Passive House Podcast

285: Exploring Design and Community with Filmmaker Allie Rood

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Jay Fox interviews Vermont filmmaker Allie Rood about her documentary Prickly Mountain and My Design Build Life, which traces the design-build architecture movement that began in Warren, Vermont around 1963 and influenced design-build programs nationwide. Rood explains her personal connection through her father’s work in the community, the movement’s roots among Yale architects reacting against the designer/builder class divide, and ideas like Dave Sellers’ “Wild Beam Theory” of improvisational building. She contrasts early sculptural ski houses with a later sustainability-focused generation behind the Dimetrodon co-housing project and discusses Yestermorrow’s emergence as a design-build school. Rud also recounts the film’s 10-year production, funding and grant challenges, finding an editor, shifting to a personal narrative, and current festival distribution and screening plans.

https://allieroodfilms.com/
Trailer for the film: https://vimeo.com/1125499443?fl=pl&fe=sh
Reimagine Buildings: Designing for Survivability: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-survivability/registration

Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

284: Breaking Down Barriers to High-Performance Buildings with Nidhi Shah

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:28:07 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James chats with Nidhi Shah, a certified Passive House designer and member of the Reimagine Buildings Collective. Shah traces her path from early sustainability interests in India to Passive House training in the UK. They dive into her retrofit-focused work with Retrofit Action for Tomorrow (RAFT), emphasizing whole-building approaches over piecemeal measures like external wall insulation or heat pumps. Nidhi describes how funding criteria centered on operational carbon shaped retrofit decisions for cash-strapped public-sector buildings, and why reducing demand and peak heating loads matters alongside electrification and comfort.

https://www.retrofitaction.org.uk/s/RAFT-Whole-Life-Carbon-Report
Reimagine Buildings: Designing for Survivability: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-survivability/registration

283: Wunderbar Passive House with Andreas Goetz

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:59:49 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh speaks with Andreas Goetz about building the Wunderbar Passive House in Orewa, about 40 minutes north of Auckland. Originally from Germany and motivated by comfort and health, Goetz pursued Passive House despite local challenges, choosing a simple rectangular ICF design with imported European triple-glazed windows and integrated exterior shutters to manage overheating without mechanical cooling. The home uses whole-house ventilation, achieved near 0.6 ACH50 airtightness, has low power bills, and added solar projected to pay back in four years, while also earning Homestar V5.

https://wunderbar-passive-house.org/

282: BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Part 2

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:09:22 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Jacob Racusin are at the BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Conference (Sponsored by New Energy Works).

Ilka and Jacob recap day 2 of the conference including a keynote by Melissa O’Mara and Kevin Stack, “Unstoppable Inner Resilience and Generational Leadership,” which guided attendees through a meditation connecting to ancestors and future generations, highlighting accountability, leadership, and the “knowing-doing gap” via the Inner Development Goals. Ilka then interviews architect Phil Kaplan about a deep energy retrofit of a mid-century Acorn Deck House involving unexpected conditions, major structural changes, and questions about cost and embodied carbon versus rebuilding. The day’s highlights also include sessions on tools and strategies to balance operational and embodied carbon, evaluate deep versus moderate retrofits, and push manufacturers toward healthier, lower-impact materials.

Episode with Rachel White & Michael Hindle: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/building-energy-boston-with-rachel-white-michael-hindle

Meditation that is similar to the one described in the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-time-academy/id1589516917

Episode with Melissa O'Mara and Kevin Stack: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/180-inner-development-goals-idgs-and-buildings-with-kevin-stack-and-melissa-omara

281: BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Part 1

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:04:26 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Jacob Racusin are at the BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Conference (Sponsored by New Energy Works).

Ilka and Jacob speak with:

Gregory Smith, Architect at Moody Nolan
Clay Tilton, Existing Buildings Program ManagerBuilt Environment Plus (BE+)
Arlen Li, Fitwel Ambassador, Planning PrincipalHGA
Anthony Michetti, Director of Sustainability, Cell Signaling Technology
Julie Newman, PhDDirector of SustainabilityMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Steve Hessler Building Systems Specialist at New Energy Works | Certified Passive House Consultant at Holzraum System
Bryan Bleiere, Director of Offsite Construction at New Energy Works
Luke Winston-Almanzar CEO, Co-Founder Reservoir

They discuss the conference mood amid political and economic headwinds, the theme “Don’t Stop Us Now,” and a keynote on “The Cost of Pausing” featuring MIT and Cell Signaling Technology, emphasizing business cases and co-benefits for maintaining climate goals. Conference co-chairs Clay Hilton and Greg Smith highlight curation, community-building, and student participation. Trade-floor interviews feature Reservoir’s smart heat-pump water heater with predictive controls and recirculation, and New Energy Works’ timber/panelization work and foam-free assemblies.

https://nesea.org/conference/schedule/50140

https://newenergyworks.com/

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/component-spotlight-rethinking-domestic-hot-water-intro...

TRE 16: Beyond Building Science

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:25:01 -0400

Building science is at the core of high-performance construction, but it takes more than an understanding of psi-values and hygrothermal dynamics to actually get these buildings built. As we see in this episode, having a real-world understanding of materials science, finance, and how people actually work together is yet another component to this line of work. Granted, there’s still a lot of building science involved, as emphasized by the clips featuring Ed May and Ben Bogie, but this episode of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast should be a reminder that construction touches loads of academic fields, and that the status of expert will forever be a moving target in an evolving industry.

In this episode, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of conversations from the Reimagine Collective. Featured speakers include Ben Bogie, Jesse Hunt, Michael Ingui, Ed May, and Emily Mottram.

The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com.

280: Scaling Passive House in Massachusetts with Nick Nigro

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:39:49 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Zack Semke chats with Nick Nigro of Leggat McCall about the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment in Charlestown, Boston, a phased replacement of 42 aging WWII-era public housing buildings into 2,699 mixed-income units. Nick explains how the team committed to Passive House from day one and is using a repeatable “kit of parts”—precast lateral-load-bearing cores, prefabricated load-bearing exterior panels, and CLT floor systems—to improve speed, reduce temporary work, and lower both carbon and cost through iteration across 15 buildings. He describes early modeling, enclosure mockup testing, and construction-sequencing innovations like using the permanent elevator as a hoist.

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/critical-mass-scaling-passive-house-at-bunker-hill
https://www.lmp.com/

279: Beyond Aesthetics: Kia Weatherspoon on Design Equity

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James chats with Kia Weatherspoon, founder of Determined by Design. Weatherspoon describes how experiences visiting her brother in prison and creating privacy during Air Force deployments shaped her belief that spaces must be felt, not just seen. She explains her mission-driven focus on affordable housing and a design process rooted in ancestry, legacy, and identity, translating community narratives into specific material and layout decisions. The discussion emphasizes bringing interiors into the integrated design team early, pushing for healthier materials amid cost and pricing-transparency challenges, and streamlining specifications to maintain budgets. The hosts reflect on how interior environments affect wellbeing and project outcomes.

https://www.determinedbydesign.com/portfolio/station-u-o/

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/leading-with-humanity-passive-interior-design

278: Exploring Insulation and Overheating Risks with Tavis Creswell-Wells

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, host Matthew Cutler interviews New Zealand building scientist and sustainability specialist Tavis Creswell-Wells of Ecolution about overheating risk, building performance, and lessons from working in the UK. Tavis describes his path from architecture to building science, early research with BRANZ on the Building Energy End Use Study, and later experience in London with large energy modeling and rating systems including BREEAM, WELL, and Part L. He argues New Zealand’s H1 code overemphasizes insulation and lacks requirements to address overheating, while Part L includes lighting, hot water, mechanical systems, and checks at design and completion. The conversation covers glazing, shading, natural ventilation limitations, PHPP overheating constraints, and using TM59 for zoned overheating analysis, and previews the Reimagine Buildings Multifamily online conference.

