Electrification- Fact vs. Fiction | Energy Code Ace

By Passive House California , July 10, 2026 - Uncategorized

“This session will address common misconceptions surrounding building and transportation electrification. We will explore life cycle costs associated with transitioning to electrified buildings, discuss the evolving electric grid, highlight efficient technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, and evaluate environmental impacts relative to fossil-based technologies. Through interactive discussions and evidence-based insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits associated with building electrification, enabling them to make better…

Climate Positive Award (AIA) for Los Angeles Passive House

By Passive House California , June 21, 2026 - Featured Articles, Member News, News

June 2026 (Los Angeles, CA) — The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA) proudly announced the winners of the 2026 Residential Architecture Awards, celebrating the program's 10th anniversary and recognizing excellence in residential design. More than 110 submissions were reviewed by an esteemed jury representing architecture, sustainability, and design leadership. "Residential architecture is where innovation becomes deeply personal. Every home represents an opportunity to improve quality of life, strengthen…

PHCA Community Meeting | Complexities in Selecting Passive House Windows

By Passive House California , June 16, 2026 - Community Meeting, Featured Articles

The California energy code has very simple requirements that windows have to meet in order for a project to comply with the energy code. Certified Passive House buildings, on the other hand, have a much more nuanced approach to analyzing and specifying windows. This can present some difficulties for designers, architects, energy modelers, and builders. This presentation aims to demystify these requirements and provide clear guidance as to the best…

29th International Passive House Conference | Call for Papers

By Passive House California , June 10, 2026 - Conference, News

The Call for Papers is open: Submit your abstracts until 31 August to become a speaker at the 29th International Passive House Conference! In line with this year's conference motto "Energy efficiency unites" we want to demonstrate that high energy efficiency is crucial for a successful, socially equitable energy transition that unites people instead of dividing them. Plus, energy-efficient buildings combine much more: We are particularly interested in projects that:…

PHCA Community Meeting | Passive House x Fire Hardened

By Passive House California , May 4, 2026 - Community Meeting, Featured Articles

The building industry is conducting two parallel conversations—Passive House and fire hardening, using different vocabularies to describe a fundamentally shared ethos. This talk argues that airtight envelopes, sealed penetrations, and continuous insulation architects have long detailed for Passive House performance are simultaneously accomplishing the work of fire hardening. Drawing on a retrofit underway in Pacific Palisades during the January 2025 fires and on new-construction prototypes developed for Altadena rebuilds, Marcos…

PHCA Community Meeting | Hidden Impacts of Plastic Building Products

By Passive House California , May 2, 2026 - Community Meeting, Featured Articles

Plastics are almost entirely derived from fossil fuels and generate pollution throughout their life cycle, including greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, toxic chemicals and microplastics that impact human health and the environment, and waste that lasts for centuries on land and in waterways. Many individuals and organizations are becoming increasingly concerned about plastic pollution, but most people don’t realize that the building and construction sector is the second…

PHCA Community Meeting | Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric Homes: How this new program works with homeowners and builders to help those who need it most

By Passive House California , March 20, 2026 - Community Meeting, Featured Articles, News

Passive House California has a new partner in our effort to create a carbon-neutral, all renewable energy future! RISE Homes is a program mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission and funded by the state’s six investor-owned electric utilities to incentivize all-electric home rebuilding after natural disasters. Join us for our next Community Meeting, Tuesday, April 21st from noon-1 p.m. to learn about RISE Homes, a $50 million program designed to…

Up to $45,000 ($30,000) Incentive for All-Electric Certified Passive House Homes in California

By Passive House California , March 13, 2026 - Featured Articles, News, Press Release

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced a new opportunity for homeowners rebuilding after wildfires and other natural disasters. Through the Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric Homes (RISE Homes) program, eligible Californians can receive financial assistance when reconstructing all-electric homes. Homeowners can qualify for incentives—up to $45,000—if the new home is designed and certified as a Passive House. A Passive House Standard follows rigorous design principles that dramatically improve energy performance. By combining a…

PHCA Community Meeting | What’s in a name? History and precedents to PassivHaus

By Passive House California , March 3, 2026 - Community Meeting

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…

The Updated Heat Pump Certification Criteria is Now Available (PHI)

By Passive House California , March 3, 2026 - News, Research, Ventilation

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

By Passive House California , March 3, 2026 - News

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