March 2013 Monthly Meeting

A “passive” approach to building design uses architectural and building enclosure elements aligned with local, micro-climate considerations to meet thermal comfort requirements. This can significantly reduce the need for “active” mechanical and electrical equipment that would typically provide heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. Ideally, a truly passive building would eliminate the need for active equipment all together. This presentation will discuss common passive design features and their potential for reducing annual energy consumption, including case studies from building projects where passive strategies have been employed.

Susan Hayes, P.Eng. is a mechanical engineer with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. She is experienced in the design of low-energy mechanical systems and energy modeling in a variety of software tools. Susan’s project accomplishments include: leader of the LEED energy modeling team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Athlete’s Village; mechanical consultant for Vancouver’s first LEED Gold office building and presenter at a number of seminars and events. Prior to joining RDH in early 2012, Susan worked as a designer for a mechanical engineering firm and as sustainability project manager at an integrated design firm.