https://ecolutionsbs.com/ecolution

277: Transforming Multifamily Housing: Lessons from Cycle Architecture + Planning

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:35:37 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox speaks with Tony Daniels and Caitlin Matusewicz of Cycle Architecture + Planning about their backgrounds in high-performance design and the firm’s focus on scalable multifamily deep energy retrofits, resilience, and Passive House. The conversation covers why retrofits are harder than new construction and how Cycle aims to scale by starting with repeatable retrofit solutions. They discuss panelized overcladding and modular mechanical strategies, NYSERDA’s role via incentives and innovation programs, and broader barriers such as contracting and insurance models that enforce siloing.

https://www.c-ap.net/

276: Edie Dillman and Karen Ramsey on Fort Collins' Designed to 2030

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:07:35 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast Jay Fox interviews Edie Dillman (co-founder and CEO of B.Public Prefab) and Karen Ramsey (founder and sustainability strategist at Building Wellness) about Fort Collins, Colorado’s Design to 2030 pilot program. They describe B.Public’s panelized, Passive House–standard prefab shell system launched in 2019 and Ramsey’s consulting work supporting Passive House projects, including rebuild efforts after the Marshall Fire and work tied to the Los Angeles fire rebuild. The conversation centers on Fort Collins’ plan to provide affordable, permit-ready, high-performance home plan sets tailored to local climate and code, with community outreach to determine needed housing types and builder training on panelization and key Passive House techniques.

Sears Homes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears_Modern_Homes

https://www.bpublicprefab.com/
https://www.buildingwellnessllc.com/

275: Sustainable Practices in New York City with Shefali Sanghvi and Heather McKinstry

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:55:08 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, co-host Jay Fox interviews Heather McKinstry and Shefali Sanghvi of Dattner Architects about their work focusing on Passive House projects, primarily affordable housing in New York City. The discussion delves into Dattner Architects' commitment to civic work, including multifamily housing, transportation, and healthcare projects. They emphasize the benefits of Passive House standards in dense urban environments, particularly in improving indoor air quality and reducing energy consumption. The conversation also touches on overcoming misconceptions about costs, the importance of third-party certification, and the educational needs of both clients and residents. The episode concludes with recommendations for developers interested in pursuing affordable Passive House projects, including tapping into state and local resources and ensuring expertise within the project team.

https://www.dattner.com/

274: Regenerative Building Practices with Lindsey Love

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke discusses bio-based materials and high-performance buildings with Lindsey Love from Regenerative Building Solutions. They highlight the importance of early phase energy and embodied carbon modeling, integrating natural materials in construction, and the benefits of such materials for building resilience and occupant health. They also discuss the AIA 2030 Commitment and the Materials Pledge, emphasizing strategies for small firms to implement high-impact, sustainable building practices.

Regenerative Building Solutions: https://www.regenbuilding.com/

Link to the AIA 2030 Commitment: https://www.aia.org/design-excellence/climate-action/zero-carbon/2030-commitment

Nature-based Performance Lab's Fall insight brief: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/retrofit-labs-insight-briefs-now-available

TRE 15: Are You Experienced?

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:33:04 -0500

There’s a lot of building science that goes into making passive buildings extremely durable, efficient, comfortable, and healthy. However, one of the things that often gets overlooked when trying to explain the benefits of Passive House is the experience of actually being in one. There is a certain ineffability associated with the experience that defies easy translation into facts and figures, and this can be especially tricky to communicate to clients who are not already enthusiastic about Passive House. However, as revealed throughout episode fourteen of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, finding ways to frame Passive House as being quieter, healthier, more comfortable, more resilient, and just…better is key to getting them on board.

In this episode, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of conversations from the Reimagine Collective. Featured speakers include Craig Stevenson, Lindsay Schack, Matt Brill, Graham Irwin, and Michael Ingui.

273: Buildings as Habitat: Biodiversity-Informed Investments in Public Health

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Kristof Irwin discuss with Helena van Vliet the concept of biophilic design and its impact on human wellbeing. Helena explains how designing environments that reconnect humans with nature can optimize physiological energy and reduce stress and inflammation. The conversation delves into practical applications of biophilic design in urban environments, exploring how elements like dynamic sunlight, water features, and vegetation can improve health and connect people with natural surroundings. The episode also touches on the challenges of integrating these concepts with traditional architectural practices focused on energy efficiency and durability.

Helena van Vliet Dipl.-Ing. AIA is an internationally recognized expert in Biophilic Design. She is a registered Architect, Consultant, Researcher, Educator, and Speaker focusing on the direct connections between human and bio-habitat resilience in built environments. In her designs, consulting work and teaching, she integrates insights from her 40 years of practice, as well as data from her ongoing research in evolutionary biology, cognitive neuroscience, biopsychology, and chronobiology.

https://www.helenavanvliet.com/
https://www.biophilly.org/
https://www.biophiliccities.org/

272: Beyond the Bubble: Carmel Pratt and the Future of Passive House in NY

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast Mary James and Jay Fox chat with Carmel Pratt, the new executive director of New York Passive House. They explore Carmel's background in architecture and sustainability, her role at New York Passive House, and her approach to sustainability consulting. Carmel shares the rich history and milestones of New York Passive House, including notable policies, educational initiatives, and collaborations with key organizations like NYSERDA and the International Passive House Association. The discussion also delves into the organization's goals for 2026, emphasizing workforce development, economic feasibility, and expanding beyond their traditional bubble. Carmel also highlights significant Passive House projects in New York and discusses her own consulting business, ZAZNRG, focusing on building operation and public education.

https://www.nypassivehouse.org/
https://zaznrg.com/

271: Decarbonizing Domestic Hot Water with James Petersen

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:47:36 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, co-host Mary James discuss Passive House practices with James Petersen, founder of Petersen Engineering. The episode focuses on domestic hot water systems and their electrification, particularly in the context of Passive House standards. Petersen explains the challenges with current technologies, options for heat recovery, and the impact of location-specific energy costs. The conversation covers specific techniques such as solar thermal, drain water heat recovery, and the importance of accurate data for system sizing. Despite the cost challenges, clients are moving towards electrification due to regulations and environmental motivations.

https://www.petersenengineering.com/

Join James on January 14th 2026: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/101-domestic-hot-water-multifamily?date=2026-01-14

James Petersen, PE, is Owner and Principal of Petersen Engineering, an 18-person MEP/FP firm, with over four decades of experience designing integrated building mechanical systems. He brings a holistic approach that combines MEP design, building science, and enclosure coordination, and has served as principal-in-charge on more than 70 large Passive House projects. James currently volunteers as President of Passive House Mass and serves on the HCA Portsmouth Hospital Board of Directors.

270: Building Resilience: Maggie Ullman on Asheville's Path Forward

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox interviews Maggie Ullman, a Councilwoman from Asheville, North Carolina. Maggie shares her multifaceted background as a climate advocate, former sustainability director, and leader of a nonprofit network focused on sustainability in the Southeast. She delves into her experience running for office, the impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville, and the city's recovery efforts. Maggie emphasizes the importance of building coalitions, understanding local government roles, and adaptable strategies for sustainability. She also discusses the challenges and successes in disaster recovery, highlighting the community's unity and advocacy at the federal level.

269: High-Performance Building with Ben Bogie

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-hosts Jay Fox and Ilka Cassidy interview Ben Bogie, a third-generation high-performance builder and Director of Outreach and Education at BPC Green Builders. Ben discusses the foundational lessons learned from his family's history in building super-insulated, airtight, thermally broken structures since the 1970s. He shares insights into the evolution of high-performance building methods, the importance of incorporating sound building science techniques, and the challenges of the modern construction industry. Ben also highlights his role in educating builders on high-performance practices through venues like the International Builders Show and expresses concerns about the rapid push towards electrification without comprehensive planning. The conversation covers topics such as the benefits of measuring real-world building performance, changes in insulation materials, the importance of site water management, and the potential impact of AI on the construction industry.

https://www.bpcgreenbuilders.com/

TRE 14: Making the Hard Stuff Fun

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:57:13 -0500

In episode fourteen of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of conversations from the Reimagine Collective. Featured speakers in this episode include Beth Campbell, Ryan Abendroth, Mike Fowler, Kevin Brennan, Kara Haggerty Wilson, Nakita Reed, and Michael Ingui.

