3.

CLIMATE ANALYSIS

3.1 Use of Climatic Data

Different design situations will require different weather data for the study.

Climate analysis carried out at initial design stage may be used for:

 develop design strategies

 check condensation problems in some cases
 optimisation of insulation

Load and energy calculation carried out at outline and detail design stages will require
weather data for:

 calculation of cooling and heating requirements

 design of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
 energy estimation of buildings
 3.2 Sunshade Analysis
EXAMPLE OF SUNSHADE ANALYSIS
1. Solar paths requiring shade
Studying the sun path diagram for each climatic zone, the shaded
areas represent the periods of overheating, related to undesirable
solar gain. In the lower latitudes, there is total overheating,
whereas in the higher latitudes overheating only occurs during the
summer months.
2. Sunshade analysis (vertical and horizontal)
The diagrams show the optimum location of vertical sun shading,
shielding the building from low sun angles in the morning and
evening, and horizontal sun shading blocking the high midday
sun. Tropical regions need both vertical and horizontal shading
throughout the year. In higher latitudes, horizontal and vertical
shading is only needed during the summer on the south-facing
sides of buildings.
3. Insolation
The sunpath becomes more southerly as we move
north, changing from a 'bow-tie' pattern near the
equator to a heart-shape pattern in the temperate
zones.
4. Sun requirements during winter
There are obviously seasonal variations near the
equator. Solar heating becomes more important than
in the upper latitutdes. Beginning at the equator and
moving north, the need for solar heating increases
while the need for solar shading dimishes.
3.3 Wind Analysis

Wind direction
Desirable and undesirable winds in each the climatic zones depend largely on local conditions. Any
breeze in the lower latitude (tropical and arid climates) is beneficial for most of the year whereas in
higher latitudes most wind is detrimental and has to be screened. There is also a small percentage of
the time in a year (spring and/or autumn) when comfortable conditions can be achieved naturally,
without any need for wind screening or additional breezes.

Cross ventilation
Cross ventilation is far more important in the tropics than in temperate zones. The theoretical
strategy for blocking or inducing wind flow into a building is based on local prevailing wind
conditions. Generally, for the tropical zones as much ventilation as possible is desired. For the arid
zone cross ventilation is required, but care has to be taken to filter out high-velocity winds. In the
temperate zone, cross ventilation and shielding are both necessary (for summer and winter,
respectively). In the cool region, the building should be protected from cold, high-velocity winds,
although cross ventilation is still required.
3.4 Humidity, Rainfall and Seasonal Variations

Annual Average Relative Humidity

The curve on the left represents the annual average relative humidity in the four
climatic zones. In the arid zone, the low level of humidity can be beneficial for
evaporative cooling. In the tropical zone, the high level of humidity can be very
uncomfortable.

Annual Average Rainfall

The middle curve represents the annual average rainfall in the four climatic zones.
Rainfall level can be seen to have a direct relationship with humidity levels.

