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…
Call for designPH Models by PHI
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
ARCHITECTURAL RECORD features Passive House
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…
The California Passive House Rebuilds Catalog
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…
Passive House & Carbon-Storing Straw Panels
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…
USGBC-CA | California Green Building Conference 2026 | Abstract Submissions are Now Open!
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…
International Passive House Open Days 2025 (November 7–9, 2025)
The 2025 Fall International Passive House Open Days will take place this weekend, from November 7–9, 2025. Organized by the International Passive House Association, Passive House Network (PHN) and Passive House California (PHCA) the International Passive House Open Days offer a unique chance to explore Passive House buildings in California, across the U.S. and around the world. Tour projects, meet current owners, and experience first-hand what it’s like to live…
Greenbuild International Conference + Expo | come visit PHCA
The Greenbuild International Conference + Expo will take place November 4–7, 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Visit the Passive House California (PHCA) booth in the Expo to connect with us and learn about the high-performance International Passive House Construction Standard (for new construction and retrofits). We look forward to meeting you and discussing the future of energy-efficient, fire-resilient, and smoke-proof buildings that deliver exceptional indoor air quality, superior energy performance, and year-round comfort. FIND OUT…
PHCA Community Meeting | Design the Future: 2025 Passive House Competition Winners Unveiled
Description With the awards ceremony concluded on November 4th, we’ll take a closer look at the winning submissions, the near misses, and entries that qualify for the competition catalog. We’ll hear from competition participants, jurors, and others who contributed to the competition. The ultimate focus will be on the next steps: how can we leverage these great efforts and make Passive House resilience a reality in the Los Angeles rebuilding…
Passive House Certification Revealed | PHCA Community Meeting (October 21, 2025)
PHCA Community Meeting October 21, 2025: This presentation provides an overview of certifying a Passive House building with the Passive House Institute. The process isn’t as complicated as you might think. However, there are essential requirements that must be met. This presentation covers those requirements and includes suggestions for making the process run as smoothly as possible. Learning Points the benefits of certification the client/architect/consultant/builder/certifier relationships the certification timeline certification…
Net Zero Conference in Los Angeles
Passive House California (PHCA) attended the Net Zero Conference hosted by Verdical Group in Los Angeles. We had a table in the exposition hall, thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to connect and learn more about Passive House. It was an inspiring day filled with engaging conversations, innovative ideas, and opportunities to learn from one another. Being surrounded by people who share a common vision for a…
Governor Newsom signed into law AB368
On Monday October 1st, CA Governor Newsom signed into law AB368. Authored by Assembly Member Christopher Ward the law directs the California Energy Commission to study the cost effectiveness of the Passive House Standard. This is a first step toward including Passive House standard in the CA building code. The CEC has until July 1st 2028 to complete its study. The major effort to see this bill come to life and…
