The orientation of a building as well as its placement on the site plays a critical role in the passive design process. Managing the amount of sun a building receives (whether to achieve cooling or heating) as well as considering access to views and cooling breezes are all part of the process. Site location and orientation are factors that are considered at very beginning of the design process, to ensure that the building effectively responds to its unique site and context.

Shading and ventilation strategies work to keep the building cool . Strategically shading windows and openings can help to control and minimise solar heat gain. Shading can be achieved with design elements such as awnings and eaves tailored for the path of the sun across the seasons or with landscape design elements such as deciduous trees. Overshadowing from neighbouring buildings and trees is also considered.

The construction materials used directly impact the way heat is absorbed, stored and distributed within a building. Combined with properly insulated walls and ceilings, well chosen building materials will reduce the need for mechanical and electrical heating and cooling systems. For example, dense materials such as brick and concrete absorb heat. Thoughtful designing with thermal mass enables us to control how heat is stored and released; keeping the heat inside or outside as needed.