Annual Seasonal Variations

The distance of the angled line from the vertical represents the annual seasonal
variations in the four climatic zones. Higher latitudes, the cold and temperate zones,
have pronounced seasonal variations. The lower latitudes have constant climates
throughout the year.
3.5 Influences on Built Form
1. Zoning for transitional spaces
The black areas represent the traditional
spaces used for lobbies, stairs, utility spaces,
circulation, balconies, and any other areas
where movement take place. These areas do
not require total climatic control and natural
ventilation is sufficient. For the tropical and
arid zones, the transitional spaces are located
on the north and south sides of the building
where the sun's penetration is not as great. An
atrium can also be used a transitional space.
In temperate and cool zones, the transitional
spaces should be located on the south side of
the building to maximize solar gain.
2. Zoning for solar gain
The black areas are spaces that can be used
for solar heat gain. They follow the varying
path of the sun in each of the climatic zones:
in the tropical and arid zones the east and
west sides; in the temperate and cool zones
the south side.
3. Use of atrium
The diagram show the optimum position for
atrium spaces in each building form in each of
the climatic zones. In the tropical zone, the
atrium should be located so as to provide
ventilation within the built form. In the arid
zone, the atrium should be located at the
center of the building for cooling and shading
purposes. For the cool and temperate zones,
the atrium should be at the center of the
building form for heat and light.
4. Potential of roof/ground floor as useable
exterior space
The distance of the angled line from the
vertical represents the potential of each zone's
roof and ground planes to be used a exterior
spaces. In tropical and arid climates, there is a
high potential to make use of all external
spaces, whereas moving towards the northern
latitudes the external spaces have to be
covered to be used.
1. Form
The diagrams show the optimum building form
for each climatic zone. Research has shown that
the preferred length of the sides of the building,
where the sides are of length x:y, are:
 tropical zone - 1:3
 arid zone - 1:2
 temperate zone - 1: 1.6
 cool zone - 1:1
Analysis of these ratios shows that an elongated
form to minimize east and west exposure is
needed at the lower latitudes. This form slowly
transforms to a ratio of 1:1 (cylindrical) at the
higher latitudes. This is a direct response to the
varying solar angles in the various latitudes.
2. Orientation
Orientation as well as directional emphasis
changes with latitude in response to solar angles.
3. Vertical cores and structure
The arrangement of primary mass can be used as a fator
in climatic design as its position can help to shade or
retain heat within the building form.
For the tropical zone, the cores are located on the east
and west sides of the building form, so as to help shade
the building from the low angles of the sun during the
major part of the day. In arid zone, the cores should also
be located on the east and west sides, but with major
shading only needed during the summer. Therefore, the
cores are located on the east and west sides,but primarily
on the south side.
The arrangement of the primary mass in the temperate
zone is on the north face, so as to leave the south face
available for solar heat gain during the winter. The cool
zone requires the maximum perimeter of the building to
be open to the sun for heat penetration. Therefore the
primary mass is placed in the centre of the building so as
not to block out the sun'r rays and to retain heat within
the building.
 Building's main Directional
Zone
orientations emphasis
On an axis 5o north
Tropical north-south
of east
On an axis 25o
Arid south-east
north of east
On an axis 18o south-south-
Temperate
north of east east
On an axis facing
Cool facing south
south
4. HONG KONG WEATHER

4.1 Climate Characteristics

Hong Kong is located at latitude 22 18' north and longitude 11410' east (this refers to the weather
station at Tsimshatsui, Kowloon). According to a climatological method of classification, the
weather of Hong Kong may be classified as "Cwa" (humid subtropical climate). In the winter
months between November and February, a winter monsoon coming from the north and northeast
directions brings to Hong Kong cold and dry air from the continental anticyclone in Mainland China.
The spring season is short and usually characterised by cloudy skies, periods of light rain and
sometimes very foggy and humid conditions. In the summer months between May and September,
the monsoon blows from the south and southeast directions. The weather is mainly tropical, hot and
humid with occasional showers or thunderstorms. The autumn is short as it lasts from mid-
September to early November. The winds become more easterly in direction. The amount of cloud in
sky and humidity decrease rapidly at this time.

[See also Climate of Hong Kong by HKO]

 Figure 4.1 Summary of Hong Kong weather

[Figure 4.2 Annual wind roses for weather stations in Hong Kong]

4.2 Outdoor Design Conditions

Recommended outdoor design conditions for Hong Kong is shown in Table 2. Essential information
for the assessment of the climate and determination of design strategies is given. The "design
temperatures" are usually the most commonly used and two sets of design temperatures (one for
comfort HVAC and one for critical processes) are provided. Other data provided include extreme
temperaturs, diurnal ranges of temperatures and wind data.

[Table 4.1 Recommended outdoor design conditions for Hong Kong]

As interpreted from the climatic data, major considerations for architectural design in Hong Kong
include:

 Solar load is important for air-conditioned buildings.

 Temperature and humidity is high and will require outdoor air control.
 A little bit of winter heating is required for some buildings.
 The diurnal range of temperature is about 5 C.

4.3 Graphical Analysis

The climate of Hong Kong can also be studied using graphical methods. Examples of the graphs and
charts are provided here:

 [Figure 4.3a - Contour map of dry-bulb temperature (DBT)]

 [Figure 4.3b - Contour map of wet-bulb temperature (WBT)]
 [Figure 4.3c - Contour map of relative humidity (RH)]
 [Figure 4.3d - Contour map of global solar radiation (GSR)]
 [Figure 4.4 - Frequency distributions of DBT]

Information relating to sun path and solar design is of much interest to Architects and the following
figures show examples of the graphs indicating the sun paths.
 Figure 4.5a - Paths of the sun throughout the year

 [Figure 4.5b - Sun path diagram for Hong Kong]

 [Figure 4.5c - Solar geometry and sun angles]
 [Figure 4.5d - Sun path diagram at 24 deg. north latitude]
5. PSYCHROMETRIC CHART

5.1 Psychrometrics

The atmosphere is a mixture of air (oxygen and nitrogen) and water vapour. Psychrometry is the
study of moist air and of the changes in its conditions. The psychrometric chart graphically
represents the interrelation of air temperature and moisture content and is a basic design tool for
building engineers and designers. Several terms must be explained before the charts can be fully
appreciated.

