Sustainable site design and landscaping

Sustainable site design emphasizes to reduce negative impact on environments,

health and comfort of occupants. The objective is to reduce consumption of
non-renewable resources, minimise waste, create healthy and productive
environments.

Example: biodegradable furniture, recycled table ware, edible coffee

cups, bamboo sunglasses and tooth brush.

Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of
land, including the following: (1) Living elements such as flora and fauna or
gardening, (2) Abiotic elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation
or bodies of water, (3) Other elements such as weather and lighting conditions.

Types of landscape

Coastal, riverine, desert, karst and mountain landscape

Landscaping allows different species of plants to flourish in their natural

habitat, free of pests. They are provided with an adequate amount of water,
good quality of soil, sunlight to grow and nurture.

Enhancing ecosystem
Reduce deforestation (pollution control)

Conserve water and reduce wasting of water

Reduce the use of chemical pesticides

Plant more trees

Building envelop
It is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned
environment of a building including the resistance to air, water, heat, light and
noise transfer.
What are Passive Design Strategies?

Passive design strategies refer to a set of design approaches that focus on

utilizing the natural environment to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, and
lighting to a building. Unlike active design strategies that rely on mechanical
systems and processes, passive design strategies depend on the laws of nature.
The aim of passive design strategies is to create a comfortable and energy-
efficient indoor environment while minimizing the use of mechanical systems
and reducing the building's energy consumption. They take advantage of the
climate, site conditions, and materials to create a building that functions in
harmony with the environment.

Benefits of Passive Design Strategies

Passive design strategies are important even when active design strategies are
used in a project. This is because they provide cost-effective, reliable,
and energy-efficient building design solutions. They help improve indoor
comfort, increase energy efficiency, and contribute to aesthetic and sustainable
attributes.

Energy Efficiency

While active design depends on mechanical processes, passive design relies on

natural sources for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting, passive design
strategies can significantly reduce a building's energy consumption. This can
lead to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Indoor Comfort
Passive design strategies can create a comfortable indoor environment by taking
advantage of natural ventilation and minimizing direct sun exposure. This can
lead to a more pleasant and healthier indoor environment, free of drafts, hot
spots, and indoor air pollution.

Health and Well-Being

Passive design strategies can improve health and well-being by promoting

natural ventilation, reducing indoor air pollution, and providing access to
natural light.

Durability and Longevity

Passive design strategies often rely on durable materials and simple systems that
require minimal maintenance, which can increase the building's longevity and
reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Affordability

By reducing the reliance on mechanical systems, passive design strategies can

lower the initial cost of construction and reduce ongoing operating costs,
making sustainable buildings more accessible and affordable for a broader range
of people.

Sustainability

Passive design strategies align with the principles of sustainability by reducing

the use of non-renewable resources and minimizing the environmental impact of
the building.
Key Passive Design Strategies Every Architect Must Know?

AEC professionals strive to create more sustainable and energy-efficient

buildings by rapidly embracing passive design strategies. Below are the key
passive design strategies that are helping design sustainable structures.

Orientation

Orientation is a passive design strategy that refers to the placement of a building

on its site in relation to the sun and wind. Proper orientation of a building serves
as a passive solar design that can help reduce energy consumption and improve
indoor comfort by minimizing direct sun exposure and maximizing natural
ventilation.

By orienting the building to maximize the amount of sun exposure in the winter
months and minimize it in the summer months, it is possible to reduce the need
for heating and cooling systems and improve indoor comfort. Similarly, by
orienting the building to take advantage of prevailing winds, it is possible to
create a comfortable indoor environment without relying on mechanical
ventilation systems.

Insulation

Insulation is a passive design strategy that involves improving a building's

thermal envelope to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This
helps to keep the indoor environment comfortable and reduces energy
consumption for heating and cooling.

Insulation can be applied to a building’s walls, roof, floor, and windows to

reduce thermal transfer. The most common types of insulation materials include
fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. The type of insulation material and the thickness
of the insulation required will depend on the local climate, the building type,
and the energy efficiency desired.
Windows

Windows allow for the introduction of natural light into a building, reducing the
need for artificial lighting during the day. They also provide opportunities for
ventilation, as well as views to the outside and a connection to the surrounding
environment. When properly designed, windows can also contribute to the
thermal performance of a building by allowing for passive solar heating and
cooling.

