Climate change may alter average seasonal temperatures, which may lead to an increase in the amount of energy used for the heating and cooling of buildings. Ideally, the layout of a building should take advantage of the benefits of landscaping for summertime shading, whilst allowing for the minimisation of heat loss during the winter.
External cladding materials can also affect internal temperature. High mass such as brick and concrete will release heat slowly and can help to regulate temperature, while lighter materials such as wood and steel heat and cool quickly, making it more difficult to control temperature.
Facilities should be designed to make use of and harness warmer temperatures. Building facilities such as staff areas or server rooms should be located away from south facing aspects to minimise cooling requirements. Storage areas, stairwells and unoccupied areas may be better situated in warmer parts of the facility. This reduces requirements for windows and cooling and provides options for renewable energy to be incorporated within the design.