Sustainable_Architecture_101

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Sustainable Architecture 101: Introduction

bySimoneon 18 May, 2010 inArchitecture + Design

Sustainable, green design seems to be on everyones lips these days.

But what exactly does sustainability mean when applied to residential architecture and

design?

This article is an introduction to a series that will bring together all the foundational elements

necessary for true Sustainable Architecture.

Sustainable Architecture 101: Introduction

The concept of sustainable development first appeared in theBrundtland Report(1987) that

defined it as:

development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future

generations to meet their own needs.

In the context of residential architecture, we believe this definition is best fulfilled through

the discipline ofPassive Solar Design.

Passive Solar Design aims to maintain interior thermal comfort and to reduce the need of

mechanical heating or cooling by allowing the structure of the home itselfto collect, store and

redistribute heat.

Good Passive Solar Design can result in a house requiring zero energy usage from the

electricity grid and in exceptional cases, may even result in excess energy being contributed

to the grid.

Sustainable Architecture: The 7 Pillars
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The 7 Pillars of Sustainable Architecture are the foundations of Passive Solar Design.

All 7 of the Pillars are necessary and work together if one element is misapplied it can

jeopardize the energy performance of the entire building.

These Pillars apply regardless of whether one is building a townhouse in Melbourne or anapartment block in Alaska.

The 7 Pillars of Sustainable Architecture are:

Pillar 1: Thermal Comfort

Pillar 2: House Siting + Solar Access

Pillar 3: Insulation

Pillar 4: Windows

Pillar 5: Thermal Mass

Pillar 6: Thermal Bridges + Air Leakage

Pillar 7: Material Selection

While reading through this Sustainable Architecture 101 series, you may also find this

Sustainable Architecture Glossaryhelpful.

A brief description of each of the 7 Sustainable Architecture Pillars can be found below.
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Sustainable Architecture Pillar 1: Thermal Comfort

bySimoneon 25 May, 2010 inArchitecture + Design

Why are some houses always uncomfortably cold even with a heater turned on?

The reason is that the perception of temperature is more important to our comfort than the

actual temperature a concept known as Thermal Comfort.

This article will discuss Thermal Comfort and its importance as the first Pillar in Sustainable

Architecture.

Note: If you havent already, it may be worthwhile readingSustainable Architecture 101:

Introductionbefore reading this article.

Sustainable Architecture Pillar 1: Thermal Comfort

What is Thermal Comfort?

Human Thermal Comfortdescribes the state of mind that expresses satisfaction with thesurrounding environment.

Thermal Discomfort (an unpleasant sensation of being too hot or too cold) can distract people

from their activities and disturb their well being.

Thermal Comfort is affected by six variable factors:

1. Air Temperature is the most common measure of Thermal Comfort and can easily beinfluenced with passive and mechanical heating and cooling.

2. Mean Radiant Temperature is the weighted average temperature of all exposed surfaces ina room. The greater the difference between air temperature and exposed surfaces, thegreater the Relative Air Velocity.
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3. Relative Air Velocity(wind chill factor) is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skindue to wind. For example, if cold air is leaking in from a window, the air temperature feels

lower than the actual air temperature, hence the increased likelihood of feeling cold, even

when the heater is on.

4. Humidity or relative humidity is the moisture content of the air. If the humidity is above 70%or below 30% it may cause discomfort.

5. Activity Levels can reduce the heating needs, as lower air temperature is acceptable whenoccupants have higher activity levels.

6. Thermal Resistance of clothing or warm blankets in a bedroom can reduce the need ofheating.

The first four of these factors require an understanding of the environment and seasonal

adjustments.

The last two factors require an understanding of the purpose and use of the building by

occupants.

True Sustainable Architecture will take into account all six of these factors.

Thermal Comfort and Energy Ratings

Currently in Australia, all new houses and major renovations are required to pass 5 Star

Energy Rating assessments.

While a step in the right direction, 5 Star Energy Ratings do not correlate to Thermal

Comfort.

