The latest Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS) standard, expected to be released early next year, contains a prescriptive path option that could reduce the cost of certification.
Passive House 2021+ is expected to include the ability to achieve certification without a requirement for a Passive House consultant and the attendant modeling that goes with it. The Prescriptive Design Review checklist is four pages plus footnotes. It is similar to ENERGY STAR rater checklists.
The new Prescriptive Path provides an online calculator that requires a few entries to determine minimum R-values and maximum window U factor. These provisions include a window U factor maximum of .25, R-31 for cantilevered floors, R-61 for roof or ceiling insulation, and R-20 for slabs and floors over unconditioned space. Alternatively, one can provide a calculation that meets the same overall UA as the prescriptive requirements. This allows for tradeoffs.
Related Stories
Market Data | Apr 7, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 7, 2020
Leo A Daly's Hotel2Hospital prototype takes shape, while the number of delayed projects reaches 2,550 in the U.S. amid coronavirus pandemic.
Market Data | Apr 3, 2020
COVID-19 cuts nonresidential construction employment in March
The construction unemployment rate was 6.9% in March, up 1.7 percentage points from the same time one year ago.
Market Data | Apr 1, 2020
February’s construction spending decline indicates what’s to come
Private nonresidential spending declined 2% on a monthly basis and is down 0.7% compared to February 2019.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2020
Architects taking action to support COVID-19 response
New AIA task force will offer insights for adapting buildings into healthcare facilities.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2020
Senate coronavirus relief bill's tax and lending provisions will help construction firms, but industry needs additional measures
Construction officials say measure will help firms cope with immediate cash flow crunch, but industry needs compensation for losses.
Market Data | Mar 25, 2020
Engineering and construction materials prices fall for first time in 40 months on coronavirus impacts, IHS Markit says
Survey respondents reported falling prices for five out of the 12 components within the materials and equipment sub-index.
Market Data | Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus will reshape UAE construction
The impact of the virus has been felt in the UAE, where precautionary measures have been implemented to combat the spread of the virus through social distancing.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
Pandemic has halted or delayed projects for 28% of contractors
Coronavirus-caused slowdown contrasts with January figures showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs; Officials note New infrastructure funding and paid family leave fixes are needed.
Market Data | Mar 17, 2020
Construction spending to grow modestly in 2020, predicts JLL’s annual outlook
But the coronavirus has made economic forecasting perilous.
