Design with the sun in mind

Passive solar designs save energy and make a house cheerful and comfortable.
Consider how the building can be designed to take advantage of solar potential on the site. Features may include passive-solar heating, sizing and locating windows to enhance natural light inside, roof overhangs that help keep the house cool in summer and roofs oriented to accommodate solar panels.

Green Points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. 1 pt. for meeting passive solar-design criteria (ID 1.5)
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: 5 points for meeting a list of sun-tempered design characteristics, such as orienting the long side of the building within 20 degrees of true south and meeting guidelines on roof overhangs (704.3.1.1).

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia:

SUN: PASSIVE HEATING AND DAYLIGHTING

Further Resources

National Renewable Energy Laboratory on "Passive Solar Design"

Dept. of Energy on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

"Solar Today," by American Solar Energy Society