In addition to specific deep dives into ventilation systems in hot and humid climates, designing for passive survivability during extreme weather events, and the challenges of marrying historic preservation and high-performance building methods, one theme courses throughout this episode’s collection of snippets: The need for collaboration. Construction is a team sport, and a project’s success depends on the ability of stakeholders with different sets of priorities to put aside their differences and cooperate. As our speakers note, learning to speak the language of different stakeholder helps to bridge the perceived divide between these priorities.

Unrelated, but still exciting, our episode closes on some exciting news out of Massachusetts, where Passive House is booming. To learn more about what’s happening in the state after listening to this episode, make sure to check out Cost-Efficient Passive House Delivery: Learning from the Massachusetts Experience by Passive House Massachusetts’ Beth Campbell and Alexander Gard-Murray.

The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com.

268: Building the Future: Insights from the 2025 Passivhaus Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew is joined by Caroline Ashe Brady, Ann Marie Fallon, and Nathan Campbell at the Passive House Association of Ireland Conference held in Belfast. They share their insights on the current state and future of Passive House standards in the UK and Ireland. Discover the driving forces behind the shift towards more reliable carbon data, the importance of policy in advancing sustainability, and the impact of Passive House on education and student housing. Also, learn about the latest developments in energy metrics and building standards in Scotland and the need for integrating sustainable practices in retrofitting buildings. This episode provides a comprehensive look into the progressive strides being made in sustainable construction and the optimistic future envisioned by industry leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-fallon-a1baa619/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-ashe-brady/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-campbell-a92b85103/

267: Ecological Building Systems at the 2025 Passivhaus Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:54:55 -0500

In this Episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew interviews representatives of Ecological Building Systems, including Niall Crosson, the Group Technical Director, and Neil Turner, the UK Technical Manager. They discuss the company's inception 25 years ago, its growth, and its innovations in bio-based construction and air-tightness solutions. The narrative also details their training programs and market challenges, particularly regarding the advances in air-tightness and mechanical ventilation systems in the UK and Ireland. The episode highlights various sustainable products such as vapor control layers, natural insulation materials like wood fiber and hemp, and decentralized ventilation systems. Emphasis is placed on the educational aspect of their business, targeting both industry professionals and the general public through roadshows and training centers. Lastly, they underscores the importance of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, reflecting the company's mission and the broader movement towards eco-friendly construction.

https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/
https://ukphc.org.uk/

TRE 13: Starting Out and Rethinking Retrofits

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In episode thirteen of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Al Mitchell, Kimberly Llewellyn, Greta Tjeltveit, Ya’el Santopinto, Wolfgang Feist, and Lisa White.

This episode is split between two topics. The first addresses one of the most common questions veteran members of the high-performance building community hear from those who are new to the industry: How do you get your start? For some, that route may be through the trades. For others, it may be through design. There are also less orthodox pathways, particularly for folks with backgrounds in modeling, data management, or consulting. No matter what your background is, this episode provides some practical advice on beginning a career in high-performance building.

The second topic is retrofits, particularly the new Phius REVIVE standard. Guests Lisa White and Al Mitchell, both of Phius, describe the basics of REVIVE and how resilience became the driving rationale behind the standard.

266: From Retrofits to New Builds: River Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:21:16 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews James Hartford and Juhee Lee Hartford of River Architects in Hudson Valley. The discussion covers the firm's focus on Passive House projects, mostly single-family homes with a mix of new constructions and retrofits. They touch on their first retrofit project affected by Hurricane Sandy, the evolving client interest in Passive House standards, and the firm’s growth from two to ten employees. They discuss the financial and practical challenges of Passive House projects, including material and energy considerations, involvement in advocacy through Passive House Hudson Valley, and the growing demand for such homes. They also highlight the benefits of prefab construction in difficult climates and the importance of builder experience.

https://www.riverarchitects.com/

Video of River Architects' Bank Lofts retrofit project: https://youtu.be/GHLC2xGM-yk

Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registration

265: Best of Retrofit with Emily Mottram

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast co-host's Jay and Mary chat with Emily Mottram, founder of Mottram Architecture, about her architectural firm and her passion for building science and low-carbon residential architecture. Emily discusses her firm's focus on retrofits and new builds, explaining their approach to sustainable architecture using eco-friendly, bio-based materials. She shares insights on the complexity and importance of retrofitting existing structures, the challenges and benefits of panelized construction, and the holistic methods she employs to ensure the health and safety of building occupants.

https://www.mottramarch.com/

Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registration

264: Navigating Local Law 97 with Katie Schwamb

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast host Mary James meets with Katie Schwamb, Managing Director at Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex) to discuss emissions reduction and compliance with Local Law 97 in New York City. Local Law 97, sets carbon emissions limits for buildings over 25,000 square feet to help achieve near-zero emissions by 2050. Mary and Katie cover the importance of strategic planning, financial incentives, and challenges building owners face in complying with the law. Katie highlights Building Energy Exchange’s array of resources aimed at advancing energy-efficient, decarbonized buildings, including case studies, retrofit playbooks, and their Local Law 97 calculator.

https://be-exchange.org/

Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registration

263: Best of Retrofit with Andrea Michael

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:21:05 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, host Jay Fox talks with Andrea Michael, an architect from Love Schack Architecture in Bozeman, Montana. They discuss Andrea's comprehensive home retrofit, aimed at improving energy efficiency and comfort. The retrofit included air sealing, adding insulation, installing a heat pump, ERVs, solar panels, and more. The conversation highlights Andrea's journey from initial DIY efforts to a full-scale renovation, revealing significant energy savings and improved indoor air quality. The episode also touches on the challenges and successes of integrating sustainable building practices in Montana.

https://loveschackarchitecture.com/

See Andrea December 5th at Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registration

TRE 12: Changing the Conversation on High-Performance Practice

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:19:05 -0500

In the twelfth episode of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Jake Bruton, Ben Bogie, Michael Ingui, Ed May, Kristof Irwin, and Ashley Wisse.

This episode explores how practitioners across the Reimagine Buildings Collective are evolving the language and practice of high-performance building—shifting the focus toward health, comfort, and durability; tackling the realities of partial retrofits; leveraging modeling for better design decisions; and exploring radiant cooling and geothermal systems. Together, they offer a grounded perspective on how builders and designers can communicate value, raise standards, and accelerate the movement toward better buildings for all.

262: Deep Dive into Deep Energy Retrofits with Kara Haggerty Wilson

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:52:23 -0500

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, host Mary James speaks with Kara Haggerty Wilson, Design Director at Onion Flats. Kara discusses the company's focus on scaling up deep energy retrofits. She highlights their journey from initial projects in Pennsylvania to more extensive work in Massachusetts, including the challenges and successes of projects like the 130-year-old Hano Homes retrofit. Kara shares insights on navigating site-built versus panelized solutions, the importance of detailed building scans, and the evolving interest in deep energy retrofits among developers. The conversation also touches on technological advancements and the complexities of integrating new systems into old structures.

https://www.onionflats.com/
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/101-deep-energy-exterior-retrofits?date=2025-11-05

261: The ARKATA Way with Ben Walsham

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:42:00 -0400

This week on the Passive House Podcast we welcome Ben Walsham, the founder and director of ARKATA, based in Brunswick, Victoria. Trained in architecture and now a registered NatHERS Accredited Energy Efficiency Assessor, Ben empowers architects—as well as homeowners, builders, and developers—across Australia to create homes that are not only energy‑efficient, but comfortable, healthy, and resilient

With a background in residential architecture and on-site building, Ben witnessed first-hand the pressing need for better performance in homes. This inspired his transition into sustainability consulting and ultimately to launching ARKATA in 2023.

