d2.1 SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability and the water and carbon cycles
d2.2 SOIL
Soil types, and their structural bearing and drainage characteristics
d2.3 SUN
Sun tracking, and the sun as a radiant heat source
d2.4 HEAT, WATER and NATURAL TRANSFERENCE
Hot to cold and wet to dry are very useful rules to always keep in mind
d2.5 TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY and COMFORT
The goal is comfort. Temperature and humidity must both be considered
d2.6 HYGRO-THERMAL THINKING
The building science community is better understanding the temperature-humidity dynamic as it effects people, energy and a building longevity.
d2.7 CLIMATE
Climate zones and code compliant insulation requirements
d2.8 FROST
Freezing soil is a serious building consideration. Frost depths are explained.
d2.9 SNOW
Accumulated snow is both a management and structural consideration.
d2.10 PRECIPITATION
Average mapped precipitation is one thing. Big event precipitation is another.
d2.11 UNDERGROUND WATER
The water table and underground aquifers are worth being aware of.
d2.12 WIND
Wind can be gentle or it can be devastating. Design wind speeds are explained.
d2.13 WEATHERING, WOOD DECAY, TERMITES
Some of the quiet things that break down buildings. and complicate long term maintenance.
d2.14 SOIL GASES
The earth harbors and releases gases. Some occur naturally. Some is dangerous stuff we have left in the soil and ignorantly never cleaned. Both types are potentially harmful.
d2.15 HURRICANES, TORNADOES
Concern about frequency and magnitude is growing. Some preparation is possible.
d2.16 EARTHQUAKES, WILDFIRES
Unfortunately these less predictable events exist. But they have geographic parameters and there is no reason to claim ignorance.