There are several factors to consider when designing windows for passive
performance, including orientation, size, shading, glazing type, and frame
material. Windows should be located on the sides of the building that receive
the most sun during the winter to maximize passive solar heating, while shading
devices can be used to minimize overheating during the summer. The use of
high-performance glazing and frame materials can also improve the thermal
performance of windows and reduce heat loss or gain.

Natural Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps to regulate indoor air quality, reduce indoor pollution,
and improve overall indoor comfort. It can also play a role in passive cooling
and heating by allowing for the exchange of indoor and outdoor air.

Natural ventilation involves the use of windows and other openings to allow for
the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. When designing ventilation systems, it
is important to consider the orientation and size of openings, the use of shading
devices, and the overall thermal performance of the building envelope.

Green Roofs and Green Walls

Green roofs and walls provide a variety of benefits, including improved

insulation and thermal performance, reduced stormwater runoff, increased
biodiversity, and improved air quality.
Green roofs are typically composed of a layer of growing medium and
vegetation, planted on top of a building's roof structure. They can range in
complexity from simple vegetation-covered roof decks to extensive green roofs
with a variety of plants, soil layers, and drainage systems.

Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are similar to green roofs but are
designed to be incorporated into building facades. These features can be
designed in a variety of ways, including modular systems and freestanding
elements, and can be planted with a range of vegetation to suit the specific
needs of the building and its location.

When designing green roofs and walls, it is important to consider factors such
as the type and amount of vegetation, the growing medium, and the drainage
and irrigation systems. Proper design and maintenance are critical to ensuring
the long-term performance and sustainability of these features.

Passive Design Strategies in Architecture for Various Climate Conditions

Below are the fundamental passive design strategies that architects can use in
their projects based on the climatic conditions of their site location.

Passive Design Strategies for Hot and Humid Climate

 A majority of the windows should be placed on the north and south sides
of the building rather than the east and west.
 Cross-ventilation, where windows are positioned on opposite sides of the
building, can be particularly effective in hot and humid climates.
 A sloping roof with overhangs can help to reduce heat gain, while a flat
roof can absorb more heat.

Passive Design Strategies for Tropical Climate

 Windows should be positioned on the north and south sides of the

building rather than the east and west.
  Shading devices such as overhangs, fins, and louvers can be used to block
direct sunlight from entering the building
 A sloping roof with overhangs can help to reduce heat gain, while a flat
roof can absorb more heat.

Passive Design Strategies for Cold Climates

 Air sealing can help to prevent cold air from entering the building and
warm air from escaping.
 Double- or triple-glazed windows are typically used in cold climates to
improve thermal performance.
 Walls, floors, and roofs should be insulated to a high standard, using
materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, or foam.

Passive Design Strategies for Moderate Climate

 Buildings should be designed to maximize the amount of sunlight they

receive, particularly on the south-facing side in winter and shaded in
summer.
 Windows should be designed to maximize solar gain in winter while
minimizing heat gain in summer.
 Shading devices such as overhangs, fins, and louvers can be used to block
direct sunlight from entering the building

Passive Design Strategies for Hot and Dry Climate

 Buildings should be designed to maximize the amount of sunlight they

receive, particularly on the south-facing side in winter, while minimizing
heat gain in summer.
 Light-colored materials such as concrete, stone, and tile can reflect more
heat than dark-colored materials.
 Strategies such as using water features or using evaporative coolers can
help to cool the air inside the building.
In Conclusion

Passive design strategies in architecture improve the quality of a built

environment which in turn improves the lives of the people who occupy that
space. As a modern-day AEC professional, you can use new-age technologies to
incorporate passive design strategies in your project. Computational tools such
as parametric modeling, generative design softwares, and other building
performance analysis software help in understanding the environmental impact
of a project. You can use these tools to your benefit and create designs that are
healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable.

