Atria, Roof-space Solar Collectors and Windows for Low-energy New and Renovated Office Buildings: a Review

As part of achieving near zero energy office buildings, solar gains can be optimised by built form, internal layout and the position, type and area of windows. Those solar gains can then displace heating and lighting energy in most non- domestic buildings without overt engineered solar energy harnessing features. Such approaches have been adopted to successfully realise many low-energy buildings. This review discusses key parameters and the particular challenges in the design of atria, windows and roof-space solar air heaters to reduce energy and carbon emissions associated with heating and lighting in newly-built and renovated non-domestic buildings.