BUILDING FACADES
LEED EAc1 + EQc8

THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES ARE GOOD PRACTICE WHEN DESIGNING THE BUILDING'S FACADE FOR SHADING IN A HOT CLIMATE. MUCH OF A BUILDING'S UNNECESSARY HEAT TRANSFER CAN BE ELIMINATED AT THE ENVELOPE. INCORPORATING SHADING DEVICES AND STRATEGIES CAN REDUCE SOLAR HEAT GAINED THROUGH GLAZING BY UP TO 80%.

| EXTERNAL SHADING DEVICES AND OVERHANGS
| RECESSED GLAZED OPENINGS
| EXTERIOR VERTICAL FINS ON EAST/WEST
| LIGHT EXTERIOR COLORS
| PREFABRICATED DOUBLE WALLS
| ENERGY EFFICIENCY GLAZING
| MATURE TREES FOR SHADING

CONTRIBUTIONS TO AUSTIN CITY GOALS

Building facades can arguably be the most important aspect of design when considering sustainability. Not only can a well designed facade reduce the energy use of a building, but it can also weave the building into the greater fabric of the city and contribute to the connectivity of structures throughout Austin.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEED CHECKLIST

USGBC addresses building facades in many different credits. The most prominent credit is associated with energy performance. Because a building's facade can introduce shading, passive cooling, and reflect light easily, this should be taken into consideration while attempting various LEED credits.

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