ARKATA’s mission reflects Ben's philosophy: “Uncover the power of sustainability” through a human‑centered lens, where efficiency measures translate into tangible comfort and wellbeing for occupants.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walsham-104188148/

https://linktr.ee/arkata.au

260: Recapping PhiusCon 2025

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:10:58 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Kristof Irwin are at PhiusCon 2025, highlighting key sessions and interviews with industry experts. The conference explored a variety of themes including performance, purpose, and the power of community in the Passive House movement. Key takeaways included insights on air tightness, ventilation, innovative financing models, and the challenges and successes in scaling up Passive House projects.

https://www.phius.org/phiuscon

Thank you to Ikon Windows for sponsoring this episode of the Passive House Podcast! https://www.ikonwindows.com/

Thanks to Jennie Eber, Tom Bassett-Dilley, Kai Fast, Sayo Okada, Beth Campbell, Beverly Craig, Kazumasa Tsushima, Daiji Sato, and Alexander Gard-Murray for joining us!

259: Inside Stonewater's Push for Sustainable Housing

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:23:50 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh talks with Matthew Crucifix, Director of Development at Stonewater, they discusses the organization's efforts in providing affordable and sustainable housing in the UK. Crucifix outlines Stonewater's expansive reach, managing around 40,000 homes, and their current focus on retrofitting existing homes to improve energy efficiency. Highlighting the financial challenges and solutions, including government grants and their in-house subsidy pot. He also delves into the specifics of their Passive House projects, like Cherry Grove, emphasizing the goal of building homes that are affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of housing in the UK, stressing the importance of sustainable construction methods and energy resilience.

https://www.stonewater.org/

258: Demystifying Passive House Certifications with Tony Lisanti

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:10:39 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Tony Lisanti, managing director at Integral Building and Design and QA/QC Manager for Phius. The discussion delves into various rating systems for high performance and passive houses, focusing on the HERS rating method, its standards, and applications. Tony explains his extensive experience in the energy and engineering fields and how he provides certification services for numerous federal and state programs. He further details the process of becoming a HERS and Phius rater, emphasizing the importance of early engagement in the project, thorough QA protocols, and consistent communication between designers and raters. The episode also highlights case studies, including a modular senior housing project and a panelized straw system, illustrating the complexities and benefits of these high-performance building standards.

https://www.phius.org/

https://integralbuilding.com/

https://collective.reimaginebuildings.com/

TRE 11: Global Perspectives, Practical Insights

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:44:49 -0400

In the eleventh episode of The Reimagine Edit host Zack Semke strings together some pearls of wisdom from leading Passive House experts across three continents and include Martín Comas, Ed Ettinger, Lindsey Love, Joe Lstiburek, Tomas O’Leary, and Shefali Sanghvi. Each gem is selected from a conversation that took place inside the Reimagine Buildings Collective, either during one of the Reimagine Tuesday interviews or a Friday AMA. Speakers explore how to encourage clients to pursue Passive House certification, how to better condition and dehumidify hot and moist climates, ways to improve kitchen ventilation, some tips for using natural materials, and more!

257: The Future of Passive House in the Northwest with Greta Tjeltveit

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:16:10 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, join Jay Fox and Mary James as they dive deep into sustainable building systems with Greta Tjeltveit, a Building Science Consultant at 4EA Building Science and Board President of Passive House Northwest. Greta shares her inspiring journey from researching post-Katrina rebuilding efforts in high school to her current role, discussing her experiences and insights into the evolving fields of green building, building science, and Passive House design. They also explore topics such as the importance of early testing in Passive House projects, challenges of ventilation systems in the Pacific Northwest, and the impacts of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the latest trends and innovations in sustainable architecture and Passive House certification.

Join Greta this Wednesday: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/101-balanced-ventialtion?date=2025-10-01

https://collective.reimaginebuildings.com/

256: Collective Impact: The RBC Summer Labs

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:55:51 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, join Ilka and Jay for their in-depth discussion with the members of the Reimagine Buildings Collective's innovative Summer Labs. The episode showcases the experiences and insights of various industry professionals who participated in these member-led groups. Featuring Paul Heron, Randall Anway, Lauren Shadid, Valerie Amor, Sandra Lester, Fabrizio Maso, Buck Moorehead, Lloyd Alter, Mark Attard, Rainger Pinney, and Mike Fowler.

https://collective.reimaginebuildings.com/

255: Designing London’s Passive Future: Az Rashid of Barratt London

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews Az Rashid Head of Design at Barratt London. Az shares details about Barratt London's focus on large-scale, mixed-use, residential-led regeneration projects within London, and their collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) to develop properties near transit lines. He discusses his journey from architecture to his current role and explains Barratt London's recent commitment to building all new homes to Passive House standards, including the anticipated benefits for residents and the environment. The episode covers their methodical approach to training, research, and development to achieve Passive House certification, as well as their plans to begin delivering Passive House homes by 2029.

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/london/

Reimagine Building Massive Impact (Sept 19): https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-massive-passive/registration

https://ukphc.org.uk/

254: Green Building United Revive Panel

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Accelerator Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Mary James are joined by sustainability experts Amy Cornelius, Paul Thompson, and Joe Messier as they delve into a groundbreaking retrofit project in Philadelphia. This six-part demonstration series, hosted by Green Building United, examines a project aligning with the new Phius REVIVE standard and the Living Building Challenge core principles. Listen as they discuss the integration of these standards, the challenges of retrofitting row homes, and the educational impact of their collaborative series. Discover key takeaways, innovative approaches to sustainability, and the surprising synergies between these certification programs. Tune in for an insightful exploration of how theory meets practice in sustainable building retrofits.

253: Gaelen McKee on Brooklyn SolarWorks

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-hosts Jay Fox and Mary James speak with Gaelen McKee, Founder of Brooklyn Solar Works. They dive in to the company's origins, current projects, including work with co-ops and commercial buildings, and their plans for expanding into ground-mounted solar installations. Galen also touches on the impacts of tariffs, permits for residential batteries, and the future of whole-home electrification in New York City.

https://brooklynsolarworks.com/

252: Building Beyond Compliance with Jessica Allen

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Jessica, a high-performance building consultant at Climate Shore in Adelaide. They discuss Jessica's transition from energy efficiency compliance to specializing in high-performance building with a focus on mitigating moisture risks. Jessica emphasizes the importance of proper construction practices and ventilation in preventing mold, touching on the challenges of getting builders and homeowners to adopt better practices. She highlights the relevance of Passive House standards and her involvement in promoting building science in Australia.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-allen-esd/

https://www.climasure.com.au/

https://www.endurobuilders.com.au/

https://building-sciology-poddie.podcastpage.io/?v=lfcm

https://www.instagram.com/building.sciology/

https://www.tiktok.com/@building.sociology

251: Future Vision: Michael Quast on Leading Passive House Canada

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive Hosue Podcast, Zack Semke welcomes Michael Quast, the new CEO of Passive House Canada. Michael shares his diverse background in construction, business development, and media, emphasizing his passion for sustainable building. They discuss Michael's journey to Passive House Canada, his experience with straw bale construction, and his focus on fostering collaboration and breaking down silos within the sustainability sector. This episode highlights the importance of engaging both the building community and consumers to promote high-performance, energy-efficient buildings.

https://www.passivehousecanada.com/

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-helping-shape-state-energy-codes

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-36-robyn-wark-bc-hydro

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-encore-ep-robyn-wark-bc-hydro

250: Enhancing Lives and Cutting Carbon in Ireland

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews Stephen O'Shea, head of Sustainable Construction at Carin Homes. Steven discusses the company's focus on large-scale residential projects, their commitment to Passive House standards, and the significant benefits for residents. He shares his journey from architecture to sustainable design, training strategies for implementing these standards, and the ecological measures taken on building sites. The episode also covers the need for public education on Passive House and previews an upcoming conference in collaboration with the Passive House Trust.

https://www.cairnhomes.com/

TRE 10: From Dehumidifiers to De-carbonization

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this tenth episode of The Reimagine Edit, host Zack Semke weaves together insights from a month of dynamic conversations inside the Reimagine Buildings Collective—including AMAs and Reimagine Tuesday interviews. From practical moisture control strategies to the latest in embodied carbon policy, from the efficiencies unlocked by design-build to the evolving role of materials in Passive House, this episode showcases a spectrum of expertise shaping climate-ready buildings. Tune in for perspectives from Cameron Caja, Jacob Racusin, Josh Salinger, Jesse Thompson, and Melissa Furukawa, and get inspired by a community working together to raise the bar for performance, resilience, and impact.