 Absolute humidity (AH) is the vapour content of air, given in grammes or kg of water vapour
per kg of air, i.e. g/kg or kg/kg. It is also known as moisture content or humidity ratio. Air at
a given temperature can support only a certain amount of moisture and no more. This is
referred to as the saturation humidity.
 Relative humidity (RH) is an expression of the moisture content of a given atmosphere as a
percentage of the saturation humidity at the same temperature.
 Wet-bulb temperature (WBT) is measured by a hygrometer or a sling psychrometer and is
shown as sloping lines on the psychrometric chart. A status point on the psychrometric chart
can be indicated by a pair of dry-bulb temperature (DBT) and WBT.
 Specific volume (Spv) , in m3/kg, is the reciprocal of density and is indicated by a set of
slightly sloping lines on the psychrometric chart.
 Enthalpy (H) is the heat content of unit mass of the atmosphere, in kJ/kg, relative to the heat
content of 0 deg ?C dry air. It is indicated on the psychrometric chart by a third set of sloping
lines, near to, but not quite the same as the web-bulb lines. In order to avoid confusion, there
are no lines shown, but external scales are given on two sides.
 Sensible heat (Qsen) is the heat content causing an increase in dry-bulb temperature. Latent
heat (Qlat) is the heat content due to the presence of water vapour in the atmosphere. It is the
heat which was required to evaporate the given amount of moisture.

[Figure 6 Psychrometric chart and climate classification]

Psychrometric processes, i.e. any changes in the condition of the atmosphere, can be represented by
the movement of the state point on the psychrometric chart. Common processes include:

 Sensible cooling / sensible heating

 Cooling and dehumidification / heating and humidification
 Humidification / dehumidification
 Evaporative cooling / chemical dehydration
 Figure 7 Psychrometric processes

5.2 Analysis Using PSYCHWIN

The program PSYCHWIN (see "Environmental Controls" program in our Computer Laboratory and
student LAN) can be used to learn about psychrometric and do some analysis. These are some
examples.

[Figure 8a Analysis of cooling strategies using PSYCHWIN]

[Figure 8b Analysis of thermal comfort zones using PSYCHWIN]

5.3 Bioclimatic Analysis for Hong Kong

Bioclimatic approach is used to compare the given climatic conditions with the desirable comfort
conditions. Operation strategies can be determined from the psychrometric chart. The following
figures shows the charts developed for Hong Kong and the analysis on Hong Kong's climatic
conditions.
6. URBAN CLIMATE

Urban areas have particular climatic conditions with a higher temperature than exposed
countryside, weak winds, and an amount of sunshine that varies according to the degree of
pollution, the urban density, the orientation of the streets and the shade provided by other
buildings.

6.1 Urban Microclimates

Urban microclimates are complex because of the number and diversity of factors, which
come into play. Solar radiation, temperature and wind conditions can vary significantly
according to topography and local surroundings. In addition, layout density can provide
further constraints: the precise plot division, the need for access and privacy, and the noise
and impact of atmospheric pollution must all be taken into account.

In winter, most urban microclimates are more moderate than those found in suburban or rural
areas. They are characterized by slightly higher temperatures and, away from tall buildings,
weaker winds. During the day, wide streets, squares and non-planted areas are the warmest
parts of a town. At night, the narrow streets have higher temperatures than the rest of the
city. In summer, green spaces are particularly useful in modifying the environment during
the late afternoon, when the buildings are very hot inside.

Strong local winds can modify the temperature distribution described above. Usually winds
in towns are moderate because of the number and range of obstacles they face. However, a
few configurations such as long straight avenues or multi-storey buildings can cause
significant air circulation. Tall buildings rising above low-rise building can create strong
turbulent wind conditions on the ground as the air is brought down from high levels. Strong
winds can flow through gaps at the base of tall buildings. To protect pedestrians from this,
the turbulent flow has to be prevented from descending to street level, for example by
modifying the building form or by using wide protective canopies. In semi-open areas,
adjacent buildings can be used as protective screens against some winds.

