All-electric multi-family Passive House projects can be built at the same cost or close to the same cost as conventionally designed buildings, according to a report by the Passive House Network.
The report included a survey of 45 multi-family Passive House buildings in New York and Massachusetts in recent years. The average cost to construct those buildings was 3.7% more than standard, and in some cases cheaper when factoring in incentive programs.
The report also found that Passive House buildings have reduced energy usage of 30% to 50% when compared to conventionally built properties. “In some cases, these bills are eliminated entirely,” according to a Passive House network news release.
Construction of Passive House buildings has surged since 2018, but Passive House accounts for less than 1% of all multi-family construction started in the U.S. during the past decade. About half of all Passive House projects being built in the U.S. are affordable housing projects, illustrating the cost-effectiveness of green building design, the release says.
The report found that construction of all-electric, multi-family Passive House buildings, including market-rate and affordable housing, is primed to soar in early-mover states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. “This is due to a combination of bold policy requirements in new energy codes as well as utility-funded incentive programs, energy efficiency programs, and the Inflation Reduction Act.”
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Mar 18, 2021
Mixed-use residence for UCLA medical students completes
Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects designed the project.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 15, 2021
First phase of Presidium Waterford breaks ground in Austin, Texas
O’Brien Architects and Dwell Design Studio are designing the project.
Luxury Residential | Mar 10, 2021
Luxury multifamily development opens at the front door of Charlotte’s South End neighborhood
Broadstone Queen City recently opened its doors to its first residents.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2021
9 smart connectivity systems for multifamily housing communities
Smart connectivity systems are starting to become a must-have amenity in multifamily properties—and not just for upscale urban rentals.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 9, 2021
Investor demand for multifamily real estate remains relatively strong despite COVID-19
Despite a disruptive pandemic, investor demand for multifamily real estate was strong in 2020, according to a newly released Yardi Matrix Bulletin. Around 252,000 apartment units were absorbed last year. That’s about 1.7% of total market stock and down 12% from the 286,300 apartments purchased in 2019.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 7, 2021
Deadline extended for Cover Photo of the next issue of MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction
Request from Editori of Multifamily Design+Construction for photos showing project amenities, for next issue of the magazine.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 7, 2021
New Olympia i3 kitchen faucet: geometric lines, minimalist style
Announcing the new Olympia i3 single handle pull-down kitchen faucet for today's modern kitchen.
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 23, 2021
Rising costs push developers to consider modular construction
The mainstreaming of modular construction offers a cost-effective and creative solution to develop new types of urban developments.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 21, 2021
Multifamily Amenities Survey 2021: Early results show COVID-19 impact on apartment amenities
Survey of multifamily developers, owners, architects, and contractors shows many adjusting their amenities to deal with the impact of the pandemic on property occupiers.