Low-Energy Design Methods and Its Implementation in Architectural Practice: Strategies for Energy-efficient Housing of Various Densities in Temperate Climates

With mounting concerns over climate change and urban population growth, the demand for sustainable housing based on low-energy designs is steadily increasing. A variety of low-energy design methods have been developed to reduce energy and resource consumption; however, research shows that the implementation of such methods has been surprisingly limited. In addition, while the degree of housing density is understood to have an impact on low-energy designs, what that impact is and how it can be strategically applied have not been adequately researched. This research examines how low-energy designs are applied in housing types with various densities in temperate climates, identifies the issues and problems pertaining to the implementation of passive and active design strategies. This research uses a survey, which asks design practitioners to rate the merits of various low-energy design strategies and assesses how often these approaches are implemented in practice. The study uncovers discrepancies between perceived importance of low-energy design aspects and their practical implementation, finding that certain low-energy strategies can be more effective when they are incorporated in an early stage of the design process.