Library Case Study: Benefits of Passive Solar Versus Traditional Design

Paper presented at American Solar Energy Society's Solar 2002 Conference in Reno, Nevada by John F. Hedge, American Institute of Architects and Green Energy Ohio Board Member, Design Group, 515 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 jhedge@dgcolumbus.com

Abstract

This paper is a case study that analyzes whether solar design features are responsible for the significant difference in energy use in two public library buildings of similar size, plan and use [Columbus Whetstone Branch Library and Columbus Karl Road Branch Library].  Energy 10 software is used to analyze energy savings that can be attributed to different features. 

The study concludes that orientation; sun shading and daylighting are responsible for a 13.8% savings in energy use.  It also concludes that increasing the effectiveness of the envelope could save another 46.8% in energy use. 

See the full 4-page case study paper by Jack Hedge as a.pdf with text, graphs and photos.