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 | Aug 18, 2020
Florida becomes the third state to adopt concrete repair code
Sets minimum requirements for design, construction, repair of concrete structural elements in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2020
ASCE seeks comments on seismic standard
Pertains to design criteria for nuclear facilities.
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2020
COVID-19 reboot guide offers strategies for reopening K-12 schools
Looks at space considerations for reopening at different scales.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2020
Document provides guidance for mass timber construction
Overview of Intl. Building Code requirements included.
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2020
Inefficient air conditioning is a key contributor to global warming
More efficient equipment and buildings could make a big difference.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2020
Concrete Institute and Post-Tensioning Institutes expand partnership
Will collaborate on new structural post-tensioned concrete code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2020
SpeedCore demonstrates excellent fire resistance without additional fire-protective coatings
New York City approves metal-concrete product for all five boroughs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2020
Designing, redeveloping communities for zero energy needed to address climate change
District heating and cooling systems boost efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2020
Virginia is the first state to adopt COVID-19 worker safety rules
Include social distancing requirements, notifications when co-worker tests positive, timelines to return to work after recovery.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.