Passive cooling technology for office buildings in Malta

Abstract

Modern practices have led to an increased dependence on artificial forms of lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation within buildings. Recent environmental concerns are however, leading to a great focus on traditional passive methods of solar control and natural lightning and renewed enthusiasm for natural ventilation and passive cooling methods. Designers, architects and engineers have adapted many traditional principles to fit in with the modern office environment, both in terms of building systems and materials and in the way in which they work today. This often results in innovative design solutions. (Limb, 1998). The impact of the use of air conditioners on electricity demand is a serious problem for almost all southern European countries. Peak electricity loads force utilities to build additional power plants in order to satisfy the demand, thus increasing the average cost of electricity.