine passive design solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
Learn how to evaluate passive design strategies through post-occupancy evaluations and energy performance analysis.
Acknowledgments
- Louis Conway, Intl. Assoc. AIA
- Myer Harrell, AIA, Assoc. DBIA, LFA, LEED AP BD+C – Senior Regenerative Design Advisor | Senior Associate, Perkins&Will
- Susan Hickey – Senior Project Architect, Bloom Companies
- Nathan Kipnis, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C – Principal | Kipnis Architecture + Planning
- Amanda Lo, RA – Energy Consultant, BEE Engineers
- Erin McDade, Assoc. AIA – Senior Program Director, Architecture 2030
- Erica Weeks, LEED Fellow, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, WELL AP, LFA, SITES AP, EDAC – Director of Green Building Certifications
- Jacob Werner, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, CPHC – Principal | Sustainability Leader, Ellenzweig
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