Passive House Takes Root in the United States January 01, 2008
It is abundantly clear that the building sector is a primary
contributor of climate-changing pollutants to the environment.
Knowing this, we must decide how best to square our building
energy needs with those of our environment and of our
pocketbook. The Passive House concept—which promises to slash
heating energy consumption of buildings by an amazing
90%—represents today’s highest energy standard and most
compelling option. Thousands of homes have been built or
remodeled to meet the Passive House standard in Europe (see
“Germany’s Efficient Homes,” p. 30). Widespread application of
the Passive House design here in the United States would have a
dramatic impact on energy use. Passive House Born and Bred The
Passive House evolved from the superinsulated buildings of the
1970s, many of which were built in North America. (The Arkansas
Project, the Small Homes Council of the University of Illinois,
the Canadian National Research Council, and Minnesot