6.2 Urban Heat Island

Visit any city on a hot summer day, and you will feel waves of blistering heat emanating
from roads and dark buildings. Stay in the city past nightfall, and you will notice that the
streets are still radiating heat, while surrounding rural areas are rapidly cooling.
 Figure 10 - Urban heat island

Almost every city in the world today is hotter - usually between 1 to 4 deg C hotter - than its
surrounding area. This difference between urban and rural temperatures is called the "urban-
heat-island" effect", and it has been intensifying throughout this century. During hot months
a heat island creates considerable discomfort and stress and also increases air-conditioning
loads and the incidence of urban smog (do you notice this in Hong Kong!). Research shows
that for every degree of increased heat, electricity generation rises by 2% to 4 %, and smog
production increases by 4% to 10%. People also believe there is a direct link between global
warming and urban heat islands. First, the greenhouse effect could aggravate rising urban
temperature significantly. Second, heat islands may contribute to the greenhouse effect.

In general, there are three main factors causing the urban heat islands:

 Surface - The characteristics of the surfaces in urban and rural areas are different and
their thermal properties also differ a lot. As compared with rural areas, urban districts
have high absorption (of the heat of the sun and atmosphere), low reflection, low
evaporative heat loss and fast transmission of heat.
 Heat emission - "Artificial heat" emitted in urban districts is much higher than that in
rural areas.
 Air quality - Air pollution in urban areas is high and the particulates will form a shield
for trapping heat.
7. PASSIVE DESIGN IN HOT CLIMATES

One should attempt to perform the control task by passive controls (i.e. by the
building itself), and resort to active controls (i.e. by energy-based heating or
cooling systems) only when the passive controls cannot ensure comfort. This
approach is suggested for three main reasons:

 Economic - the installation of mechanical equipment means a capital cost

and also the recurrent cost of energy consumed and system maintenance.
 Ecological/environmental - passive buildings impose the least load on the
ecosystem, consume less energy, and produce less amount of waste.
 Aesthetic - passive buildings are more likely to be in sympathy with their
environment, and more likely to increase diversity and interest.

7.1 General Climate Control Strategies

Passive control of heat flows:

 When cold discomfort (underheated) conditions prevail:

o minimise heat loss
o utilise heat gain from the sun and internal sources

 When hot discomfort (overheated) conditions prevail:

o prevent heat gain
o maximuse heat dissipation
 Figure 3 General climate control strategies

7.2 Passive vs. Active Controls

In most climates, any attempt to ensure thermal comfort by passive means would
reduce the active control requirements. In a cold climate or in the winter of temperate
climate, passive solar heating, good insulation, and careful control of air infiltration
would reduce the heating requirements. In a hot-dry climate the massive building,
evaporative cooling and good shading may succeed in ensuring comfort.

The only exception is the warm-humid climate. Here, a building designed for passive
cooling would be as open as possible, to ensure the maximum possible cross-
ventilation, consequently it would be totally unsuitable for air-conditioning. If the
building is to be air-conditioned, a completely different design approach must be
adopted. The result would be that the building would be closed, sealed and well
insulated. In such a climate therefore an early decision must be made whether passive
or active controls would be used, whether cross-ventilation would be relied on, or air-
conditioning.
The recommended procedure for warm humid climates is to compare the
psychrometric chart climate plot with the air movement control potential zone. If the
climate lines are fully (or nearly fully) covered by this zone, we can confidently
proceed with the passive system design. If this is not the case, the client should be
advised of the two alternatives: either air-conditioning will be required, with a closed
building, or the upper comfort limit would be exceeded at some of the time.

The length of climate lines beyond the control potential zone should give an indication
of what proportion of time such overheated conditions could be expected. The
decision will have to involve a value judgement and can only be reached in
consultation with the client or the future users.

7.3 Design Strategy in Warm-humid Climates

In warm-humid climates, the nights are usually warm and there is very little diurnal
variation (often less than 5 deg C). As the humidity is high, evaporation from the skin
is restricted. Evaporative cooling will be neither effective nor desirable as it would
increase the humidity.

