The Passive House standard will become the base building code for commercial construction, and is having influence in the residential arena, according to some industry observers.
Critics have questioned whether Passive House makes sense on certain commercial and institutional applications such as multi-family and college housing. If occupants are not committed to saving energy, they argue, the benefits of the standard could be negated. If residents leave lights on and windows open, for example, the premium to build to the standard would not pay off.
Nevertheless, proponents say building with continuity in the thermal barrier makes a building more likely to prove its value in the long run. Furthermore, up to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions could be eliminated is Passive House standards are implemented widely.
One advocate said there is an average premium of about 5% in construction costs—a figure that is likely to decline. In a possible sign of things to come, Massachusetts has already included PHIUS+2015 standards as an alternative compliance path to prescriptive requirements in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. Other states are expected to follow suit.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
ASHRAE, USGBC, IES consider biomass requirements in green building standard
The proposal would add biomass to approved renewables.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2015
ASHRAE, IAQA approve consolidation
Under the consolidation, IAQA will become a part of the ASHRAE organization while maintaining its own brand and Board of Directors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2015
Obama executive order requires federal construction projects to consider flood damage caused by climate change
To meet the new standard, builders must build two feet above the currently projected elevation for 100-year floods for most projects.
HVAC | Feb 6, 2015
ASHRAE, REHVA publish guide to chilled beam systems
The guide provides tools and advice for designing, commissioning, and operating chilled-beam systems.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2015
AGC working with EPA on website to help with environmental rule compliance
The goal is for the site to be improved to make it easier for construction contractors to learn how to comply with federal and state environmental guidelines.
| Feb 2, 2015
New York law requires informing firefighters of wood truss construction
New York enacted a law that could make firefighting a bit safer by mandating property owners inform government and first-responders when they build or rehabilitate a building using "truss-type" pre-engineered wood or timber.
| Jan 14, 2015
Ontario code changes boost accessibility for people with disabilities
The new amended Ontario building code includes several provisions that improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
| Jan 14, 2015
American Concrete Institute releases Spanish edition of structural concrete code
New York City last year adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommendation to require additional exit stairways in high-rise buildings.
| Jan 14, 2015
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act renewed
President Barack Obama signed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act law on Jan. 12.