Which factor has the greatest effect on meeting the cooling requirements for a building?

The factor that has the greatest effect on meeting the cooling requirements for a building is significantly influenced by thermal insulation, including products like spray foam insulation. Proper insulation helps maintain the desired indoor temperature by minimizing heat transfer through the building's envelope. By effectively reducing the amount of heat that enters the space from outside, spray foam insulation can significantly decrease the workload on the cooling system. This results in a more energy-efficient environment and enhances the overall comfort within the building.

In the context of cooling requirements, understanding the role of insulation is crucial. If a building is inadequately insulated, it can lead to increased heat gain, causing cooling systems to work harder and less efficiently to achieve desired temperatures. When compared to other options, while factors like window size and placement, type of cooling system, and internal heat gains from appliances are important, their impacts can be somewhat mitigated by the presence of high-quality insulation. Well-insulated structures can often handle larger windows or fluctuating internal heat gains without overwhelming the cooling systems, making insulation a critical factor in overall cooling demand management.