The designer should ensure that the indoor temperature does not become higher than
the outdoor. Adequate ventilation may ensure this by removing any excess heat input,
but this is not enough. Undue increase of ceiling temperature may be prevented by:

 using a reflective roof surface

 having a separate ceiling
 ensuring adequate ventilation of the attic space
 using reflective surfaces both for the underside of the roof and for the top of the
ceiling
 using some resistive insulation for or on the ceiling

The whole building should be lightweight to allow rapid cooling down at night. East
and west walls should have minimum or no windows in order to exclude the low angle
east and west sun. They should be reflective and/or well insulated. North and south
walls should be as open as possible, to allow for cross ventilation. This requires that
the plan arrangement should avoid double-banked rooms. The spacing of buildings
should be carefully considered to avoid obstruction of the wind. The openings require
protection from the sun and driving rain but also from mosquitoes and other insects
which abound in these climates.

At times orientation for wind and for sun give conflicting requirements, solar
orientation should take precedence, as there are ways of deflecting wind, but no ways
of altering the sun’s movement. With oblique wind incidence a projecting wing wall at
the downwind end of the building would create a positive pressure zone. On the
leeward side a similar wing wall at the upwind end would help to create a negative
pressure zone. The combined effect of these may ensure a better cross ventilation than
that given by wind with normal incidence.

Web Links

 Passive Cooling in Tropical Climate

8. CONCLUSION

A building may be considered as a 'climate modifier' which shields the indoor

environment from the external climate. Before designing a building in once place, the
changes of weather from season to season (i.e. the climate) must be well understood
so that the building can be built to shelter people all the year round.

To assess the climate in a certain location, one must study the climatic data and,
sometimes, make use of them for evaluating design options and determining design
strategies. Knowledge about climatology and engineering design is required to
achieve better understanding of the information and climatic properties. Architects
and building designers are, perhaps, also "part-time" climatologists.

FURTHER READING

 Aronin, J. E., Climate and Architecture, Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, 1953.
 Givoni, B., Man, Climate and Architecture, Second Edition, Applied Science Publishers, London, 1976.
 Goulding, J. R., Lewis, J. O. and Steemers, T. C. (Edited by), Energy Conscious Design: A Primer for Architects, B. T.
Batsford, London, 1992.
 Gut, P., Climate Responsive Building: Appropriate Building Construction in Tropical and Subtropical Region, First Edition,
Swiss Centre for Development Cooperation in Technology and Management, St Gallen, Switzerland, 1993.
 Koenigsberger, O. H., et al., 1973. Manual of Tropical Housing and Building, Longman, London.
 Lam, J. C. and Hui, S. C. M., Outdoor design conditions for HVAC system design and energy estimation for buildings in
Hong Kong, Energy and Buildings, 22 (1995): 25-43.
 Loftness, V., Climate/Energy Graphics, World Climate Applications Programme, WCP-30, World Meteorological
Organization, September 1982.
 Olgyay, V., Design with Climate, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1992.
 Szokolay, S. V., Thermal Design of Buildings, RAIA Education Division, Canberra, Australia, 1987.
 Watson, D. (Ed.), The Energy Design Handbook, Chapter 1, The American Institute of Architects Press, Washington, DC.
 Watson, D. and Lab, K., Climatic Design: Energy-efficient Building Principles and Practices, McGraw-Hill, New York,
1983.
 Yeang, K., 1994. Bioclimatic Skyscrapers, Artemis, London.
 EXAMPLES

1. Harmony Resort, St. John

U.S. Virgin Islands

Contact:
Stanley Selengut, President
Maho Bay Camps
PO Box 310
Cruz Bay, St. John
U.S. Virgin Islands 00831
tel: (800) 392-9004; (612) 348-4400
fax: (612) 348-9335
email: mahobay@maho.org
http://www.maho.org/index.html

Description

Harmony Resort, located adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park on
St. John, is a luxury resort employing the latest in energy- and resource-
efficient technologies in both its construction and operation. Built using
recycled materials and low-impact construction technology, the resort uses
only renewable energy generated by the wind and sun, maximizes efficient
use of water and minimizes waste production. Harmony serves as the
prototype for environmentally sustainable resorts in sensitive ecosystems and
landscapes.

The genesis for Harmony can be traced back nearly 20 years when owner
Stanley Selengut decided to build an environmentally-responsible campsite on
14 acres at Maho Bay on St. John. "My original intent was simply to offer an
inexpensive vacation that was close to nature but provided a degree of
comfort and convenience not found in a traditional campground," says
Selengut. Inspired by his success in developing a community of three-room
"tent cottages" using environmentally-sound technologies, Selengut recently
set out to develop a full-scale resort dedicated to the principles of sustainable
development. The result is Harmony Resort.

