APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CLASS TWO - Macroclimate and Microclimate Part 2: Climate Change & Design Strategies John Seitz, RA, LEED AP Assistant Adjunct Professor Professor Paul C. King, RA, AIA, ARA Assistant Professor The Sun and Climate - Charting the Sun SUN CHART READING THE CHART PATH/DATE TIME ALTITUDE BEARING Reading the Sun Chart Revit Step by Step Still View Revit Step by Step Solar Study Animation TRACKING THE PATH 5 AM 7 AM 9 AM 12 NOON 3 PM 5 PM 7 PM REVIT TUTORIAL STILL VIEW SOLAR STUDY EXERCISES NEW MONTH NEW LOCATION Q & A 1
Climate Change and Climate Change generally refers to a broad spectrum of changes over time to our macroclimate These include rising surface temperatures (global warming) Changing patterns to precipitation and winds and an increase in frequency and strength of storm activity. These changes have a range of extended indirect effects, including: rising sea levels (from melting glacial and polar land ice) habitat loss and species extinctions water availability & agricultural productivity disease prevalence and destruction of the built environment. Greenhouse effect and 2
Increase in Global Temperature and CO2 Concentration and Data per Berkeley Earth 2012 Increase in Global Temperature and CO2 Concentration and Data per Berkeley Earth 2012 3
and Greenhouse Gases as regulated by Kyoto Carbon dioxide (CO2) From the decay of materials, respiration of plant and animal life, volcanic and thermal venting, and the natural and human-induced combustion of materials and fuels. It is removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and ocean absorption. Methane (CH4) From the anaerobic (without oxygen) decay of matter. Primary sources include wetlands, rice paddies, animal digestive processes, fossil fuel extraction, pulp and paper processing and decaying garbage. Nitrous oxide (N20) Soils and oceans are the primary natural source of nitrous oxide. Humans contribute through soil cultivation and use of nitrogen fertilizers, nylon production, and the burning of organic material and fossil fuels. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Halocarbons are humanproduced chemical compounds containing members of the halogen family (bromine, chlorine, and fluorine) and carbon. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) From electric power industry circuit breakers, gas-insulated substations and switchgear. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) and All of Earth s ecosystems have been significantly transformed through human actions and the pace of change is accelerating. This change is resulting in a net loss of ecosystem services (as demand increases). Up to 30% of mammal, bird, and amphibian species are currently threatened with a medium to high certainty of extinction. Since industrial fishing began, the total mass of commercially exploited marine species has been reduced by 90% in much of the world. The assessment shows that with appropriate actions it is possible to reverse the degradation of many ecosystem services over the next 50 years, but the changes in policy and practice required are substantial and not currently underway. 4
and Rising Storm Damage A study by Munich Re recently concluded that rising casualty losses from disasters is primarily a result of rising investments in vulnerable areas. A trend that could be reversed with better site planning and land-use decisions. Urban Heat Islands and 5
Acid Rain Rainwater has a normal acidity level of 6.0-6.9. In the northeast US these levels change dramatically based on the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, primarily SO2, which combines with moisture in the air to create Sulfuric Acid. The increased acidity of rainwater also affects buildings, corroding plumbing systems and eroding stone facades. Acid Rain 6
and Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon, NM Wind and site planning and Trees and site plantings may be used to deflect winds, sheltering both outdoor spaces and buildings. 7
Wind and site planning and Trees and site plantings may also be used to increase wind speeds and channel breezes. Wind and site planning and Seasonal wind shifts provide opportunities for creating comfortable outdoor spaces through the year. 8
Bioclimatic Chart BioClimatic Chart, from Victor Olgyay s, Design With Climate, 1963 Bioclimatic Chart & Design and Phoenix, AZ New York, NY Miami, FL 9
How do the four (4) climate zones differ? The Cold Region includes areas with extremely long and cold winters and limited hours of sunlight in winter. Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Maine Climate Inventory: Deep Snow, Strong Winds, High Wind-Chill Factor, Deep Frost, Alternating Freeze-Thaw Cycle, Rapid Spring Melt Analysis: Need to minimize heat loss and maximize solar radiation. Need to protect from winter winds. Design Response: Massive low-profile, well insulated structures with limited glass areas, maximum sun exposure, minimum wind exposure and protected entries. Image Source: http://www.alpine-charms.com/mure_ext_2.jpg How do the four (4) climate zones differ? Variable temperatures from warm to hot in the summer to cold in the winter and moderate in the spring and fall Oregon, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York Climate Inventory: Seasonal and variable temperatures changes throughout the year. Changing wind directions and violent storms. Alternating periods of drought and flood. Analysis: Construction to withstand the worst of the storms and provision for allweather durability and maintenance. Design Response: Minimize need for cooling, heating and ventilation. Orient building to minimize summer heat gain, maximize summer breezes and protect from winter winds. Image Source: http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/uploads/image/nashville%20images/dsc_0070.jpg 10
How do the four (4) climate zones differ? Categorized by consistently high temperatures and low humidity Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina Inventory: Temperatures relatively high with high humidity, torrential and sudden rainfall, storm winds of hurricane force Analysis: Elevate structures above the ground, facing into the breeze, and insect proof critical areas. Design Response: Cool by all feasible means; open building plans, high ceilings, louvered openings, breezeways and natural ventilation. Image Source: http://www.deadmentellnotales.com/onlinetexts/potc/images/2bayou.jpg How do the four (4) climate zones differ? Categorized by consistently high temperatures and high humidity Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Death Valley & Southern California Inventory: Temperatures relatively high and dry. Goes from the extremes of hot during the day to cold at night. Annual rainfall is minimal. Analysis: Lack of water is a major concern. Provide catchment of spring rainfall from roofs courts and paved areas. Design Response: Thick walls, high ceilings, wide overhangs, light colored exterior materials and cool compact dim interior spaces. Image Source: http://room42.wikispaces.com/file/view/2.jpg/33517415/2.jpg 11
Cold Climate Region Temperate Climate Region 12
Hot Humid Climate Region Hot Arid Climate Region 13