While Thermal Comfort may be inferredby attaining higher energy rating accreditation, it

cannot be guaranteed.

This is because energy rating assessments in Australia are performed pre-construction.

This, of course, cannot take into account introduced air leakages caused by poor construction

techniques, thus resulting in compromised Thermal Comfort.

In Europe, energy ratings are conducted post-construction with some countries even

requiring airtight buildings. Such measures ensure that the goal of ensuring Thermal

Comfort in the building at design time actually translates at build time.

Sustainable Architecture Pillar 1: Conclusion

The reason why some houses are always uncomfortably cold even with a heater turned on

is because the perception of temperature is more important to our comfort than the actual

temperature.

This perception of temperature is known as Thermal Comfort and is affected by six factors:

1.

Air Temperature

2. Mean Radiant Temperature3. Relative Air Velocity(wind chill factor)


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4. Humidity5. Activity Levels6. Thermal Resistance

A true Sustainable, Passive Solar House in Australia will require:

A site specific Passive Solar design,

An understanding that 5 Star Energy Ratings do not (and cannot) correlate to Thermal

Comfort, and

A builder who has proven experience in building for Passive Solar Energy Efficiency


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Sustainable Architecture Pillar 2: Solar Access

bySimoneon 1 June, 2010 inArchitecture + Design

Why do some houses feel airy, light, spacious and open while others feel dark, dingy and

claustrophobic?

The difference comes down to each houses Solar Access.

This article will discuss why maximising Solar Access not only makes a house feel morevibrant, but is essential for true Passive Solar Design.



Sustainable Architecture Pillar 2: Solar Access

Solar Access refers to the amount of direct and diffuse solar energy a building receives and

directly impacts energy use, thermal comfort and how livable a house feels. Optimal solar

access can improve thermal comfort and decrease energy requirements thus reducing

greenhouse emissions.

Solar access is measured by the number of hours that the sun can shine intonorth-facing

windows between 9am and 3pm on the shortest day of the year (22 June, mid-winter).

The ability of a house to maximise Solar Access is a key pillar in desiging a true Passive

Solar House and depends upon decisions taken in the first steps of a project, some even

beforedesign begins.

The three significant factors that impact Solar Access are:

1. Site Selection
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2. House Orientation3. House Floorplan

1. Site Selection

The first step in designing for Solar Access is selecting a suitable site.

In the Southern Hemisphere, maximising Solar Access means securing a property that can

take advantage of the esteemed north facing light.

However, a north facing direction is by itself, no guarantee of good Solar Access.

Its important that a site is selected that is known to be able to achieve a good level of

unobstructed, north facing, winter sun (since the winter sun sits lower in the sky than the

summer sun).

Any obstructions in the form of buildings, fences, trees or other features to the north,northeast or northwest can block Solar Access note that in mid-winter obstructions cast

shadowstwo to three times their height.

TheAustralian Bureau of Meteorology(BOM) generally recommends that the sun should be

able to shine six hours into the windows during winter. Especially in cooler areas, the BOM

also recommends solar access to east-facing windows.

2. House Orientation

The second step in designing for Solar Access is orienting the house/dwelling correctly.

An ideal world house orientation in the Southern Hemisphere would run east west as this

maximises the proportion of building exposed to North facing light.

Living areas should be ideally orientated within the range of 15W-20E oftrue or solar

north. Good house orientation and clever use of eaves can block out harsh summer sun yet

allow the lower winter sun to heat the building with zero extra costs or effort from the

occupants. By contrast, poor orientation will result in heat loss in winter and will lead to

overheating in summer.

3. House Floorplan

The third step in designing for Solar Access is designing the internal floorplan correctly.

The decisions over floorplan and room placement not only influence convenience and

comfort but also directly impact the energy efficiency of the building.

