flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector

Codes and Standards

Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector

Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code. 


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | December 1, 2016

Courtesy of calderoliver, Wikimedia Commons

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 | Jul 16, 2015

Oregon to spend $300 million for seismic updates on public buildings

A survey found that more than 1,000 Oregon school buildings face a high risk of collapse during earthquakes.

Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015

Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects

For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.

Engineers | Jul 12, 2015

White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs

The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.

Contractors | Jul 9, 2015

Opioid abuse blamed for increase in worker injuries, business losses

Insurance giant CNA says concerns are increasing in the construction industry.

Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2015

California Supreme Court upholds affordable housing requirements

Court cites affordable housing crisis of ‘epic proportions.’

Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2015

First valuation advisory for green and high performance property adopted

The document provides voluntary guidance to appraisers on the background and competency necessary to credibly value green buildings.

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

Maryland’s Prince George County turns to P3s to build green infrastructure

Over the next 10 years, the county must convert 15,000 acres of watertight surfaces—almost 5% of the county's total area—into surfaces that absorb or treat rainwater. 

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

Philadelphia considers more incentives for green building

Developers could be allowed additional height, floor area on projects that meet benchmarks.

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

LEED building at Duke University may be retrofitted to prevent bird deaths

More birds die from colliding with buildings at Duke than on any other campus in a 45-school survey conducted by Augustana College. Duke is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a bird migration route. 

Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015

Balcony collapse in Berkeley, Calif., prompts an examination of codes

Dry rot and too much weight appear to be the causes of a fatal accident at an eight-year-old building in Berkeley, Calif. 

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