08/09/2000 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Energy Conservation and Climatic Response The effects of the Minnesota climate can be mitigated through intelligent building design, configuration, and landscape treatments. The following approach will also foster a regional "sense of place." Daylighting. Daylighting techniques minimize the need for electric lighting and can reduce peak - hour energy consumption by as much as 20 percent. While windows are the most common form of daylighting, light from windows rarely penetrates more than about 20 feet. Additional daylighting can be obtained with clerestories, lightshelves, and skylights. Ventilation and Thermal Mass. To lessen dependence on air conditioning, natural cross ventilation shall should be maximized. Operable windows, transoms, doors, and vents shall be located are preferred to facilitate airflow across a space. These openings are especially useful on sides facing toward and opposite prevailing winds. Passive Heating and Cooling. Site and building design shall should consider passive heating and cooling strategies such as deciduous tree plantings that provide shade in the summer and sun in the winter. Heat - retaining thermal mass (such as concrete or brick) designed into building walls or columns absorbs heat during the day and radiates heat at night. Building design that shades openings reduces direct heat gain during the day. Shading elements can also add dimensionality to building facades. Eaves or awnings can be sized to shade windows in the summer but admit sun in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky. Pedestrian Shelter. Building exteriors shall provide pedestrians shelter from the sun, rain, and snow. Awnings, entry porticos, arcades, and overhanging eaves are particularly appropriate at pedestrian pathways. Garden structures such as trellises and arbors (with or without vines) shall be used to shade pedestrian routes and seating areas. Climatic Response. Building design should incorporate elements to provide shekerforpedestrians and :bade from excessive summer sun indoors. 27