General floorplan guidelines that promote good Solar Access and energy efficiency include

ensuring that:

Rooms with similar uses are zonedallowing for the separation of heated and

unheated rooms (thereby reducing heating/cooling needs).Living areas/zones are north facing eg. family rooms, kitchens and rumpus rooms.
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insulation batts that expose just 5% of ceiling area can translate to losses of up to 50%of

insulation benefits.

As long as Victorian energy efficiency ratings are measured pre-construction they can never

equate to actualenergy efficiency post-construction.

Actual energy efficiency

Possibly the major reason that Australians have accepted energy inefficient homes is that

poor energy performance hasnt really mattered.

Germany has been leading the world in truly energy efficient, Passive Solar Design, for many

years now not because its trendy, but because its necessary. With Germanys extreme

winter climate, poor insulation and construction can allow unwanted heat transfer, internal

structural condensation, ice build up and potential building failure.

The majority of homes in Australia will never suffer building failure as a result of poorinsulation because our more moderate climates forgive poor design and construction.

However, by the same token (if we continue in our ways because wecan) then the majority

of homes in Australia will also never enjoy the benefits of true energy efficiency

zero/minimal heating and cooling requirements and a clear conscience knowing that our

houses are actively contributing every day to the sustainability of our planet.

To achieve that, we need new thinking that goes beyond current minimum standards.

New thinking

If we are to obtain the true energy efficiency benefits of Passive Solar Design, then we need

to adopt Passive Solar Design thinking.

Rather than asking ourselves what is the minimum R-value insulation required to obtain a 5

star rating?, we need to ask ourselves the question they ask:

How can we seal the entire building envelope as one continuous, air-tightshell?

This question changes the mindset of merely adding high R-value insulation in ceilings and

external walls on a checklist to masterfully designing and detailing your dwelling such thatno conductive air gap exists between any internal living space and the exterior.

In fact, so serious is this issue in Germany that infra-red sensors are used post-construction

to detect even the smallest of air leaks which are required by law to be rectified by the

builder.

Sustainable Architecture Insulation: Conclusion

5 star energy rated homes may meet minimum Victorian government requirements but do not

equalenergy efficiency.


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True energy efficiency can only be attained when careful attention is placed on treating and

sealing the entire building envelope as one continuous, air-tight shell.

If we are to experience the benefits of true Passive Solar Design it will mean adopting new

thinking that goes beyond current minimum requirements.

The next article in this series will focus onPillar 4 of Sustainable Architecture: Windows.

Postscript

The Australian Government Deparmtent of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is

planning to introduce new regulationsfor the existing housing market in 2011. They are

planning to make it a requirement to provide information about energy, water and greenhouse

performance to both house buyers and house renters. Further, studies in ACT where this is

already a requirement, have shown that higher energy efficiency in homes translates in terms

ofhigher market values.
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Sustainable Architecture Pillar 4: Windows


Double glazed windows stop unwanted heat loss. True or False?



Sustainable Architecture Pillar 4: Windows

Contrary to popular belief,Double Glazedwindows do notstop unwanted heat loss.

They may reduceconductiveheat loss but they still allowradiatedheat transfer.

Sustainable Architecture, however, is not about stopping heat transfer completely, but using it

effectively.

The 5 Integrated Window Design Factors

Solar radiation from the sun travels through windows to the inside of a house. This radiant

heat is absorbed bythermal mass, building elements and furniture, which when warmed up,

re-radiates heat to the room air. This re-radiated heat is trapped inside, resulting in convectiveheat build-up within the room.

Tight integration of the following 5 Window Design factors pave the way for effective use of

this freely available solar radiation.

1. Strategic Sizing and Orientation

The total solar radiation each window receives varies according to the time of the year and

orientation:

In Summer all windows receive heat gains.

In Winter only windows facing north, north-west and north-east have a net heat gain.
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Therefore:

Windows should be orientated to the north where possible and ideally be large (provided

solar access is good).

South and east-facing windows should be kept small with south facing windows being

openable enable natural cross ventilation in summer.West-facing windows should be avoided or at least kept relatively small and well shaded.