Green Building Load Reduction Strategies that must be assessed

for each aspect before the completion of schematic design
#Site Condition:- You need to assess the heat island effect created by hard cape
area in the surrounding of your covered regular occupied spaces, if you are
going to cover your open spaces with impervious tiles, stones and pavers then
mean you are increasing heat island effect and thermal behaviour of the
surrounding that will increase the load capacity and energy consumption of your
cooling and heating mechanical system.
Try to plant trees on the roof and surrounding of your building that’ll reduce the
temperature and working of your cooling system.
#Massing & Orientation – Before schematic design, try to check the impact of
massing and orientation on different angels of your building most common
option are 0' , 90', 180' and 270' to create a concept comparison. It should also
be assessed, how the placement of regularly occupied interior spaces away from
exposed side of building impacts on heating ventilation and air conditioning
load, as well as on artificial indoor lighting.Deep inset of windows will also
give us benefit by allowing natural visible light and blocking thermal heat gains
from the sun, which will reduce your artificial lighting and cooling load.
#Basic Buildig Envelope – You need to create several strategies to look at
adjusting insulation values for walls, roof, and glazing. Improving all three
would lead to a major energy reduction, and could reduce both heating and
cooling capacity. Multiple wall types should be assessed including air gap,
extruded polystyrene insulation and a terracotta rain screen second skin.
Different glass types also need to be assessed, 8mm spacer panel, 12mm spacer
panel with and without argon gas. Several roof solar reflective finishes, roof
garden, roof reflective coatings and solar panels on roof reduces the thermal
heat gains and increases the efficiency of your cooling system to reach at its set
point by reducing the energy consumption.
#Lighting Levels – Software simulation and energy efficient design of lighting
level is very important, through different material grouping, paint and colour of
walls, floor, and ceiling you need to find and select the best practice which
shows highest lighting reflection factor for walls greater than 60, floor grater
then 25, and for ceiling greater than 80 using efficient lighting fixtures of
highest efficacy. Window sizing and placement also needs to be assessed to
control the amount of light intake without increasing the HVAC load or creating
glare. Daylight simulation is also main part of designing and circuiting the
artificial lighting and to reduce energy bills, it’s also good for occupant they get
outside view and visible light.
#Thermal Comfort Ranges - Several HVAC strategies are there need to assess
to meet the thermal comfort range. In Pakistan the project location sees three
major types of seasons, hot & dry summer, Hot & humid summer and winter.
Mixed strategies could also be assessed, tempering hot air before putting it
through the cooling process of specified HVAC system.
#Plug & Process load - Including and selecting energy star rated equipment,
low power consuming requirements and by proper design/circuiting you could
reduce enregy bills not just in plug/process load but also in cooling and heating
systems because equipment emits heat that put negative impact on your cooling
system.
#Programatic Parameters – You need to discuss the benefits,initial and
running cost of IBMS system including sensor (daylight, occupancy and co2)
and finalize the incorporation of integrated building management system to
monitor, control , remotely access and scheduling the operational parameters.
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Strategies

It is most simply described as the conditions inside the building. It includes air
quality, but also access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and
occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort. It may also include the
functional aspects of space such as whether the layout provides easy access to
tools and people when needed and whether there is sufficient space for
occupants. Building managers and operators can increase the satisfaction of
building occupants by considering all of the aspects of IEQ rather than narrowly
focusing on temperature or air quality alone. Americans spend the majority of
their time indoors; not surprisingly, studies have shown an increase in worker
productivity when improvements are made to a space’s IEQ.

Acoustics
A space with good acoustics allows for confidential conversations among
collaborating workers without affecting those engaged in individual, focused
work. It is not too loud, does not echo too much, and controls excess noise
pollution from both indoor and outdoor sources.

Adequate Ventilation and Exhaust

Adequate ventilation and exhaust is important to prevent build-up of odours,
carbon dioxide, allergens and toxins in indoor air. Provide separate exhaust for
copy, printing, break rooms, and food preparation areas. Flush out occupied
spaces prior to occupancy. Use energy efficient or variable drive fans for
enhanced air movement. Consider bringing in more fresh air into the
building. Ensure the building management staffs are conducting preventive
maintenance on all building exhaust systems (restrooms, garage exhaust fans,
etc). Seal ventilation duct opening during construction or renovations to reduce
dust and particle build-up.

Adhesives
Adhesives are substances used to bond one surface to another. They include
bonding primers and adhesive primers for plastics. Adhesives often emit high
levels of harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), so care must be taken
to ventilate spaces when using them. Many low or no-VOC adhesive products
are also available and should be used where feasible.

