Passive House designs cut energy bills in half.
Passive House designs cut energy bills in half.
The Rise of Passive House: Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Introduction
Rising energy costs, poor air quality, and power outages caused by extreme weather events have led to a growing interest in lowering energy consumption and creating resilient homes. Europe has been at the forefront of the energy transition, particularly in the field of building design. One significant movement gaining traction is the Passive House standard, a certification program that focuses on energy efficiency in buildings.
What is Passive House?
Passive House buildings are characterized by well-insulated, airtight envelopes and efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. These buildings draw in filtered air and even utilize the heat our bodies and electronic devices like laptops generate. The Passive House standard aims to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower utility bills.
The Growth of Passive House
While Europe has embraced the Passive House movement, the United States is now catching up. States like New York and Massachusetts have seen an increasing number of Passive House buildings in their project pipelines. Developers are drawn to the potential energy savings, reduced emissions, and lower utility bills associated with these buildings.
Lower Utility Bills and Financial Incentives
A recent study of 45 multifamily buildings in New York and Massachusetts found that utility bills in Passive House buildings were between 30% and 50% lower than average. Although the upfront costs of constructing these homes equipped with all-electric appliances were about 3.5% higher than standard code buildings, they were sometimes cheaper when factoring in financial incentives from affordable-housing programs and utilities.
The Thermos Analogy
Ken Levenson, the executive director of the Passive House Network, compares traditional buildings to a sieve used to strain pasta. In contrast, he likens Passive House buildings to a thermos. Their airtight construction allows them to keep indoor air clean from pollutants and maintain stable temperatures for longer periods, even during scorching hot or frigid days and power outages.
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Financial Benefits and the Future of Housing
Residents of a 13-building Passive House project in Newton, Massachusetts, will benefit from extremely low heating and cooling bills, projected to be as low as $35 to $55 a month. These costs can be factored into their monthly rent. While most of the 800 all-electric units are priced at market rates, 140 units are designated as affordable housing. The total project cost is estimated to be around $1 billion, with no significant cost increases due to designing to Passive House standards. The project is expected to be completed by 2030.
Overcoming Inertia and Building a Sustainable Future
Despite the advantages and potential cost savings, less than 1% of multifamily housing constructed in the US over the past decade has adopted Passive House standards. However, rapidly increasing concerns about climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints have prompted cities like New York and Boston to prioritize green building codes and offer subsidies for sustainable and affordable housing projects. By implementing Passive House standards, developers can mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events and contribute to creating a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
As energy costs rise and the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the demand for energy-efficient buildings has never been greater. The Passive House standard offers a proven solution to reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and create environmentally friendly homes. While it may currently be a niche market, Passive House is gaining momentum in the US and has the potential to become the norm in the construction industry. By embracing Passive House standards, developers can not only save costs but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