Where there are obstructions to the north,clerestory windows, skylights and roof lights are a

good option to allow solar energy into the building.

2. Appropriate Window Selection and Installation

TheWindow Energy Rating Scheme (WERS)is a program implemented by the Australian

Window Council (AWC) with the support of theAustralian Greenhouse Office. The windows

are evaluated with stars the more stars, the better the performance (the lower theU-Value):

Single glazed window with a typical aluminium frame have U-values ranging from 7.9 to 5.5

W/mK.

Double glazed windows with timber frames have U-values ranging from 3.8 to 2.5 W/mK.

An important factor when selecting windows is the frame itselfas it can negatively affect

the overall performance of the window. Some frame materials, such as metal, glass or

aluminium, allow heat to pass through easily and therefore shouldnt be used. Up to 20% ofheat can be lost through the frame alone even on a Double Glazed window.

Finally, a good U-value is no guarantee for a well performing window. The installation of

windows (and doors) needs to be done according to manufacturers guidelines all gaps must

be sealed and weather-stripped carefully in order to perform to the specified U-value.

3. Strategic External Shading

Double glazing wont prevent radiated heat from coming into the building, which means that

in summer windows need to be protected by means ofexternal shading.
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North Facing external shades: Fixed eaves, verandas or pergolas over north facing windows

can actually be designed to strategically block out the summer sun yet allow in winter sun.

This is because the summer sun sits higher in the sky, while the winter sun sits lower on the

horizon.

East and West-facing external shades: East and west facing windows need a flexible shading

device that can be completely retracted to let winter sun in but can be extended to keep

harsh summer sun out. Adjustable shading includes canvas blinds, shutters, metal slats,

louvres or shadecloth over pergolas.

Shading devices should always enable ventilation outside the window, as shading fitted too

closely to a window can trap warm air which can be conducted into the house.

4. Quality Internal Coverings

In winter, lower room temperatures and draughts occur when window glass surfaces arenoticeably colder than the warm air in the room. TheRelative Air Velocityends up high

enough for occupants to feelwinter discomfort. For this reason, all windows require

protection from heat loss in winter in order to maintainThermal Comfort. To minimise

winter heat loss, it is important to trap a layer of insulative still air between the window and

the room. This can be achieved by using internal coverings such as drapes, blinds and/or lace

curtains combined with pelmets.

5. Thermal Mass

Appropriate use ofThermal Massin conjunction with well integrated window design is its

own subject, and conveniently will be covered in next weeks article.

Sustainable Architecture Windows: Conclusion

Double glazed windows alone do not stop unwanted heat transfer nor are they designed to.

Passive Solar Design is not about stopping heat transfer completely, but using it efficiently.

The following 5 factors of integrated window design must be present in order to achieve the

goal of Passive Solar Design:

1. Strategic Sizing and Orientation2. Appropriate Window Selection and Installation
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3. Strategic External Shading4. Quality Internal Coverings5. Thermal Mass

The next article in this series will focus onPillar 5 of Sustainable Architecture: Thermal

Mass. To have this article automatically delivered to your email inbox, why notsubscribe toour e-newsletter? Its free!
http://brutalart.com.au/architecture-design/sustainable-architecture-pillar-5-thermal-mass/http://brutalart.com.au/architecture-design/sustainable-architecture-pillar-5-thermal-mass/http://brutalart.com.au/architecture-design/sustainable-architecture-pillar-5-thermal-mass/http://brutalart.com.au/architecture-design/sustainable-architecture-pillar-5-thermal-mass/http://eepurl.com/cep3http://eepurl.com/cep3http://eepurl.com/cep3http://eepurl.com/cep3http://eepurl.com/cep3http://brutalart.com.au/architecture-design/sustainable-architecture-pillar-5-thermal-mass/http://brutalart.com.au/architecture-design/sustainable-architecture-pillar-5-thermal-mass/


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Sustainable Architecture Pillar 6: Sealed Building Envelope


What could Sustainable Architecture possibly have in common with Submarine Design +Build? Perhaps not a lot except for one critical component!

