What is passive design?

Passive design refers to a set of design principles aimed at creating buildings or structures that maximize the use of natural resources such as sunlight, wind, and rain to optimize comfort levels within the building without the need for active systems, such as air conditioning, heating, or electricity. This approach aims to reduce reliance on mechanical systems and effectively cuts down on the energy consumption required for a building's operation, resulting in lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint for the building. Passive design typically focuses on building orientation, insulation, ventilation, and materials that can optimize the use of natural resources. The aim of passive design is ultimately to create sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that provide a comfortable and healthy living or working environment that is also resilient to changing climate conditions.

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