SE08 - Microclimate – Above Green

(3 credits available)

Aim

To ensure the development provides a comfortable outdoor environment through the control of climatic conditions on a micro scale.

Assessment Criteria

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

One credit

A microclimatic simulation or study shows the effect of urban morphology on the external microclimate of the development and surrounding area.

Two credits

Criterion 1 is achieved.
The development is designed to minimise adverse conditions, including negative microclimatic factors.

Three credits

Criteria 1 to 3 are achieved.
An appropriate and diverse range of favourable microclimatic conditions have been created throughout the development to cater for a wide range of personal preferences.
The design of public space optimises microclimatic conditions throughout the year.
The location and design of pedestrian and cycling routes takes full account of microclimatic conditions.

Compliance Notes

Ref

Terms

Description

CN1

Microclimatic factors . See criterion 1

The following factors should be considered:

temperature and thermal comfort
solar exposure (sky view and shadowing)
air direction, movement and speed
dust and pollution
acoustic environment.
Snow buildup and ice

These factors can be influenced through design of the development in order to provide a comfortable thermal, visual and acoustic environment.

There are no universally applicable measures that can be employed to ensure a comfortable microclimate. The specific needs and climatic characteristics of the site need to be considered in an integrated way.

CN2

Seasonal tailoring or adaptation

The main summertime requirements of a space are likely to be provision of shade, cooling, air movement and prevention of glare. In winter conditions the focus will be on protection from wind and rain.

An example of seasonal microclimate adaptation would be the use of deciduous trees in a public square to provide summer shade. These would then lose their leaves in winter allowing natural light to the square, improving visual comfort.

CN3

Computer Stimulation

It is not necessary that a computer based simulation is carried out for the microclimate study. This study can be based on architectural drawings. The microclimatic study or simulation and the associated level of detail should account for the use (including frequency or demand) and function of outdoor spaces when determining the favourable microclimatic conditions. For example where the space will be used as an outdoor eating area then additional measures should be taken to ensure the comfort of occupants through the provision of solar shading etc.

Evidence

Criteria No.	Final Assessment
1	A copy of microclimate simulation or study.
3–7	A design specifications or the masterplan or relevant site plans.

Additional Information

This credit relates to assessment criteria in SE 07 – Public realm. Evidence for this issue can be used as part of the evidence for criterion 8 in SE 07 – Public realm regarding the consideration of microclimate when designing the public realm.

Controlling the impact of the urban heat island effect (mitigation or utilisation, depending on the individual situation) at the micro scale is concerned with the thermal comfort of the people in those spaces and is a different issue from the consideration of the overall impact of the urban heat island effect from the development as a whole. However, some of the methods employed to manage the urban heat island effect may also be appropriate for achieving thermal comfort at the micro scale. Wind movement and solar exposure will also be key factors for affecting thermal comfort.

The extent of solar shadowing will have an impact on thermal comfort while natural light conditions play an important role in visual comfort. Daylight penetration and illumination of spaces will need to be balanced with the prevention of glare.

The flow of air through a development is an important factor in thermal comfort and air quality. Additionally, wind movement around buildings can aid natural ventilation but also contribute to heat loss. Building form and relationships should be designed to minimise funnelling, vortexes and other adverse wind conditions.

The acoustic environment of a space influences physical comfort and while there are large differences in acoustic preferences due to age, gender, cultural background etc., in general, people express a preference for natural sounds over artificial sounds. Vehicle and construction noise is generally viewed as unfavourable.

This issue aims to encourage the use of careful design to enhance microclimatic conditions for the benefit of the health and economy of the community. Design of the microclimate to maximise use of solar heat gain, natural light and ventilation in order to reduce energy use is covered in RE 01 – Energy strategy. Tools used to analyse the current site conditions and effects of different design strategies may be the same for both issues and with careful planning the measures employed may be relevant and beneficial for both microclimate and energy efficiency.