When it comes to wildfire events like the recent disasters in Los Angeles, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Carolinas, the danger doesn’t go away once the flames are put out. While the focus during these events is directed at the fires, the accompanying smoke produces long-lasting danger in the structures that were spared. A recent article from The Cool Down by Samantha Hindman explains why. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
The net energy savings realized in a properly insulated building are well understood. However, as design professionals strive to maximize thermal resistance, yet reduce mass in the wall assembly, insulation is increasingly being positioned in both the stud wall and the exterior side of the building envelope. This split insulation concept has introduced a number of design issues and concerns; particularly as relates to fire resistance, moisture management, and wall…
A groundbreaking bill, AB 368, has been introduced in the California State Legislature to establish Passive House certification as an alternative compliance pathway to Title 24. This marks a significant step toward advancing high-performance, energy-efficient buildings statewide. Climate Action California has been a huge support and we are here because of them! The bill may be heard in committee on April 2nd—here’s how you can take action now: Sign up…
Congratulations to the team for successfully completing certification! - Passive House Classic | One of the first Passive House rental units in California This SB-9 project embraces California's forward-thinking regulations to combat the housing shortage in Los Angeles by introducing additional residential units. Designed to meet the rigorous International Passive House Standard, it ensures superior energy efficiency, exceptional comfort, and outstanding indoor air quality. The International Passive House Standard represents…
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Description As wildfires become increasingly frequent and devastating in California, building resilience is paramount. This presentation delves into critical aspects of fire-resilient envelope and HVAC design. We'll explore how achieving superior airtightness through meticulous envelope detailing, robust exterior walls with insulation and fire-resistant cladding, ember-resistant unvented crawlspaces and foam-free, unvented roof strategies significantly enhance a home's ability to withstand wildfire threats. Finally, we'll address considerations for HVAC-related openings, outlining strategies to minimize…
Dear Friends of Passive House California, If you missed any of our live events, you can always catch up on our recorded content at your convenience. Our videos, community meetings, and other valuable recordings are available on YouTube, Vimeo, and in the PHCA resources section. These platforms provide a wealth of information on Passive House design, construction, and community engagement, allowing you to stay informed and connected. We encourage you…
Check out the updated Passive House building certification data: Over 4 million square meters worldwide! There are more and more projects focusing on highly energy-efficient construction and renovation. The trend is growing, with an increasing number of professionals in the construction industry seeking certification for the quality of their buildings. In recent years, the Passive House standard has gained significant popularity. As of January 2025, over 47,400 units have been…
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) introduced AB 368, a bill directing the California Energy Commission (CEC) to evaluate the adoption of certified Passive House (PH) energy efficiency standards as an alternative compliance pathway under Title 24 building regulations. With California facing intensifying wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels, AB 368 aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by promoting energy-efficient construction. Buildings account for 31% of total GHG…
This project in Sebastopol is nearing completion and we are excited to share some of the highlights with you. Kristin Nichols (Building Designer/Homeowner) and Spencer Dobrovolny (Builder) will present the project from their unique perspectives. We will dive into the design and construction processes of this exciting project. We will look at what challenges we faced, how we approached these challenges, and share our successes and where we think we…
Call for Submissions Deadline is Feb 14th 2025 ! SUBMIT ABSTRACT SUBMIT PRODUCT AWARD SUBMIT CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD For the first time we’re bringing California’s leading green building conference to San Francisco, where green building pros, sustainability rockstars, and change-makers from across the state will come together under one roof. Expect an electrifying day filled with fresh ideas, game-changing insights, and endless opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Whether you’re just…
PHPP 10.6 IP version gets an update, which includes: New and updated climate data Latest certified Passive House Components You can update your PHPP IP version with our provided Update file. You can find this PHPP IP Update file through the Download section of the Passive House Portal, within the description of your most recent PHPP 10 IP version." PASSIVE HOUSE PORTAL
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