Air Delivery Monitoring

It is important to provide adequate ventilation for occupied spaces. However,
care should be taken to prevent energy waste by over-ventilating. Monitoring
systems can be installed to generate alarms when unhealthy levels of carbon
dioxide are detected – a sign that additional fresh, outside air needs to be
brought in to restore healthy indoor air quality.

ASHRAE
ASHRAE (formerly, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Conditioning Engineers) is the governing body which creates and releases the
standards regarding indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency.

Binder
Binders are used to hold together two or more ingredients. They are similar to
adhesives and must also be used with care. Binders can have high levels of
harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can be dangerous to
human health and the environment. Lower VOC binders are preferable, and all
spaces where binders are applied should be well ventilated.

Building Commissioning
The process that focuses on verifying and documenting that the facility and all
of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated,
and maintained to meet the Owner's Project Requirements. This means testing
all systems (HVAC, lighting controls, domestic hot water systems, etc.) to
ensure they function as intended. Proper commissioning saves energy, reduces
risk, and creates value for building operators. It also serves as a quality
assurance process for enhancing the delivery of the project.

Cleanliness
Building cleanliness is both the process of removing dirt and contaminates from
the building as well as the process of maintaining this state. Keeping the facility
clean decreases the occurrence of “sick building syndrome” and uses less toxic
chemicals in the process. Occupants are also more likely to express satisfaction
and lose less productivity due to absenteeism in a well-cleaned building.

Combined Sewer Overflow

A combined sewer system conveys both sanitary sewage and stormwater in one
piping system. During normal dry weather conditions, sanitary wastewater
collected in the combined sewer system is diverted to the wastewater treatment
plant before it enters natural waterways. During periods of significant rainfall,
the capacity of a combined sewer may be exceeded. When this occurs, excess
flow, a mixture of storm water and sanitary wastewater, is discharged at CSO
points, typically to rivers and streams.

Construction Air Quality Management

Construction activities can threaten the indoor air quality of an occupied space.
Precautions should be taken to protect the health of construction workers as well
as the health of occupants. These precautions include ensuring that airborne
particles from construction activities are isolated from the permanently installed
HVAC equipment; flushing out toxins before occupancy; ensuring absorptive
materials are kept dry and that the facility is kept free from mold; and using
construction materials low in harmful VOCs.

Daylighting
Day-lighting uses natural daylight as a substitute for electrical lighting. While it
will likely be counterproductive to eliminate electrical lighting completely, the
best proven strategy is to employ layers of light - using daylight for basic
ambient light levels while providing occupants with additional lighting options
to meet their needs.
An effective day-lighting strategy appropriately illuminates the building
space without subjecting occupants to glare or major variations in light levels,
which can impact comfort and productivity.
In order to provide equitable access to daylight ensure the space is
optimized to disperse daylight well. Locate private offices toward the core of
the space and specify low workstation panels. Use glass walls and light-
coloured surfaces on walls and desks to disperse daylight throughout the space.
In all day-lighting strategies, it is important to consider glare and to take steps to
minimize it.

Entryway Systems/Walk-off Mats

Toxins are tracked into a building on occupants’ shoes. Entryway systems, like
grates, grills, and walk-off mats can greatly reduce the amount of outside dirt,
dust, and particulates brought into the building. This makes for a cleaner
environment, and cuts down on the amount of cleaning necessary to maintain a
high level of cleanliness in the facility.

Ergonomics
Ergonomic workspaces are designed to facilitate work while minimizing stress
and strain on the body. They also accommodate user preferences and comfort.
They include height-adjustable desks that can be easily moved around on
casters, fully adjustable chairs, monitor arms, keyboard trays, footrests and
document holders. It is important to train employees on how to adjust their
workspaces to maximize comfort and health.

ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) Control

ETS is another term for second hand smoke. It consists of cancer-causing
airborne particles emitted from the burning end of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars,
and is exhaled by smokers. Good indoor air quality is assured by not allowing
ETS to enter the air breathed by non-smokers. This is often achieved by banning
smoking within the facility and within a certain distance from openings in the
building envelope (often 20-25 feet). Buildings can also install separate HVAC
systems to isolate areas within a facility where smoking is allowed.

Finish
A finish is the final covering material in an arrangement of building
components. It can refer to the finish on the floor, countertop, wall, or piece of
furniture. Similar to adhesives and binders, finishes must also be used with care.
They can emit high levels of harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs),
which can be dangerous to human health and the environment. Lower VOC
finishes are preferable, and all spaces where finishes are applied should be well
ventilated.

