The Passiv Haus (Passive House) Building Energy Standard
Since our founding in 2003, Newhouse Development Group has been focused on building higher quality, healthier and more energy efficient buildings. In 2010, we took this commitment to the next level by promoting the efficiency targets set forth by the Passiv Haus (Passive House) Building Energy Standard.
The Passive House Standard is a non-prescriptive building approach with very strict technical requirements for air tightness, energy efficiency and prevention of thermal bridging. The end result is a healthier, more comfortable and much more energy efficient structure, which can be built (or renovated) at a cost that is only slightly higher than traditional construction - while producing building performance results that far exceed the added initial investment. It's not only for single family homes - the Passiv Haus (Passive House) Standard works for renovation and new construction in schools, commercial buildings and multifamily projects.
Along with higher indoor air quality and more comfortable indoor temperature ranges, buildings designed and built (or renovated) to meet the Passive House Standard typically see a 75-90% reduction in energy use, lower operating costs, and a much lower carbon footprint when compared to traditionally constructed buildings. This is a true leap forward in design, particularly as there is no need for expensive or cutting edge technologies to achieve these amazing results. These inherent advantages are important today, and will be even more important as energy prices continue to rise in the future.
Although it has been in existence in Europe since 1990, the Passive House (Passiv Haus) Standard was widely introduced to the US in 2008 and has gained rapid acceptance since that time. Recently, several states and localities adopted Passive House as an optional performance target and the US Congress has been discussing legislation that would provide incentives to builders and developers who voluntarily meet the standard. In addition, both the US Green Building Council and the National Association of Homebuilders are in the process of incorporating the Passive House Standard into their green building guidelines. Although called "Passive House buildings", these structures are designed to actively improve the indoor spaces that we inhabit as we live, work and play.
In our quest to produce better buildings and improve the building stock in the US, leadership from Newhouse Development Group has completed the Passive House Consultant training course, and we are actively involved in planning several projects that are to be built and certified to meet the Passive House Building Energy Standard.
The Passive House Standard is a non-prescriptive building approach with very strict technical requirements for air tightness, energy efficiency and prevention of thermal bridging. The end result is a healthier, more comfortable and much more energy efficient structure, which can be built (or renovated) at a cost that is only slightly higher than traditional construction - while producing building performance results that far exceed the added initial investment. It's not only for single family homes - the Passiv Haus (Passive House) Standard works for renovation and new construction in schools, commercial buildings and multifamily projects.
Along with higher indoor air quality and more comfortable indoor temperature ranges, buildings designed and built (or renovated) to meet the Passive House Standard typically see a 75-90% reduction in energy use, lower operating costs, and a much lower carbon footprint when compared to traditionally constructed buildings. This is a true leap forward in design, particularly as there is no need for expensive or cutting edge technologies to achieve these amazing results. These inherent advantages are important today, and will be even more important as energy prices continue to rise in the future.
Although it has been in existence in Europe since 1990, the Passive House (Passiv Haus) Standard was widely introduced to the US in 2008 and has gained rapid acceptance since that time. Recently, several states and localities adopted Passive House as an optional performance target and the US Congress has been discussing legislation that would provide incentives to builders and developers who voluntarily meet the standard. In addition, both the US Green Building Council and the National Association of Homebuilders are in the process of incorporating the Passive House Standard into their green building guidelines. Although called "Passive House buildings", these structures are designed to actively improve the indoor spaces that we inhabit as we live, work and play.
In our quest to produce better buildings and improve the building stock in the US, leadership from Newhouse Development Group has completed the Passive House Consultant training course, and we are actively involved in planning several projects that are to be built and certified to meet the Passive House Building Energy Standard.
The example charts shown below clearly illustrate the dramatic differences between a Passive House building (on the left) and a typical older building (on the right). These measurements were taken in July, in a hot climate (Seville, Spain), with no air conditioning or cooling applied. During the test, the outdoor temperatures ranged from 69-104°F and the Passive House building maintained a fairly comfortable indoor range of 76-80°F, while the older building suffered through an indoor range of 80-97°F. Note that due to the high ambient humidity level, the windows remained closed at night during the test period.
Passiv Haus Building
As the ambient temperature (the blue line) fluctuates over an eight day period, the Passive House building maintains an almost constant indoor temperature (requiring much less energy for air conditioning).
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Typical Building
At the same time, the indoor temperatures in the older building follow the changes in the outdoor temperature almost identically, requiring far more energy to offset the constant swings in temperature, creating a very uncomfortable space to be in and potentially a sick building.
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Want more Info?
Check out the single family Passiv Haus (Passive House) Renovation project we're planning in Santa Barbara, CA.
Check out CalPHA - The California Passiv Haus Association.
We also sell high performance and Passiv Haus certified windows. Contact us for a quote!!
Check out CalPHA - The California Passiv Haus Association.
We also sell high performance and Passiv Haus certified windows. Contact us for a quote!!
The Passiv Haus (Passive House) Standard works for renovations and new construction in schools, commercial buildings and multifamily projects.
Check out what a Factor 10 Renovation looks like in a multifamily project.
Check out what a Factor 10 Renovation looks like in a multifamily project.
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Newhouse Development Group actively supports the Passive House Standard and is proud to support the efforts of The California Passiv Haus Association and Passive House California. |
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