As the world becomes more conscious of the environmental impact of the built environment, low energy building design is gaining traction. Traditionally, buildings consume a significant amount of energy, and their carbon footprint is a major contributor to global warming. Low energy building design aims to minimise energy consumption and promote sustainability, so what are the core principles of low energy building design?

1. Efficient Building Fabric

Fabric first! Efficient insulation is the first principle of low energy building design. A well-insulated building will have a much lower heating requirement, saving money for the occupant as well as reducing the cost of the heating plant installed. Building designers should aim to improve on building regulations’ u-values wherever possible. 

Windows and doors should also be considered as they are usually the weakest points in a building's envelope, allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter. Double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings and insulated frames help to minimise heat loss.

2. Air tightness 

Air tightness is a critical consideration in low energy buildings. Air leaks can cause significant energy losses and negatively impact the indoor air quality. A building with poor air tightness can result in higher energy consumption, discomfort and higher energy bills. It is essential to conduct air tightness testing during the construction process to identify and rectify air leaks before the building is occupied. 

3. Passive solar design
Passive solar design is an approach that utilises the sun's energy for heating during the winter months. To avoid overheating in the summer, care must be taken to limit solar gains during that time. This involves the strategic placement of windows and the use of materials that absorb and store heat.