Flush Out
The odours and toxins released from recently installed building materials and
finishes – such as flooring, paints, caulks and sealants, cabinets and work
surfaces made from composite lumber products – reduce indoor air quality. To
increase indoor air quality, large amounts of outdoor air can be forced through a
recently completed building for a period of 3 to 90 days so that the majority of
emissions from the newly installed materials can be removed from the building
before occupancy.
Glazing
Tinted glass and glass with a reflective coating are glazing alternatives that
reduce heat gain. One example, low-e glass, has a thin metal coating to allow
light to pass through the glass; heat remains on the side where it is originating
(it keeps the sun’s heat out of the building and mechanical heating inside the
building). Low-e coatings contribute to energy efficient window assemblies.

Green Cleaning
Cleaning removes pathogens, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects.
Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove
pathogens from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill pathogens, but
by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Healthy, or sustainable, cleaning refers to processes and procedures that
minimize harmful effects to the occupants of the built environment while also
being able to use the cleaning tools and products for an indefinite time frame.
The goal is to negate negative effects on the built environment and its
occupants.

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings

The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated
Instructions are a set of sustainable principles for integrated design, energy
performance, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials, and
resilience aimed at helping Federal agencies and organizations:
 Reduce the total ownership cost of facilities
 Improve energy efficiency and water conservation
 Provide safe, healthy, and productive built environments
 Promote sustainable environmental stewardship

Healthy Buildings
Health, as defined by World Health Organization in its 1948 constitution, is “a
state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity”. This definition of health has been expanded in
recent years to include (1) resilience and the ability to cope with health
problems and (2) the capacity to return to an equilibrium state after health
challenges.
These three health domains - physical, psychological, and social - are not
mutually exclusive but rather interact to create a sense of health that changes
over time and place. The challenge for building design and operations is to
identify cost-effective ways to eliminate health risks while also providing
positive physical, psychological, and social supports as well as coping
resources.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the state of the air within a space. A space
with good indoor air quality is one that is low in toxins, contaminants and odors.
Good air quality possible when spaces are well ventilated (with outside air) and
protected from pollutants brought into the space or by pollutants off-gassed
within the space. Strategies used to create good IAQ include bringing in 100%
outside air, maintaining appropriate exhaust systems, complying with ASHRAE
Standard 62.1, utilizing high efficiency MERV filters in the heating ventilation
and air conditioning (HVAC) system, installing walk-off mats at entryways,
prohibiting smoking with the space and near operable windows and air intakes,
providing indoor plants, and using only low-emitting / non-toxic materials and
green housekeeping products.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions
inside the building. It includes air quality, but also access to daylight and views,
pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal
comfort.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management is is a process used to reduce or discourage the
growth of pest populations. IPM protects human health and the surrounding
environment and improves economic returns by employing the most effective,
least-risk management option. It uses non-toxic products such as cleaning and
physical barriers to entrance before resorting to chemical means. Pests include
plants, fungi, insects, and/or animals.

Low VOC
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are toxins found within products (paints,
adhesives, cleaners, carpets, particle board, etc) and that are released into a
space’s indoor air, thus harming its quality. Low VOC products are those that
meet or exceed various standards for low-emitting materials. Low-emitting
standards include Green Seal, SCAQMD, CRI Green Label Plus, Floor Score,
etc.

Low-Emitting
Materials used in buildings often contain compounds that have a negative effect
on indoor air quality (IAQ) and the earth’s atmosphere. These compounds can
be present in adhesives, sealants, paints, flooring, carpets, composite wood and
agrifiber products, furnishings, and in ceiling and wall systems. Low-emitting
materials release only small amounts of these compounds into the surrounding
air over time. Strategies for selecting low-emitting options include ensuring
material compliance with the ANSI/BIFMA X7.1 standard for furniture
emissions. Non-profit certification programs that verify conformance with the
standard including but not limited to SCS Indoor Advantage , Certified
Green, Greenguard, and any other program that uses the open ANSI standard.

MERV-rated Filter
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a rating from 1 to 16 that
indicates the effectiveness of air filters. The higher the MERV rating, the denser
the filter and the more efficient it is at removing small particles in the air.
However, a higher MERV rating creates more resistance to airflow, thus
requiring additional energy to push air through the filter. For the cleanest air, a
user should select the highest MERV filter that their unit is capable of handling
based on the limit of the unit’s fan power.

