Sun pathSun path, sometimes also called day arc, refers to the daily and seasonal arc-like path that the Sun appears to follow across the sky as the Earth rotates and orbits the Sun. The Sun's path affects the length of daytime experienced and amount of daylight received along a certain latitude during a given season. The relative position of the Sun is a major factor in the heat gain of buildings and in the performance of solar energy systems.
ThermosiphonLe thermosiphon est un système de circulation des fluides (gaz ou liquide) mis au point par Jean-Simon Bonnemain au , basé sur la dilatation-contraction et la poussée d'Archimède. C'est un système de chauffage dans lequel la circulation de l'eau est assurée par des différences de température. Un thermosiphon se compose : d'une entrée basse de fluide ; d'une chambre de chauffage du fluide ; d'un conduit vertical (cheminée) positionné en haut de cette chambre; d'une sortie du fluide verticale par rapport à l'axe de l'entrée.
Sustainable landscape architectureSustainable landscape architecture is a category of sustainable design concerned with the planning and design of the built and natural environments. The design of a sustainable landscape encompasses the three pillars of sustainable development: economic well-being, social equity and environmental protections. The United Cities and Local Governments, UNESCO, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development further recommend including a fourth pillar of cultural preservation to create successful sustainable landscape designs.
Performance énergétique des bâtimentsLa performance énergétique des bâtiments dans le cadre de la Directive pour la performance énergétique des bâtiments (PEB) () est, en Belgique, la quantité d'énergie effectivement consommée ou estimée pour répondre aux différents besoins liés à une utilisation standardisée du bâtiment, ce qui peut inclure entre autres le chauffage, l'eau chaude, le système de refroidissement, la ventilation et l'éclairage.
Building performance simulationBuilding performance simulation (BPS) is the replication of aspects of building performance using a computer-based, mathematical model created on the basis of fundamental physical principles and sound engineering practice. The objective of building performance simulation is the quantification of aspects of building performance which are relevant to the design, construction, operation and control of buildings. Building performance simulation has various sub-domains; most prominent are thermal simulation, lighting simulation, acoustical simulation and air flow simulation.
Zero carbon housingZero-carbon housing is a term used to describe a house that does not emit greenhouse gasses, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. Homes release greenhouse gases through burning fossil fuels in order to provide heat, or even while cooking on a gas stove. A zero carbon house can be achieved by either building or renovating a home to be very energy efficient and for its energy consumption to be from non-emitting sources, for example electricity.
