Landscape & building solar loads: Development of a computer-based tool to aid in the design of landscape to reduce solar gain and energy consumption in low-rise residential buildings

The aim of this project was to develop a computer-based simulation tool to provide information on landscape design that could be implemented to help reduce solar gain and energy consumption in low-rise residential buildings. The program recommends specific landscape design strategies based on user inputs and also outputs potential energy savings should the strategies be applied. Literature review was performed to obtain information regarding the potential benefits of landscape design on building loads and energy performance and also to determine what information would be required to recommend an effective landscape design. Published equations and data as well as previous programming approaches were referenced to help form the program algorithms. Software such as MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, HEED, and ECOTECT were used in the verification of program code, equations, and outputs. Comparisons to previous research publications were also used in the validation of the program calculations. The results of the verification and validation demonstrated that expected savings outputs were acceptable and that the program functioned as intended. The final result is a freestanding Visual Basic program that can be effectively and accurately used in the development of energy-efficient landscape designs.