Presented by Steve Mann - More information coming soon.
PHCA Community Meeting | Complexities in Selecting Passive House Windows
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…
What’s in a name? History and precedents to PassivHaus
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…
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…
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…
AB 368 — Bill Status Update
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
California Rebuilds Design Competition (free to enter for PHCA & PHN members)
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,…
2025 California Green Building Conference & PHCA
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"…
OPEN HOUSE | Experience a Certified Passive House (SB9) & EnerPHit Remodel in Progress in Los Angeles
Explore a small-scale urban infill single-family residence in West Los Angeles, designed under California’s SB9 regulation—a recent law aimed at increasing residential density to help address the housing shortage in Los Angeles. Designed by PARAVANT Architects, this home was recently certified as a Passive House Classic by the International Passive House Institute (PHI). You’ll also have the opportunity to observe the ongoing renovation of an existing home, which is being…
OPEN HOUSE | Visit a Certified Passive House (SB9) & EnerPHit Remodel in Progress in Los Angeles
Explore a small-scale urban infill single-family residence in West Los Angeles, designed under California’s SB9 regulation—a recent law aimed at increasing residential density to help address the housing shortage in Los Angeles. Designed by PARAVANT Architects, this home was recently certified as a Passive House by the International Passive House Institute (PHI). You’ll also have the opportunity to observe the ongoing renovation of an existing home, which is being upgraded…
PHCA Community Meeting | Liquid Applied Intelligent Membranes: The Latest for High Performing Buildings
Intelligent Membranes joins us to provide an overview of the role of liquid-applied solutions in enhancing airtightness and sustainability in construction. This session will examine their product range, including the airtight membrane “Passive Purple,” the flexible waterproof membrane “THE GOAT,” and the A2-rated intumescent fire-retardant paint “FRED.” We’ll discuss how these materials support easier application, improve building performance, and meet the requirements of Passivhaus standards. Presenter: Adam White is the…
Non Combustible Stone Wool (Mineral Wool) Solutions for Thermal, Fire, Sustainability and Sound Control
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…
