Guides

Bioclimatic design guides

Technical references on climate, sun, wind and thermal comfort, organised by topic. Start with a topic or browse every article below.

By topic

°C · RH · EPW

Climate and comfort

Weather files, the Givoni chart, bioclimatic zoning, and indoor and outdoor thermal comfort.

kWh/m² · lux · h

Sun and daylight

Sun path, shading, facade radiation, daylighting and glare.

m/s · wind rose

Wind and ventilation

Natural ventilation, urban microclimate, CFD and how to read wind results.

louvres · cobogó · mass

Passive strategies

Design elements and decisions that reduce the need for heating and cooling.

Radiance · OpenFOAM

Simulation

Methods, tools and workflows for simulating environmental performance.

ratings · careers

Professional practice

Green building ratings, the sustainability consultant’s role, and the profession in Brazil and abroad.

All articles

  • Understanding Climate Change Impacts on the Built Environment
    Climate Change impacts are more present now than ever before. These impacts are widespread, from accelerating sea-level rise threatening coastal communities to shifting weather patterns affecting rainfall cycles, temperature increases,…
  • CFD Simulation for External Natural Ventilation
    Mastering the use of CFD simulation (Computational Fluid Dynamics) in architectural and urban projects allows detailed insight into the complex interaction of breezes and winds as they navigate through buildings,…
  • What are the Green Building Certifications?
    The drive towards greener practices in the construction sector has led to an increase in the prevalence and importance of sustainable building certifications. These certifications do not just serve as…
  • The Role of the Sustainability Consultant in the Built Environment
    The role of the sustainability consultant in civil construction is fundamental. Sustainability consultants, also known as environmental consultants in civil construction, are becoming increasingly essential in projects that seek not…
  • Daylight & Sunlight Studies
    In my journey through environmental design, I have understood how important natural lighting studies are in sustainable construction and how great an impact proper natural lighting has on occupants’ well-being….
  • Cobogó: A Versatile Element In Sustainable Construction
    Origins and Evolution of Cobogó Cobogó played a fundamental role in the narrative of Brazilian modernist architecture. Created in the 1920s in Brazil by three engineers, Amadeu Oliveira Coimbra, Ernest…
  • Natural Ventilation: Principles and Strategies
    Natural ventilation is a sustainable and efficient approach to maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment, taking advantage of available natural resources, such as fresh air and external air flows. The…
  • Natural Ventilation: The importance of air circulation for comfort and energy efficiency
    The demand for sustainable practices and ‘green’ buildings has grown substantially, making natural ventilation a star in modern architectural design. Climate change has led to increased electricity consumption for indoor…
  • 5 Benefits of Sustainable Constructions
    Sustainable construction offers numerous advantages that go well beyond the environmental aspect. Besides contributing to a more sustainable future, choosing sustainability practices in civil construction can bring significant economic and…
  • Resilient and Sustainable Cities in the Face of Climate Change
    Cities are central to global sustainable development, but face unprecedented challenges with the advancement of climate change. The built environment has a significant impact on urban sustainability and climate adaptation…
  • Thermal Comfort: Understanding Metrics and Tools
    Thermal comfort is a fundamental aspect for people’s well-being in both indoor and outdoor environments. Understanding and assessing thermal comfort conditions is essential in building design, urban planning, and various…
  • Sustainable Construction: Techniques and Strategies for Green Architecture
    Sustainability in civil construction is a topic of extreme importance nowadays, especially due to the climate changes we are facing. In this context, sustainable construction becomes fundamental to mitigate environmental…