Rocky Mountain Institute : Library

Rocky Mountain Institute : Library: "Home Energy Briefs"

E04-19, Home Energy Brief #9, Whole System Design (PDF-200k)

This Brief introduces the powerful tool of whole system design within the context of the building envelope—introducing the synergies that exist between thermal mass, windows, and other components of passive solar design. Whole system or integrated building design actively considers the interconnections between systems, occupants, and the environment, and uses these connections to develop single solutions to multiple problems (shelter, energy savings, aesthetics, natural daylight, indoor environmental quality, affordability, etc.) (28 October 2004).