Sustainable Architecture Pillar 6: Sealed Building Envelope

Imagine if you were in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean and you noticed that a crack

had formed on the window/portal seal allowing:

Valuable oxygen from inside the submarine to escape, andFreezing water from outside to flood in

Would you continue, business as usual?

Or would you drop everything, resurface and get it fixed?

The heat loss equivalent of this example happens in virtually every Australian home, every

day.

The Sealed Building Envelope

A breach anywhere in the shell of a submarine compromises the entire vessel.

For a submarine to function, the entire shell must be completely sealed.

The same is true for a Passive Solar House.

A breach anywhere in the shell orBuilding Envelopeof a Passive Solar House

compromises the energy performance of the entire building.

For a Passive Solar House to be truly sustainable, the entire Building Envelope must becompletely sealed.
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What constitutes a breach?

A breach in the Building Envelope of a house occurs through:

1. Air Leakages, and2. Thermal Bridges1. Air Leakages

An Air Leak in the Building Envelope is the Sustainable Architecture equivalent of a crack in

the shell of a submarine.

In winter, it allows valuable heat inside to escape while allowing unwanted external cold air

inside, with the reverse being true in Summer.

Examples of Air Leakages include:

Unsealed doors/windows,

Unsealed vents, skylights and exhaust fans

Gaps within or around wall insulation, between floorboards, around wall penetrations (eg.

air conditioners, heaters)

Gaps within or around ceiling insulation and around ceiling penetrations (eg. downlights,

pipes, cables etc).

2. Thermal Bridges

A Thermal Bridge is an element of a building that allows heat to travel through it more

quickly than through other elements of the building.

A Thermal Bridge can be as disastrous as a flyscreen window on a submarine allowing

unwanted heat transfer en masse.

Examples of Thermal Bridges include:

Inappropriately specified windows, doors and skylights

Poorly designed/constructed junctions between floor to wall, wall to roof, balconies to

window and door frames.

Locating Breaches

Unlike in Europe, the significance of Air Leakages and Thermal Bridges is virtually unknown

and not a regulatory requirement in Australia.

In Europe, infrared cameras are used to locate Air Leakages and Thermal Bridges caused by

inadequate detailing on plans, incorrectly specified materials or poor workmanship.

Acceptable Thermal Bridges


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Infrared Camera used to detect Thermal Bridges

The image above is an example of how infrared cameras are used to detect Air Leakages and

Thermal Bridges in a typical German home. The lighter the colour the warmer the materials.

Although double glazed, thermally improved windows and doors are used in the house above,

they have a higherU-valuethan the walls. As expected, they are lighter in colour compared

to the walls (since they allow more heat to escape through them). In this case, they represent

a Thermal Bridge however, the amount of heat transfer in this case is within pre-

determined, acceptable limits.

Unacceptable Thermal Bridges

The images below show a photo and an infrared scan of an upper storey bedroom.

Photo and Infrared Scan of Upper Storey Bedroom

As can be seen in the infrared scan on the right, there is an obvious thermal bridge at the

junction where the wall meets the ceiling. The dark colour indicates that there are gaps in the

insulation as that corner is significantly darker and therefore colder than the rest of the room.
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This will require further investigation and rectification, otherwise the builder may be liable

for any structural damage that might result.

Sealing the Building Envelope

In order to achieve a Passive Solar House, it is the Architects/Designers responsibility todesign a sealed Building Envelope. This will require:

Windows and doors to be specified that allow heat transfer within acceptable limits.

Connections and junctions of different building materials to be extensively detailing during

the Working Drawing stage so that the Builder can appreciate the level of precision required.

Once the architect/designer has faithfully sealed the Building Envelope on plan, it then

becomes the Builders responsibility to build the dwelling accordingly. The finished product

should have no Air Leakages and Thermal Bridges should be within acceptable values.

Sustainable Architecture: Sealed Building Envelope Conclusion

For a house to be truly Passive, the Building Envelope must be completely sealed.