Moisture Control
Moisture control is the process of regulating where, when and how much water
and water vapor collect in a building. Mold and other air borne contaminates
develop when there is too much moisture.

Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the presence of unwanted or unpleasant noise. Noise pollution
comes from improperly functioning HVAC equipment, street noise, or the
conversations of others. Besides the fact that it is obnoxious and distracting,
noise pollution can be detrimental to human health. It is therefore important to
consider ways to eliminate noise pollution in project planning.

Occupant Comfort
Workspaces should be designed and operated to support the functional and
environmental needs of occupants. Design for thermal comfort should be based
on ASHRAE Standard 55. Design for air quality should be based on ASHRAE
62. Occupant comfort should be assessed frequently once a building is
occupied, using ASHRAE’s Performance Measurement Protocols for
Commercial Buildings.

Occupant Control
Workspaces should be designed to allow for occupant control over lighting
(light switches, occupant or daylight sensors with override capability, etc) and
thermal comfort (operable windows, individual thermostats, and under floor air
diffusers). Building operators should provide information about control use to
occupants.

Over-cooling
Many office buildings are being overcooled, particularly during the summer.
Overcooling has both negative energy and occupant comfort consequences.

Over-heating
Overheating refers to the accumulation of warmth in a building to the extent
where it causes occupant discomfort. It can also affect worker productivity and
health. Overheating can occur during winter months, as well as in summer
months.

Plants
Plants not only contribute to the appearance of the office and provide aesthetic
value but they can help reduce air pollutants and introduce more oxygen to
increase air quality.

Recirculated Air
Air that is removed from a space by mechanical means and reused again as
supply air. Using a mix of recirculated air and fresh air is efficient because it
maintains healthy levels of oxygen at healthy levels but doesn’t require
excessive amounts of conditioning (heating or cooling).

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

When occupants feel sick at work, but not elsewhere, they likely have SBS.
SBS often manifests as cold or flu-like symptoms after breathing stale or
contaminated air. It harms worker productivity and morale. It may also increase
absenteeism and worker turnover.

Speech Privacy
Speech privacy is the inability to overhear other people’s conversations and the
ability to have a conversation without others overhearing. Poor speech privacy
is the most widespread problem in commercial buildings.

Supply Air
Supply air is air delivered to a space by mechanical ventilation. It can be 100%
outside air, or it can be a combination of outdoor air, recirculated air and / or
transfer air. Although it may seem like a good idea to use 100% outside air, the
air needs to be conditioned (heated or cooled) before it can be circulated, so it
makes sense to use only as much as is necessary to keep the circulating air fresh
and the energy use down.

Thermal Comfort
Workspaces should be designed to provide the optimum level of thermal
comfort for the occupants. Occupant comfort should be based on ASHRAE
Standard 55.

Thermal Comfort Criteria

Comfort criteria are the specific original design conditions that at a minimum
include temperature, humidity, and air speed as well as outdoor temperature
design conditions, outdoor humidity design conditions, clothing, and expected
activity. Comfort criteria should be based on ASHRAE Standard 55.

Ventilation
Ventilation is the process of "changing" or replacing air in any space to control
temperature; remove moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and
carbon dioxide; and to replenish oxygen. Ventilation includes both the exchange
of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building. It is one of
the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in
buildings.
Views (to the Outside)
Building occupants with access to outside views have an increased sense of
well-being. Keeping employees happy and healthy is good for business, as
happy employees show higher productivity and increased job satisfaction,
resulting in less employee turnover. In order to provide equitable access to
views, it is recommended that private offices are located toward the core of the
space and that low workstation panels are installed to allow for maximum
daylight penetration. Use glass walls and partitions to enable views out from
interior spaces.

Worker Productivity
Productivity is the quality and/or quantity of goods or services produced by a
worker. Good indoor environmental quality – access to views, comfortable
temperatures, comfortable lighting, good acoustics, and ergonomic design,
etc. – supports employees’ ability to do a good job. On the other hand,
compromised IEQ hinders their ability to work. It makes good business sense,
then, to keep employees happy, healthy, and productive. This, in turn, creates
more and higher quality output for organizations.