PHMass Monthly - June 2024 - The Architects Perspective on the Passive House Process
Passive House Certification is now required for all multifamily buildings over 12,000 square feet in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Worcester and many other communities that have opted in to the state’s new Specialized Energy Code.
In this special live session, a panel of experienced architects will discuss the challenges and benefits that Passive House certification brings to projects. Learn about the unique approaches, design solutions, and integrated team planning that is required for success. Audience Q&A included.
PHMass Monthly - May 2024 - The Developers Perspective on the Passive House Process
Passive House Certification is now required for all multifamily buildings over 12,000 square feet in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Worcester and many other communities that have opted in to the state’s new Specialized Energy Code.
In this special live session, a panel of experienced developers will discuss the challenges and benefits that Passive House certification brings to projects. Learn about the unique approaches, design solutions, and integrated team planning that is required for success.
WHAT IS PASSIVE HOUSE?
Passive House is third party building verification program with two options for certification (PHIUS and PHI). These certification standards set energy performance and envelope air-tightness requirements that drastically reduce energy demand and provide a platform for net-zero.
Passive House’s can be any building and any size – a home, office, or school, a large multifamily building or mixed-use commercial development. With the right approach and collaborative team, Passive House can be done anywhere.
PASSIVE BUILDINGS ARE HEALTHY, AFFORTABLE, AND RESILIENT
Affordable Housing
The largest affordable housing project in Cambridge in 40 years just opened its doors as a Passive House building. Healthy and low-carbon, it’s good for the neighborhood and good for the environment. Best of all, it’s just a small preview of what’s to come as the state and region sees a boom in affordable Passive projects.
Climate Resilience
From maintaining stable indoor temperature and comfort levels during extreme outdoor weather or power outages to using stronger & longer lasting materials that can withstand the test of time, Passive House buildings are built for the future.
Air Quality & Health
By keeping out pollutants and providing only fresh, filtered air, Passive House buildings see dramatically lower levels of particulate matter, VOC’s, carbon dioxide, and other harmful chemicals - delivering exceptional levels of indoor air quality, improving occupant health and comfort.
Low-Carbon Buildings
Reducing the amount of energy our buildings demand is only the first step in creating true low-carbon buildings. In order to reach carbon-neutrality we must reduce the embodied carbon and energy from the materials we use and the construction process itself.