Breaches in the Building Envelope of a house occur via:

1. Air Leakages, and2. Thermal Bridges

In order to achieve a Passive Solar House, it is the Architects/Designers responsibility to

design a sealed Building Envelope.

Once the Architect/Designer has faithfully sealed the Building Envelope on plan, it then

becomes the Builders responsibility to build the dwelling accordingly.


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Sustainable Architecture Pillar 7: Materials

bySimoneon 6 July, 2010

inProperty Development

When it comes to building materials for your new home, there are now more sustainable

products to choose from than ever before. But did you know that you can actually make an

even bigger difference for the environment than merely selecting enviro-friendly products?

Sustainable Architecture Pillar 7: Materials

As a society we are more informed and more passionate than ever about the sustainability of

the products we consume.

Unfortunately, it seems that the focus for sustainability is often at the point of consumption,

or Material Selection.

Material Selection

Focussing on sustainability at the point ofselection is important but typically means we have

started with a certain type of question:

Given the options on the market, what type of product should I select?

We then use sophisticated models of measuring the total environmental impact of these

materials to make our decision. eg:

Carbon Footprint

Embodied Energy

Life Cycle Assessment

Material Input per Service Unit

This question often assumes we need the house we think we need, but just with sustainablewindows, doors, insulation etc
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As critical as this question is for Sustainable Architecture, it often distracts us from

answering an even bigger question that we should be asking

Material Usage

How much of each product do I actually use?

This bigger picture question addresses the issue of Material Usage.

When you consider Material Usage, several facets of Design + Build open up where you can

directly make tangible, significant environmental contributions:

1. Use Less. The smaller and more compact a house is, the less material is required.2. Use Repetition. Using one material/product over and over again (eg. windows, doors,

paints) allows the manufacturer to optimise efficiencies into their manufacturing process.

3. Use All. Using all of the material you choose by carefully designing for standard buildingproduct dimensions means you have less offcuts and less waste.4. Use Again. Using Recycled instead of new materials means that the environmental cost of

manufacturing the new equivalent product is saved

5. Use Design. Do you really need another room? Or do you just need a better space savingdesign? Defining the actual problem and addressing it with clever design can make a whole

host of materials/products that were to be used, redundant.

Answering this question may result in a house that is completely different (most probably

smaller) than what you had in mind, but is one that directly answers your usage needs.

Implementing one or all five of these truly sustainable Material Usage principles into your

Design + Build project means that the end result will be better for the environment,regardless of your preferred measure ofMaterial Selection.

Sustainable Architecture: Materials Conclusion

In the context of Sustainable Architecture, our focus on sustainability should begin at the

question ofMaterial Usage, rather than at the point ofMaterial Selection.

When you ask questions ofMaterial Usage, there are several facets of Design + Build where

you can directly make tangible, significant environmental contributions:

1. Use Less2. Use Repetition3. Use All4. Use Again5. Use Design

Implementing one or all five of these truly sustainable Material Usage principles into your

Design + Build project means that the end result will be better for the environment,

regardless of your preferred measure ofMaterial Selection.


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Further Reading/References:

Resource Smart Victoria onPassive Solar Design: Climate and Comfort(PDF)

Sustainability Victoria onSun, Climate and Comfort(PDF)

Yourhome.gov.au Technical Manualon Thermal Comfort

Health & Safety Executive UK Thermal Comfort Checklist
http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/SRI_climate_comfort.pdfhttp://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/SRI_climate_comfort.pdfhttp://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/SRI_climate_comfort.pdfhttp://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/eshousingmanualch03.pdfhttp://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/eshousingmanualch03.pdfhttp://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/eshousingmanualch03.pdfhttp://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs42.html#comforthttp://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs42.html#comforthttp://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/measuring.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/measuring.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/measuring.htmhttp://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/measuring.htmhttp://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs42.html#comforthttp://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/eshousingmanualch03.pdfhttp://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/SRI_climate_comfort.pdf

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