Passive Design, Construction, and Cooling for a Hotter Planet

This CPD explores practical, climate-responsive strategies to reduce overheating and improve thermal comfort in buildings as global temperatures rise. Delivered by Toby Pear, Associate Architect at Article 25, it focuses on how passive design principles, informed site planning, material selection, and construction techniques can significantly lower cooling demand while enhancing occupant wellbeing and environmental performance. Article 25 is an architectural NGO working around the world to design and deliver meaningful projects, and Toby’s background in sustainable design and development has led to his work across Asia and Africa, delivering a variety of projects focussed on meeting the challenges of sustainable construction in a rapidly changing world.

Toby uses multiple case studies of real world examples across the globe to introduce core passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, ventilation, thermal mass, and envelope performance that reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. He also examines methods and materials that support low-energy cooling, equipping professionals with applicable knowledge to integrate passive cooling solutions into new-builds and retrofits.