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 | Jun 28, 2017
Renters don’t just want nice apartments; they want communities packed with amenities
Based on a survey from the National Apartment Association, the most popular amenities are the ones that bring the community together.
Fire and Life Safety | Jun 22, 2017
After testing, seven tower blocks found to have similar cladding as Grenfell Tower
These blocks will undergo further testing to determine if they are safe.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 20, 2017
Coliving apartments look to fill affordability and availability gaps for urban workers
One provider, Common, emphasizes community in its buildings.Â
Market Data | Jun 16, 2017
Residential construction was strong, but not enough, in 2016
The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest report expects minorities and millennials to account for the lion’s share of household formations through 2035.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 7, 2017
Jersey Strong: Local suppliers step in to help renovate a homeless shelter in the Garden State
American Standard and Philips Lighting donate products and manpower.
Resiliency | Jun 7, 2017
New disaster-resilient infrastructure building and upgrades hope to keep Haven Plaza up and running
The affordable housing complex was hit hard during Hurricane Sandy, leaving residents without electricity or water.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 7, 2017
Multifamily visionary: The life and work of architect David Baker
For 35 years, architect David Baker has been a spirited voice for affordable housing, in San Francisco and beyond.
Wood | Jun 6, 2017
Shigeru Ban-designed residential structure poised to become world’s tallest hybrid timber building
The wood, concrete, and glass building will rise approximately 233 feet when finished.
Multifamily Housing | May 25, 2017
Luxury residential tower is newest planned addition to The Star in Frisco
The building will be within walking distance to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.
