ASES names Ralph Knowles Passive Solar Pionner

The American Solar Energy Society has named

Ralph Knowles a “Passive Solar Pioneer.” Distinguished Professor Emeritus Knowles has spent the past 40 years at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. Among Knowles’ contributions to passive design is the “solar envelope,” a zoning concept that ensures city buildings have access to sunshine for energy and quality-of-life benefits. He has written eight books and dozens of articles.