PASSIVE HOUSE DESIGN NEWSLETTER
As an architect who is serious about confronting global warming and building sustainable communities my belief in employing Passive House strategies would be a solution for curbing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse emissions. Given its potential for improved energy performance and comfort, Passive House standards provide support for the long-term stability and quality of life for both commercial and residential tenants.
Passive House is a high-performance building standard that emphasizes tightly insulated enclosures, heat recovery, and monitors airflow to reduce energy consumption. It is a straightforward concept. The design begins by optimizing the building shape and orientation to capitalize on solar heat gain and then develops a well-insulated, airtight exterior envelope. This stabilizes the building’s internal temperature throughout the year, eliminates gas heaters entirely and enables the downsize of the mechanical heating and cooling systems.
Passive House buildings are palpably more comfortable because the internal temperature remains consistent as the outdoor temperature fluctuates. The carefully detailed and constructed exterior assembly allows users to comfortably sit at a closed window without feeling a draft or hearing as much outdoor noise.
Ventilation plays an important role. Decoupled from the heating and cooling system, a heat recovery ventilation system can transfer heat that would be lost from stale exhaust air to fresh intake. This maintains almost constant ventilation and results in excellent indoor air quality.
The resulting cost savings and consistency of energy use is especially valuable for homeowners and affordable housing projects, because it prevents cost-burdened landlords and tenants, who often pay a large percentage of their income on utilities from being burdened with unexpectedly large bills in summer or winter months.
A well-designed, analyzed, and constructed building of almost any material can meet Passive house requirements and result in a 60%-85% reduction in energy use. Passive House design makes financial sense with the cost of energy expected to rise in the coming years and upfront investment in Passive House quickly pays for itself in lower operating costs.
Embracing energy-efficient design, from our local government in New York, with such laws as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has integrated Passive House standards into the states energy code and create key incentives to encourage high performing buildings. Presently according to the International Energy Agency buildings are responsible for 28% of global energy use and 32% of energy related greenhouse emissions.
Vast Brooklyn neighborhoods with people of color, affected by divestment in housing, lead exposure, mold and poor air quality would benefit greatly with Passive house design standards. Positive incentives for affordable housing and energy efficiency with requirements for robust community engagement. All while maintaining a stable, comfortable environment and quality of life. It would create career pathways and enhance the livability and economic vitality of our neighborhoods. The future is promising. M Todd Architect is a full-service architecture firm that can play an important role in helping you make informed decisions that will improve your comfort, health, savings, and environmental impact a reality.