Fantastic News about Passive House in California! California Assembly bill AB368 has passed the legislature and is now on the way to the Governor's desk. Another step toward bringing high quality buildings to all Californians. Thanks to the office of Christopher Ward for sponsoring the bill and to Climate Action California for championing it through the process. FIND OUT MORE
Deep retrofits of existing buildings play a key role in meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in North America and beyond. Currently no deep retrofit solution exists in North America that is readily deployable at the scale of the existing building stock. Challenges include structural integrity, contamination, and implementing upgrades without disrupting tenants. This presentation delivers takeaways from the REALIZE-CA projects supported by the California Energy Commission. In these low-rise…
The recent devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires challenges us, not just to rebuild, but also to innovate. Consequently, the Passive House Network with Passive House California is launching a design competition to develop a groundbreaking catalog of high-performance homes to inspire and inform the rebuilding efforts in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities. We invite architects and designers to showcase the power of Passive House in creating sustainable, healthy,…
Passive House California (PHCA) is a proud partner of the 2025 Net Zero Conference! Hosted by Verdical Group at the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 1, this event will feature global sustainability experts in Climate, Net Zero, ESG, Equity, Carbon, and Resilience. Join us for zero carbon learning opportunities, exciting keynotes, an in-person Expo, and more! For over a decade, the Net Zero Conference has been convening climate leaders to…
Passive House California member Christian Kienapfel (PARAVANT Architects) and Jed Donaldson (Johnsonfain) are part of this episode of Beneath the Surface. We travel to California to explore how resilient design is shaping the future of our homes, communities, and cities. Join four leading experts as we uncover: How resilient design protects homeowners, society, and the environment The smartest materials and strategies to safeguard your home against climate threats Why investing…
If you missed your Passive House California (PHCA) newsletter in your inbox you can read it here: SIGN-UP FOR FUTURE NEWSLETTER READ THE AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER
Designers, enthusiasts, and curious minds—submitters and non-submitters alike—this is for you! With just weeks left to submit to the California Rebuilds Passive House Design Competition, join us for an open Q&A session led by Ken Levenson, Executive Director of the Passive House Network. His extensive expertise in Passive House strategies will help steer the discussion. This is your chance to fine-tune your ideas and tackle any roadblocks head-on. Not submitting?…
Joubert Homes rebuilt several homes in the Denver, Colorado area following the devastating Marshall Fire that occurred on December 30th, 2021. Working with these clients, Joubert discovered that the recent trauma of losing their homes informed an entirely different way of client interaction, and informed best practices that Joubert has brought to rebuilding efforts in Southern California. Applying the latest tools to create the safest and most resilient homes available,…
Exciting news! AB 368, which directs the California Energy Commission to conduct a study on incorporating a Passive House pathway into the state’s Title 24 energy code, passed the Assembly unanimously with a 79–0 vote! Next stop: the Senate — and then on to the Governor’s desk.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Company’s Jim Little shares insight into the evolving world of low-carbon concrete. Hear the latest material dynamics and specifications strategies that support sustainable design without compromising performance. We’ll explore: Effective engagement in the Design/Bid/Build process for low-carbon results Current limitations and considerations in implementation, and Cutting-edge innovations in cement and concrete technologies. Low-carbon solutions are being applied on job sites today. Come hear real-world case studies…
AB368 (Passive House Bill) passed through the appropriations committee. The goal is to consider adopting the International Passive House Construction Standard standards, as an alternative compliance pathway within California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). This initiative aims to promote the construction of high-performance, energy-efficient buildings that contribute to the state's climate goals. Passing the Appropriations Committee indicates that the bill has been reviewed for its fiscal impact and deemed viable…
Passive House California (PHCA) and the Passive House Network (PHN) shared a joint booth at the 2025 California Green Building Conference, hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) in San Francisco on May 22, 2025. Throughout the event, various PHCA members presented their Passive House projects, showcasing innovative designs and high-performance building strategies aligned with the Passive House standard. [caption id="attachment_6495" align="alignnone" width="259"] Brian Pearson and Susie Harris at the PHCA and PHN booth[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6494"…
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.
