Energy-efficient building design: Handbooks for European architects

Abstract

A preliminary edition of the European Passive Solar Handbook, printed in 1986, has been revised, in the form of two distinct but logically consistent publications, to give increased emphasis to passive solar design for Mediterranean climates and to incorporate other changes: “ Energy Conscious Design—A Primer for Architects” provides an introduction to energy-efficient, passive solar building design principles and fundamentals for those with little previous experience of the topic; “ Energy In Architecture—The European Passive Solar Handbook” has been prepared for practitioners who are involved in the design of energy-efficient buildings and require more detailed information. Drawing on material from the preliminary edition, on the output of R&D actions within the EC's Third Solar Programme and incorporating material specially commissioned from leading European experts, the revised Handbooks address topics not previously covered including daylighting and passive solar urban design, with passive cooling, atrium design and climate covered in expanded chapters. The content and forms of presentation of the material are designed very particularly to suit architects and students taking account of varying levels of passive solar knowledge and expertise, particular preferences in learning styles, and regional information requirements among the target audience. The Handbooks have been prepared initially in English, with translation into other EC languages to follow.