Heat Flow and Control in Green Building

Heat Control Is Crucial

The control of heat flow into and within buildings saves energy which saves money. It makes us comfortable. It impacts health, durability, and productivity. It helps to eliminate mold growth and interior condensation. It reduces the impact of our homes on the environment. Heat control is crucial to green building.

The two most important sources of heat flow are heat from the sun, which creates passive solar design,  and the movement of air.  The natural tendency of heat is to move from warmer objects or spaces to cooler objects or spaces.

Heat flows through buildings from:

• Solar radiation through windows.
• Objects in the building envelope other than windows.
• Leakage.
• Ventilation.
• Generation of heat from animal or human bodies or through their activities such as washing clothes or cooking.

Controlling heat flow with as little energy expense as possible is an important aspect of designing green buildings. Yet, controlling heat in a building is complicated. It requires effective:

• Air barriers
• Control of solar radiation
• Insulation
• Control of heat generated internally
• Control of thermal bridging. 

Click below for more thermal information.

What is heat?

Heat transfer in green building.

What makes us comfortable?