Have you ever encountered confusion when discussing PassivHaus? Or is it Passive House? And what about Passive Solar – what does that have to do with it? What does a German Standard have to do with building in California? Let’s look back in history at the ideas and case studies that influenced the creation of the first Passive House standard. Considering the American and Canadian context, we’ll untangle trends and…
As heat pumps become increasingly essential for transforming the building energy system for efficient heating and cooling, the Passive House Institute has revised its scheme for testing and certifying heat pump systems, with a special focus on solutions suitable for Passive House buildings. PHI has now issued the updated and consolidated certification criteria and testing procedures for heat pumps and related combi-systems. This ensures even greater clarity, transparency, and reliability…
PHI is collecting exemplary designPH models to showcase the diversity and creativity of highly efficient building design. Designers and consultants are invited to contribute images of their designPH models for potential inclusion in upcoming materials. To participate, please complete the permission form linked below, where you can also submit your contribution. SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN PH MODEL
The January 2026 issue of Architectural Record features an article by Joann Gonchar, FAIA, exploring how the International Passive House standard is shaping fire-resilient rebuilding efforts one year after the devastating Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires. The article highlights the California Rebuild Competition, organized by Passive House Network (PHN) and Passive House California (PHCA). The competition challenged architects to demonstrate how high-performance design, airtight construction, and balanced ventilation can contribute…
Last year, the Passive House Network, in collaboration with Passive House California, held the California Rebuilds Design Competition to challenge and inspire the rebuilding efforts in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. We received dozens of entries from designers around the world, and now we’re thrilled to be able to make those entries accessible to everyone. We’re launching The California Rebuilds Catalog, available for free online, to show what Passive House…
If you missed your Passive House California (PHCA) newsletter in your inbox you can read it here: SIGN-UP FOR FUTURE NEWSLETTER READ FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
A Los Angeles Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has been certified by the International Passive House Institute (PHI). Congratulations to the entire project team on this achievement. The all-electric, fossil-fuel-free ADU is a two-story, 900-square-foot residence featuring two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Designed to meet the rigorous Passive House standard, the project incorporates a high-performance building envelope, efficient heat pump systems, and on-site solar photovoltaic generation—demonstrating how compact urban housing can deliver…
Verdant Building Products is introducing a new generation of carbon-storing building materials. In this webinar, Anthony Dente will discuss his work in code and design development of bio-based building systems that have enabled broader adoption of materials such as straw-insulated panels. The presentation will feature a patented structural insulated panel with a straw-based insulation matrix that stores carbon while meeting the cost, thermal performance, and wall-thickness requirements of energy-efficient, conventional wood construction. The use of straw supports local, circular supply…
If you missed your Passive House California (PHCA) newsletter in your inbox you can read it here: SIGN-UP FOR FUTURE NEWSLETTER READ JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
Description Wildfire risk in the built environment is rapidly increasing, bringing serious implications for life safety, property protection, insurance availability, and modern building standards. Architects, designers, and building professionals can’t afford to wing it—evidence-based strategies are essential for reducing vulnerability at both the building and community scale. Learn how to spot and shut down critical ignition pathways. Understand how Predicted Fire Weather conditions and Early Alerts can be used to…
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is an important part of supporting Health & Safety for multifamily dwelling units, and the 2025 Energy Code establishes new Mandatory requirements for IAQ ventilation in multifamily buildings. Additional prescriptive standards now also apply to multifamily IAQ in support of energy efficiency and Health & Safety. Join us for this 1-hour session in which we will dive into the equipment and testing requirements for multifamily dwelling…
The Bridge to Innovation, Sustainability, and Community Resilience. USGBC-CA's California Green Building Conference is the state’s premier gathering for sustainability leaders, innovators, and changemakers. More than 1,000 professionals from across industries, including architecture, design, engineering, construction, policy, education, and community leadership, come together under one roof for a dynamic day of networking, learning, and inspiration. In one powerful day, you’ll explore bold ideas, discover breakthrough solutions, and make connections that…
Stay informed on the Passive House building standard, project developments, upcoming events and courses. Connect with us on social media or sign up for our email newsletter.