249: Transforming Community Housing with Arthur Lee

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh sits down with Arthur Lee to discuss his background in architecture and his work in promoting energy-efficient buildings in New Zealand. Arthur shares his experience with passive house design at Tim Green Architects and his current role at Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust. Lee highlights the trust’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality housing with a focus on energy efficiency, detailing their incremental improvements and the importance of sustainable design.

https://www.qlcht.org.nz/

Sian Taylor's appearances:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-25-sian-taylor-team-green-architects https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/threepwood-passive-house-sian-taylor

248: Insights from THRIVE 25, Melbourne Australia

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:43:45 -0400

In this episode, Matthew shares a compilation of voices from the recent THRIVE 25 Passivhaus Conference held in Melbourne

Alex Slater
Alex is the founder of Building Physics Pty Ltd, where he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for climate-responsive design. With a background in engineering and years of experience in thermal and hygrothermal simulation, Alex is committed to improving building performance across Australia’s diverse climates. His work supports architects, builders, and certifiers in delivering Passive House and low-energy buildings that excel in comfort and resilience.
🔗
buildingphysics.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alslatz/

https://buildingphysics.au/

Elrond Burrell
Elrond is a Director at via architecture, a specialist firm known for designing low-carbon, high-performance buildings. A seasoned advocate for Passive House in Australasia, Elrond brings over two decades of international experience, particularly in large-scale public and residential projects. He is a vocal thought leader on sustainable architecture and a mentor to many in the built environment sector.
🔗
via-architecture.net

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elrondburrell/

https://via-architecture.net/

Ben Sinclair
Ben is a co-founder of Basehaus, a practice focused on delivering energy-efficient, beautiful buildings through Passive House design. With a background in carpentry and design, Ben is hands-on in every stage of the building process. He champions a practical, collaborative approach that blends craft and performance to create healthier, smarter buildings.
🔗
basehaus.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benasinclair/

https://www.basehaus.com.au/

Kylie Mills
Kylie is a sustainability advocate and Director at Blukube Architecture, with a mission to create homes and buildings that are people-focused and future-ready. Her work centres on promoting healthier indoor environments and low-impact living, drawing on both Passive House and broader sustainability frameworks. Kylie is a regular speaker and educator in the field of regenerative and sustainable design.
🔗
Blukube Architecture on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-mills-sustainabilityadvocate/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blukube-architecture/about/

Elena Cazacu
Elena is the Director of Evissa, a specialist provider of SIPs and high-performance building systems for Passive House and beyond. With a strong focus on prefabrication and building envelope innovation, Elena is at the forefront of the shift toward smarter, faster, and more sustainable construction in Australia. She is a passionate advocate for Passive House education and systems-based thinking.
🔗
evissa.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/evissa-sips-passive-house/

https://evissa.com.au/

Linden Thorley
Linden is an Architect and certified Passive House Designer dedicated to regenerative and climate-conscious design. Operating his own studio, Linden applies a holistic and collaborative approach that respects both people and place. He is a strong advocate for Passive House as a key tool in providing better outcomes for his clients.
🔗
lindenthorley.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linden-thorley-8b448a308/

https://www.lindenthorley.com.au/

A big thanks to Andy Marlow and Talina Edwards from Envirotecture who made it possible for Matthew to attend this year’s conference in Melbourne, Australia and thanks to Cascadia Windows and Doors for sponsoring this week’s episode.

247: Natural Materials and Collective Power

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:47:52 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Jay Fox talks with Ace McArleton of New Frameworks about building with straw-insulated prefab panels, creating inclusive workspaces in the trades, and launching the Seed Collaborative to scale low-carbon construction through shared knowledge and collective action.

https://www.newframeworks.com/

246: Scaling Retrofit with Kore: Passive House in Practice in Ireland

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James speaks with Barry McCarron, Managing Director of Kore Retrofit, about Ireland’s bold retrofit efforts and Passive House leadership. Barry traces his journey from building the world's largest Passive House Premium project to leading cutting-edge retrofit initiatives through Kore’s one-stop shop model. He shares insights into his PhD research on radon in certified Passive House buildings, the significance of airtightness and ventilation, and Ireland’s ambitious retrofit targets.

https://www.koreretrofit.com/

TRE 09: Building Better Together Everywhere

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this ninth episode of The Reimagine Edit, host Zack Semke weaves together insights from the Reimagine Buildings 25 conference and a month of rich conversations inside the Reimagine Buildings Collective—including AMAs, Reimagine Tuesday interviews, and the post-conference after party. From the growing momentum behind high-performance prefab to timeless lessons in quality craftsmanship, scale, and impact, this episode captures the spirit of a community pushing forward together. Tune in for voices from across the industry sharing what it means to build better—at every level.

245: NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Round Five Awards

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:02:22 -0400

On this episode of the Passive House Podcast join Michael Ingui as he chats with the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Round Five Award winners. From groundbreaking Passive House projects in Manhattan, Buffalo, and the South Bronx to deep retrofits and adaptive reuse in Brooklyn and beyond, we hear from architects, developers, and engineers driving high-performance, low-carbon buildings across New York State. With a focus on community impact, design excellence, and climate resilience, this episode captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable architecture.

Buildings of Excellence Website: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/

Project featured in interview excerpt #1 with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects: Kissena House

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Kissena-House

Project featured in interview excerpt #2 with Forward Development and Line 42 Architecture: 1707 Hertel Ave – buffalo

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/1707-Hertel-Ave

Project featured in interview excerpt #3 with Alloy Development and Thornton Tomasetti: 475 State Street

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/475-State-Street

Project featured in interview excerpt #4 with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects: Seneca West 110th Street

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Seneca-West-110th-Street

Project featured in interview excerpt #5 with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects: 77 William Street

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/77-William-Street

Project featured in interview excerpt #6 with Ettinger Engineering Associates: Powerhouse Apartments

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Powerhouse-Apartments

Project featured in interview excerpt #7 with ZH Architects: Building 10 Bio-Based Passive House

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Building-10-Bio-based-Passive-House

244: Hot, Humid, and High Performance

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:38:41 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Kristina Held, principal and founder of Held Architecture. Kristina shares her fascinating path through architectural education in Serbia, Germany, and the U.S., and how that global experience shaped her approach to Passive House. From humidity challenges in the Carolinas to adaptive reuse and detailing with precision, Kristina offers deep insight into designing for performance, comfort, and climate resilience.

https://www.heldarch.com/

243: Scaling Small: ADUs and the Future of Housing

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James sits down with Parlin Meyer, Managing Principal of BrightBuilt Home, and Chris Lee, Head of Design & Development at Backyard ADUs, for a deep dive into the growing world of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Together, they explore how prefabrication, modular construction, and progressive policy shifts are reshaping the housing landscape in the Northeast and beyond. From multigenerational living to zoning reforms and cost challenges, Parlin and Chris share insights from the front lines of ADU design and delivery—what’s working, what’s not, and where this crucial housing type is headed.

https://www.brightbuilthome.com/

https://backyardadus.com/

242: Heritage Meets Sustainability: Inside the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Plaza

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:11:30 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox and Mary James talk with Lisette Wong and Jack Esterson of Think! Architecture & Design to explore the award-winning Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Plaza project. Learn how this project blends community heritage with Passive House sustainability in Harlem. Lisette and Jack share their journey to Passive House, the project’s innovative design features—including advanced HVAC, daylighting with large operable skylights, green roofs, and PV systems—and the deep community impact of creating year-round space for market vendors and residents alike.

https://www.think-arc.com/

Reimagine Buildings '25 https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-25

TRE 08: Reimagining Design, Construction, and Materials

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:00:42 -0400

In this eighth episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Ed May (bldgtyp), Nakita Reed (Quinn Evans), Tessa Bradley (Artisans Group), Bev Craig (MassCEC), Mike Steffen (Walsh Construction), Lisa White (Co-Executive Director of Phius), and Jonsara Ruth and Allison Mears (leaders of Healthy Materials Lab).