Harmony Resort features 12 two-story housing units constructed with the

green philosophy pioneered by Selengut nearly two decades ago.
Construction was designed to minimize site disturbance to ensure the
preservation of natural beauty and habitat, while the installation of
environmentally sound technologies ensures low-impact operation. Electricity
at Harmony is generated by the sun and wind, with timers and sensors to
maximize efficiency. The architecture employs passive solar design and water
and light fixtures minimize resource use.

The Research and Education Center (REC) at Harmony is helping

researchers learn more about efficient resource use, and their findings will be
made available to other builders. Local school children visit Harmony's REC
to learn about sustainable development, renewable energy resources, and
recycling. Finally, in-room computer systems, another project of the REC,
allow guests to receive information about the numerous technologies and
products they encounter at the resort.

Program Highlights

Environmental and Efficiency Features

 Energy for each house is provided by a photovoltaic array, while passive

cooling is achieved through the use of wind scoops, cross-ventilation,
generous overhangs to provide shade, the preservation of trees and
other vegetation and the use of heat-rejecting glazings.
 Water for each unit is heated through solar power and each unit has a
solar oven on the deck.
 Electrical appliances are kept to a minimum.
 Lighting fixtures employ the latest energy-efficient designs and
technologies.
 Cisterns in each basement collect rainwater, which is filtered before
use. Harmony uses no groundwater.
 Gray water is captured and used to flush toilets and water plants.
 Whenever possible, waste is composted and returned to the soil.
 Recycled materials have been put to maximum use in the construction
of the Resort:
o The floor decking is made from 100-percent recycled newspaper.
o The siding and roof shingles are made from a composite of
cement and recycled cardboard that comes with a 50-year
guarantee.
o Bathroom tiles and furniture tops are made from recycled glass
bottles.
o Other materials used in construction include recycled plastic for
lumber, recycled steel nails, and salvaged wood scraps and
rubber tires for the rugs.
  The Resort features a solar-powered ice machine.

Construction

 Regenerative landscaping practices were used during construction to

help reduce the size of the Resort's environmental "footprint."
 During construction, solar photovoltaic energy was used to power all
electric construction tools.
 Each house was designed and built so that no trees needed to be cut
during construction. Elevated wooden walkways connect the beaches
and buildings, leaving the soil and vegetation undisturbed.
 Pipes and cables are hidden under the walkways instead of being buried
to minimize disturbance to the environment.

Future

 Currently, all water consumed at Harmony -- beyond what is captured as

rainwater runoff -- is brought in by truck. In the future, a solar-powered
desalinization plant will be constructed to meet the Resort's water
needs.

Research and Education Center

The Research and Education Center, a facility being constructed adjacent to

the Harmony Resort, will enable researchers to perform engineering and
system performance analysis regarding resource use at Harmony. The
objectives of the research center are to evaluate the adaptation of humans to
sustainable living, to evaluate the performance of the recycled materials used
in the construction of Harmony and to evaluate the performance of the
Resort's "off-the-grid" energy system.

 Each unit contains a computer so guests can monitor and adjust their
energy use depending upon prevailing conditions.
 Information collected from each dwelling unit at the Resort will be
collected to develop a comprehensive database regarding resource use
patterns of Resort guests.
 Researchers will evaluate all solar and wind resource data in a variety of
weather conditions to determine the best way to achieve optimum
performance from available resources. To provide a basis for this
analysis, instruments collect energy and weather data every minute on a
24-hour basis.
 Vital Statistics

 Program Management/Partnerships: The Harmony Resort is a project of Maho Bay Camps, Inc. in
partnership with the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Virgin Islands Energy Office and Sandia
National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM). Substantial materials were supplied by Real Goods
Trading Corporation.

 Budget: Please contact the program directly for the latest budget information.

 Community Served: Visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands who seek to enjoy nature's beauty while
exerting the lowest environmental impact possible.

 Measures of Success:

 Harmony Resort is the the world's first luxury resort to operate exclusively on sun and wind power.
 The facility was the 1994 winner of the Grand Award for Environmental Technology by Popular
Science magazine.
 The Resort is the 1997 winner of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)/Smithsonian
Magazine Environmental Award

Published: February 1998

Success stories designed by Mark W. Nowak