flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Boston’s new stretch code requires new multifamily structures to meet Passive House building requirements

Multifamily Housing

Boston’s new stretch code requires new multifamily structures to meet Passive House building requirements

Phius certifications are expected to increase with tougher green building standards.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | May 30, 2023
Boston’s new stretch code requires new multifamily structures to meet Passive House building requirements

Photo by David Bartus

Phius certifications are expected to become more common as states and cities boost green building standards.

The City of Boston recently adopted Massachusetts’s so-called opt-in building code, a set of sustainability standards that goes beyond the standard state code.

“Starting January 1, 2024, every new multifamily building built in Boston must meet passive building requirements, with Phius certification representing the most established path to reach those requirements,” according to a Phius news release.

Boston’s action made it the eighth, and by far the largest, Massachusetts municipality to adopt the code, with many others expected to follow suit. Buildings that meet the Phius Certification standard are proven to use 40% to 60% less energy than code-built buildings at minimal to no upfront cost premium, Phius says.

Boston is the first major U.S. city to adopt a building code that requires passive building standards.

Related Stories

Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016

Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing

Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.  

Multifamily Housing | Jul 7, 2016

Courtyards make Brooklyn’s Bushwick II residential development its own miniature city

Bushwick II will feature light-filled plaza spaces, a roof for urban living, and more than 800 apartment units.

Market Data | Jul 7, 2016

Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City

Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.

Market Data | Jul 6, 2016

A thriving economy and influx of businesses spur construction in downtown Seattle

Development investment is twice what it was five years ago. 

Multifamily Housing | Jul 5, 2016

Apartments continue to shrink, rents continue to rise

Latest survey by RENTCafé tracks size changes in 95 metros. 

High-rise Construction | Jun 29, 2016

Best Tall Buildings around the world favor unusual shapes and hybrid functions

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat selects winners in four regions.

Multifamily Housing | Jun 22, 2016

Can multifamily construction keep up with projected demand?

The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest disection of America’s housing market finds moderate- and low-priced rentals in short supply.

Urban Planning | Jun 15, 2016

Swedish ‘Timber Town’ proposal from C.F. Møller provides a unique blend of nature and city

The development acts as a transition area between a traditional urban landscape and parklands.

Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2016

San Francisco voters approve tougher affordability requirement on new housing development

Critics charge that the measure may backfire and actually reduce new affordable units.  

Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016

Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral

The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021