Quotes:

Jonsara Ruth:
"If everybody knows a little bit more, we actually have the ability to steer things in the right direction."

Alison Mears:
"We have to be hopeful. We have to be vigilant. And we have to use our practice for good."

Ed May:
"These things are really hard to disentangle... they work together as a whole system."

Nakita Reed:
"We’re on the same team, but here’s what we’re trying to go forward."

Tessa Bradley:
"You're making the rules of your own game."

Bev Craig:
"The more educated and experienced they were, the lower the premium was."

Mike Steffen:
"We're doing it to create room in the budgets… to pull the better buildings off."

Lisa White:
"We’re trying to be… a shield and a sword against climate change."

241: Sarah Lewis on Scotland’s Bold Housing Future

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:59:41 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Mary James and Jay Fox chat with Sarah Lewis, Research and Policy Director at the Passivhaus Trust. They explore Scotland’s groundbreaking push toward mandatory Passive House standards for new buildings. Sarah dives into the motivations behind the proposed legislation, lessons from Germany and Brussels, and the vital role of embodied carbon. She also explores the practical implications—from fuel poverty and ventilation standards to supply chain readiness and the challenge of scaling EnerPHit retrofits. With clarity and passion, Sarah unpacks how policy can drive meaningful change in the built environment.

https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/

Reimagine Buildings '25 https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-25

240: Smart Living Spaces with Sharon Robinson

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 27 May 2025 11:45:46 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh talks with Sharon Robinson of Smart Living Spaces. Sharon shares her journey from standard design work to advocating for high-performance, affordable housing. She talks about how rethinking client communication, redefining “standard plans,” and focusing on building science fundamentals like heat recovery, passive design, and smart construction systems can shift the industry.

https://www.smartlivingspaces.nz/

Reimagine Buildings '25 https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-25

239: Campus Firsts: Mass Timber and Carbon Goals in Maine

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:31:17 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Architect Nat Madson and structural engineer Lauren Piepho of HGA join us to talk about Barry Mills Hall and the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies—Bowdoin College’s first mass timber buildings and the first of their kind in Maine. They share the story behind the design and construction, from early ideas sparked by the college’s pine-filled campus and carbon neutrality goals, to navigating mass timber systems, embodied carbon, and the buildings’ architectural dialogue with campus history.

Barry Mills Hall and the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies: https://hga.com/projects/bowdoin-college-barry-mills-hall-and-center-for-arctic-studies/
Bowdoin College’s case study of the project: https://www.bowdoin.edu/news/2020/pdf/furthering-mass-timber-construction---hga---consigli---bowdoin-college-22.pdf

238: Designing The Monarch with Vincent Bergeron

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 14 May 2025 09:30:00 -0400

In this episode of the hosts Mary James and Jay Fox sit down with Vincent Bergeron, an architect with Equipe A Architects in Quebec, to explore The Monarch—a groundbreaking social housing project in Sherbrooke. With 134 units guaranteed affordable for 35 years, this high-rise development is notable not only for its scale but for its ambitious pivot toward Passive House principles. Van shares how a tight timeline, a challenging site, and a collaborative team led to innovative choices in prefabrication, envelope design, and energy efficiency. Hear how a late-stage decision to pursue Passive House certification helped shape a healthier, more resilient living environment for low-income families, all while keeping costs in check.

https://equipea.ca/

TRE 07: Resilience, Retrofits and More

Sun, 11 May 2025 14:55:07 -0400

In this seventh episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Jessica Grove Smith (Joint Managing Director of Passive House Institute), Mark Attard, Rainger Pinney, John Loercher, Galen Staengl, Mike Fowler, Cait Eggers, Sean Velez, Nidhi Shaw, and Lloyd Alter.

Quotes:

"Walking off the ferry in Seattle and ashes falling out of the sky—that changes your perspective. The same thing with the heat dome and with COVID. These events over the last seven to eight years have reshaped how I think and approach design and architecture, and now my focus is on resilience." — Mike Fowler

"If you touch any one single component, make sure you go all the way. That’s the only way you’re going to future-proof your building and have a long-lasting carbon emission impact." — Jessica Grove-Smith

"It’s very clear that what typologies get built follow where there’s grant money. Developers are happy to build anything as long as it comes with a little extra funding—that’s a powerful lever we can use to shape the built environment." — Rainger Pinney

"In Passive House buildings, humidity changes very slowly. That just observation applies in any climate—you’re less affected because the air isn’t running through your building like it does in most buildings." — Galen Staengl

"We should be retrofitting schools rather than demolishing them. Roofs, windows, and wall cladding can be replaced; we don’t need to demolish the whole school to make it better." — Nidhi Shah

Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

237: Committing to Performance with Mark Anderson

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:36 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast we are joined by Mark Anderson a Registered Master Builder, Licensed Building Practitioner, and Certified Passive House Tradesperson based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Mark founded MA Building in 2013, driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in residential construction. Growing up on building sites alongside his father, Mark developed a deep respect for the trade, which he now channels into creating high-performance, architecturally designed homes. His passion for Passive House principles stems from a desire to build healthier, more energy-efficient homes for future generations.

Connect with Mark Anderson:

Website: mabuilding.co.nz

Instagram: @mabuilding_wanaka

PHINZ Directory: M A Building Wanaka

Resources Mentioned:

MA Building Blog: Why I Chose Passive Homes: The Real Story

Passive House Institute New Zealand: passivehouse.nz

236: Insights from the International Builder Show with Shannon Pendleton of Source 2050

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:51:20 -0400

This week on the Passive House Podcast, Jay and Mary welcome Shannon Pendleton, of Source 2050 and Sanderson Sustainable Design, to share her insights from the massive International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. From electrification trends to American-made high-performance windows, Shannon breaks down where the building industry is headed and how Source 2050 fits into the evolving landscape of sustainable building.

Source 2050 - https://source2050.com/

What is Good Wood?(article) - https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/what-is-good-wood-form-follows-forest

RB25 - https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-2

235: Passive House Pools with Jessica Grove Smith

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:54:52 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Jay Fox dive into passive leisure centers and indoor pool design with Jessica Grove-Smith, Senior Scientist and Joint Managing Director of the Passive House Institute. Jessica shares the story of how PHI began exploring high-humidity building typologies, the unique challenges of designing ultra-efficient recreation centers, and the lessons learned from pioneering projects in Germany and the UK—like the groundbreaking St. Sidwell's Point. From airtightness to evaporation reduction, this is Passive House design at its most dynamic.

https://passivehouse.com/

TRE 06: From Resilience to Prefab to Building the Future

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this sixth episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Carmel Pratt (Massive Passive AMA); Graham Irwin and Silas Patlove (Duck Curve Friday AMA); Lloyd Alter (Sufficiency First AMA); Sara Kudra, Bev Craig, Rainger Pinney, Kristof Irwin, and Alexander Gard-Murray (BuildingEnergy Boston Recap); Ilka Cassidy and Greg Leskien (PH Panelization AMA); and Andrew Peel (Passive House Modeling AMA).

