Passive Housed Durability – Condensation

When we think of Passive Houses, the first things that usually come to mind are airtightness (0.6 ACH50), above-average insulation levels, and whole-house ventilation. However, there are some additional subtleties to Passive House certification that are often overlooked. One of those subtleties that can be problematic is the Minimum Temperature Factor. This is a unitless value that indicates the likelihood that a location in the building has the potential to…


3C-REN | Certified Passive House Tradesperson Training with Emu Systems

3C-REN is considering offering a Certified Passive House Tradesperson training through the industry leading training provider Emu Systems. Before bringing this course to the Central Coast, 3C-REN is looking for interested individuals to ensure we can meet the minimum attendance. As of now this 5-day in-person course would be held sometime in 2022 and include: • Two-day classroom training • Two-day hands-on Passive Pod workshop • Half-day exam and optional…


Architecture at Zero Competition | 2021-21 Winners | Passive House BB receives Merit Award

Architecture at Zero is a design competition for decarbonization, equity and resilience, open to students and professionals worldwide. It serves to engage the fields of architecture, design, engineering and planning in the pursuit of sustainable design. The 2021-22 competition challenges entrants to develop affordable housing for farmworker families in Visalia, California, one of the world’s most productive farming regions. The 2021-22 Competition award announcement that took place on February 11, 2022. Click…


2022 Net Zero Conference in Los Angeles – Submit Abstract

Thank you for your interest in speaking at the 2022 Net Zero Conference in Los Angeles on September 14-15, 2022. We bring industry leaders together to respond to the climate crisis and inspire a net zero future for all people, now. We're providing synergistic zero carbon learning opportunities across industries. Overcoming the climate crisis is a defining part of our legacy. With so many of us recognizing the need to…


PHribbon | Whole Life Carbon Calculator

The PHN PHribbon allows Passive House designers to calculate total cradle-to-grave building carbon emissions, for buildings located in the US, within the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) tool. By utilizing the PHPP and PHN PHribbon, building designers have an unparalleled ability to connect design and construction choices to carbon emissions outcomes. With the PHN PHribbon designers can optimize their building designs to address our climate emergency. As with the PHPP itself, all calculations in the PHN PHribbon are transparent and viewable. Find out more



EpiPHany Corner | The Logic of The MacLeamy Curve

In 2004, Patrick MacLeamy (CEO of HOK Architects) introduced the “Effort Curve”, now known as the MacLeamy Curve, to leverage technology and collaboration early in the design process for new buildings. Today, application of MacLeamy’s logic is critically important in achieving Passive House performance. A simple analogy: Imagine you were arranging a family vacation that included visits to several countries — and you wanted to arrive back home on time…


Regenerative Construction Ecosystems

Industrialized wood construction through well managed forest resources can reduce wildfire risk, while delivering decarbonized buildings that are healthier for occupants, assembled rapidly, and adaptable. Passive House is a global ultra low-energy building standard that offers resilience in the face of wildfires, energy insecurity, and a warming world. Regenerative Construction Ecosystems is a free 6-hour symposium, over two days, focused on how wood industrialized construction deployed to meet the Passive…


The Switch is on Campaign is live!

The Switch Is On will support people in swapping out their gas-powered appliances for cleaner, safer, and more resilient electric appliances. As someone who has already begun electrifying my home, I know that this is one of the most effective and impactful ways we can build a better energy future. Most homes in California burn natural gas or propane for space heating, water heating, and cooking. These gases—like crude oil or…



Upcoming opportunity for Certified Passive House training | 3C-REN

It will be conducted in the tri-county area of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. If your zip code is within that area, and you are potentially interested, please take a few moments to fill out the form. If you are interested but live and work outside of the 3C-REN area, you are also welcome to fill out the form and include questions about whether and how you…