234: Building Passive Schools with Architype

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:42:54 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James sits down with Hugh Pearce, architect and Passive House lead at the UK-based firm Architype. Known for trailblazing sustainable educational design, Architype is behind landmark projects like the UK’s first Passive House secondary school. Hugh shares insights into the London Docks Secondary School—an ambitious, airtight, biodiversity-rich oasis in the heart of London’s urban density. Tune in for a deep dive into Passive House design for schools.

https://www.architype.co.uk/

233: Reconstruct: The Next Generation

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:15:15 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka is at McGill University for the Reconstruct Workshop, a workshop bringing together students, researchers, and industry leaders to tackle the future of deep energy retrofits. Ilka sits down with emerging voices from architecture and engineering to unpack prefab innovation, the Single Integrated Manufacturing (SIM) model, and real-world pilot projects aimed at decarbonizing existing buildings. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how the next generation is shaping retrofit strategies that are scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful.

https://aeechair.research.mcgill.ca/en/initiatives/the-reconstruct-initiative

232: Making Passive Possible with Joseph Lyth

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler-Welsh sits down with Joseph Lyth an Associate Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer based in New Zealand. Joesph walks Matthew through his decision to build a passive house to create a healthier environment for his family. Believing that healthier, lower energy and affordable buildings are possible for everyone in New Zealand, at standard budgets.

Lower Saddle Passive House Tāhekeroa: https://nzgbc.org.nz/case-studies/lower-saddle-passive-house-t%C4%81hekeroa

231: Building the Movement: BuildingEnergy Boston '25

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:43:52 -0400

In this special episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy is joined by Kristoff Irwin of Positive Energy at NESEA's BuildingEnergy Boston '25.

Ilka and Kristoff are joined by the following inspiring speakers and organizers of NESEA 25:

Jacob Deva Racusin, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build
Andrew Himes, Carbon Leadership Forum
Laura Bailey, Vermont Council On Rural Development
Heather Ferrell, Prism Design Lab

They dive in to the conferences main take aways, lessons learned, and calls to action.

Speaker links:

https://www.newframeworks.com/

https://carbonleadershipforum.org/

https://www.vtrural.org/

https://www.prismdesignlab.org/

https://positiveenergy.pro/
https://positiveenergy.pro/building-science-podcast

Ilkas call to action resources:

https://www.echo-project.info/

https://www.greencommons.net/peer-networks

https://www.climateheritage.org/

https://www.mep2040.org/

https://nesea.org/about-buildingenergy-bottom-lines

http://massdesigngroup.org/work/research/bio-based-materials-collective

https://www.buildersforclimateaction.org/

https://se2050.org/

TRE 05: Paradigms, Retrofits, and How To Sell Passive House

Zack Semke, Ryan Abendroth, Michael Ingui, Kristof Irwin, and Tom Bassett-Dilley — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:42:24 -0400

In this fifth episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Ryan Abendroth (how to get into PH consulting), Michael Ingui (how to sell Passive Hosue), Kristof Irwin (paradigms in high performance building), and Tom Bassett-Dilley (retrofits and embodied carbon).

230: Designing for Fire Resilience with Tonje Wold-Switzer

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 08:28:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Jay Fox sit down with Tonje Wold-Switzer, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group. Tonje shares her personal journey of losing her home, navigating the recovery process, and advocating for fire-resilient, sustainable rebuilding solutions—including Passive House design. Tune in for insights on disaster response, and how communities can prepare for future wildfires.

How This Family Rebuilt Their Home Stronger after Wild Fire video: https://youtu.be/becjK7WMNXA

Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group: https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx

229: Building Airtight Homes with Barry Cope

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:58:26 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we welcome Barry Cope, Group Managing Director of the Building Compliance Testers Association (BCTA). Barry shares insights into airtightness testing, certification, and how the UK became a leader in 100% blower door testing for new buildings. He discusses the role of ATTMA, the evolution of the industry, and how airtightness impacts building performance, moisture control, and energy efficiency.

The Building Performance Hub: https://www.bcta.group/tbph/
The Building Performance Hub Podcast: https://www.bcta.group/tbph/tbph-podcasts/

228: Kirstie Wulf on Hempcrete & Resilient Homes

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:30:14 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh sits down with Kirstie Wulf of Shelter Building Design. Based in Australia’s Blue Mountains, Kirstie shares how she built her own hempcrete home, the benefits of this natural material, and how it stands up to fire, floods, and extreme weather. If you’re curious about sustainable building, passive house principles, or just love a great career change story, this one’s for you!

https://shelterbuildingdesign.com.au/

TRE 04: Fire Hardening, Circularity, and Healthy Interiors

Zack Semke, Andrew Michler, Tim Lock, Ed May, Michelle Jacobson, Maria Lomanto — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this fourth episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Andrew Michler (fire hardening), Tim Lock (designing beyond Passive House), Ed May (modeling), and Michelle Jacobson and Maria Lomanto (healthy interiors).

227: Electrifying Kitchens with Chef Chris Galarza

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with Chef Chris Galarza—founder of Forward Dining Solutions, co-founder of EcoChef, and author of Understanding the Green Industrial Revolution—to explore the powerful intersection of food, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Chris shares his journey from skeptic to advocate for kitchen electrification, highlighting how induction cooking transforms commercial kitchens by improving air quality, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency. We dive into his groundbreaking cooking demonstration for the U.S. Congress, the hidden economics of electrified kitchens, and how chefs can lead the charge toward a more responsible and sustainable future.

https://forwarddiningsolutions.com/ecochef

226: Fire-Resistant Design with Michael Marsh

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:36:21 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Michael Marsh, Principal of Sidekick Architecture in Los Angeles. Michael shares his journey into architecture and Passive House design, discusses the challenges of promoting energy efficiency in California’s mild climate, and explores the intersection of fire-resistant construction and sustainable building. From innovative ADUs to rebuilding fire-damaged homes, Michael provides insights on designing for the future while balancing aesthetics, cost, and performance.

https://sidekickarchitects.com/home-1

TRE 03: Modeling, Consulting, and Fire Resilience

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 12:57:00 -0500

In this third episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Skylar Swinford (modeling); Ed May, Lois Arena, and Marine Sanchez (Passive House consulting); and Mary James and Steve Quarles (fire resilience).

225: Transforming Sydney’s Heritage Houses with Nick Sowden

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:20:22 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we chat with Nick Sowden of Sowden Building Solutions about the electrification of homes in Sydney, the shift away from gas, and deep energy retrofits. Nick shares insights on insulation upgrades, solar adoption, and how heritage homes can be transformed into high-performance, energy-efficient spaces. Plus, we discuss Australia’s growing incentives for electrification and why the transition to clean energy is becoming easier than ever.

https://www.sowdenbuildingsolutions.com.au/

224: Designing for Deconstruction Pt.2

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:22:41 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down for part 2 of their deconstruction roundtable with Megan Stringer of Holmes, Eric Law of Urban Machine, and Katrina Lund & Imani Hamilton of Ramboll.

In Part 2 of our series, we dive deeper into the role of structural engineering in deconstruction and material reuse. They discuss overcoming industry hesitations, innovative connection technologies, and real-world applications of design for deconstruction. And also explore Urban Machine’s groundbreaking robotics, which automate lumber reclamation, making reused materials more accessible and cost-competitive.

https://www.ramboll.com/

https://www.holmes.us/

https://urbanmachine.build/

https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map

TRE 02: Harnessing Passion and Mission with Dan Whitmore and Sara Bayer

Zack Semke, Dan Whitmore, Sara Bayer — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this second episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Dan Whitmore of Blackbird Builders and Sara Bayer of Magnusson Architecture and Planning.

TRE 01: Tools and Techniques of PH Pioneers with Ed May and Lois Arena

Zack Semke, Ed May, Lois Arena — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of The Reimagine Edit (TRE) series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Ed May of bldgtyp and Lois Arena of Steven Winter Associates.

223: Designing for Deconstruction Pt.1

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down for a deconstruction roundtable with Megan Stringer of Holmes, Eric Law of Urban Machine, and Katrina Lund & Imani Hamilton of Ramboll.

In Part one of this series we dive into the transformative potential of deconstruction and circular economy practices in the building industry. Exploring designing for adaptability, reclaiming valuable materials like old-growth lumber, and leveraging new technologies to reduce embodied carbon. From regulations to real-world case studies, discover how these innovations are driving sustainability, economic benefits, and a new era for the built environment.

https://www.ramboll.com/

https://www.holmes.us/

https://urbanmachine.build/

https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map

222: Electrifying Construction with Trent Clark

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler Welsh chats with Trent Clark of Red Cedar Constructions about the evolution of his Sydney-based construction business and its focus on sustainable building practices. Trent shares his journey into Passive House design, the challenges and successes of pioneering projects like the Thornleigh house, and the growing trend toward electrification and energy-efficient homes in Australia. Tune in to hear how Red Cedar Constructions is shaping the future of green building while celebrating two decades of innovation.

https://www.redcedarconstructions.com/

221: Large-Scale Carbon Consulting with Chris Swinburn

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast host Mary James talks with Chris Swinburn, director of Beyond Carbon, about the complexities of applying Passive House principles to large-scale and commercial buildings. Discover how Beyond Carbon became a leader in sustainable design, tackling projects like the largest Passive House development in the UK—a student accommodation complex at UWE Bristol. From overcoming challenges in mechanical systems to addressing overheating risks and future-proofing against climate change, this episode dives deep into practical solutions for all-electric buildings.

https://www.beyondcarbon.uk/

220: World’s Largest Passive House Museum with Raphael Vibert

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox speaks with Raphael Vibert, Passive House Certifier and Senior Designer at Herz Lang, about the Museum of Bavarian History in Regensburg, Germany. Discover how this stunning riverside museum became the largest Passive House-certified museum in the world, the unique challenges of balancing artifact preservation with energy efficiency, and the innovative systems that make it a landmark of sustainable design.

https://www.museum.bayern/en/museum.html

https://www.herz-lang.de/de/

219: Building with Cork with Sean Conta

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This week on the Passive House Podcast Mary James sat down with Sean Conta, founder of Targa Homes. Sean shares his journey from green building certification to starting his own company in 2018, focusing on creating sustainable, high-performance homes in the Pacific Northwest. Discover how Sean educates clients about Passive House principles, his experience using innovative materials like cork and wood fiberboard for insulation, and the practicalities of reducing embodied carbon in construction. From tackling wildfire resilience to exploring the benefits of airtight construction and indoor air quality, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone passionate about sustainable building.

218: Healthy Materials & How to Find Them with Ramune Bartuskaite

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with Ramune Bartuskaite, architect and CEO of Spec Matters. Originally from Lithuania and now based in Philadelphia, Ramune shares her inspiring journey through architecture, from her academic experiences at Miami University, Penn, and international studies in Copenhagen and London, to founding her own platform dedicated to healthier materials. She shares insights on how architects can select better materials, advocate for healthier environments, and the importance of community-driven initiatives.

https://specmatters.com/

https://www.xvadesign.com/

https://appliedresearchanddesign.com/product/women-rebuild

Special Component Episode: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Construction with Source 2050

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special component spotlight episode of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy chats with Source 2050 Co-founders Michael Ingui and John Knapp and Passive House expert Shannon Pendleton. They discuss how Source 2050 simplifies sourcing innovative, sustainable products, bridging design and construction to accelerate better building practices. Whether you're an architect, builder, or consultant, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your practice and accelerate sustainable construction.

https://source2050.com/

217: Designing for a Sustainable Future with Crystal Ng

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox and Mary James talk with Crystal Ng, Director of Sustainability at Curtis + Ginsberg. Crystal discusses her first-hand experiences with Passive House projects, the future of geothermal and domestic hot water systems, and the innovative strategies her team is employing to achieve net-zero goals.

https://www.cplusga.com/

216: Biomaterials Can Store Carbon with Chris Magwood

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Zack Semke talks with Chris Magwood of RMI. Chris shares his journey from running a design-build company and school in Ontario to becoming a leading voice in embodied carbon and sustainable building practices. The conversation delves into the evolution of green building, the importance of upfront carbon reduction, and the potential of biomaterials to achieve net-zero carbon construction. Chris also highlights tools, research, and insights for advancing climate-positive solutions in residential building.

https://rmi.org/
https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/

215: A Dive into DFMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Ilka Cassidy sits down with Chelsey Effinger from GO Logic, Angie Horner and Abby Xerri of Quantum Passivhaus, and Jonah Stanford from B.Public Prefab to explore the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) process. Together, they discuss the critical intersection of architectural design, energy modeling, and panelized construction. From 3D modeling software to effective collaboration with architects and manufacturers, this conversation unveils the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future of high-performance building systems.

https://www.gologic.us/

https://www.bpublicprefab.com/

https://www.quantumpassivhaus.com/

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-biomaterials

https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/

214: Prefab Construction in NZ with Stefan Mausli

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler-Welsh talks with Stephan Mausli, co-owner of Hector Egger New Zealand. Stephan reflects on adapting to the New Zealand housing industry and redefining construction practices. Sharing the stark contrasts between European and New Zealand building standards, the challenges of prefabrication in a developing market, and his passion for delivering high-quality, sustainable housing solutions.

https://www.hector-egger.ch/de/he-nz

https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-biomaterials

213: Passive Pickleball with David Komet

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Mary James talks with David Komet about the journey of turning an underutilized urban site into a state-of-the-art pickleball facility designed with sustainability, community value, and innovative engineering at its core. David shares how a chance proposal led to a pivot from residential development to creating a Passive House-compliant sports venue. From optimizing land use near highways to integrating materials like AAC panels for thermal mass, we dive into the challenges and benefits of high-performance building design.

https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/reimagine-buildings-biomaterials

212: James Clarke on Healthier Homes with NZSIP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, we sit down with James Clarke, General Manager of NZSIP, to explore his journey from high-end construction in London to leading sustainable building innovations in New Zealand. James shares his passion for creating healthier, more resilient homes after a personal encounter with New Zealand's housing challenges. Discover how Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) offer energy efficiency, airtightness, and superior insulation, making them an ideal choice for sustainable and Passive House construction.

https://nzsip.co.nz/

211: Working Toward the UK’s Net-Zero Targets

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy talk with Joanna Lockhart of Tetra Tech Europe. As the Associate Director of Architecture, Joanna leads a specialized team focused on net zero, whole-life carbon, and circular building approaches. She shares her experience in designing sustainable, low-carbon buildings for the UK’s Ministry of Defense, navigating complex carbon targets, and leveraging circular economy principles.

Tetra Tech Europe https://www.tetratecheurope.com/

Special Component Episode with Partel: Smart Membranes Make Climate Solutions

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special component episode of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Hugh Whiriskey of Partel. Hugh shares insights into Partel’s approach to energy-efficient building, including updates on their popular ExoPerm 250 membrane and the company’s move towards more sustainable, durable building solutions. They also dive into the importance of environmental product declarations (EPDs), the evolving construction landscape in Ireland, and Partel’s expanding influence across North America.

Partel - https://www.partel.co.uk/

Building Performance Interactive https://www.partel.co.uk/media_library_category/building-performance-interactive-passive-house-accel...

Partel Component Spotlights

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-component-spotlight-partel

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/partel-component-spotlight-or-weather-tightness-and-pro...

Partel on the Passive House Podcast

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/special-passive-house-component-episode-hugh-whiriskey-o...

210: Rebuilding Better: Lessons from Christchurch with Lloyd Alter

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Lloyd Alter shares stories from his recent trip to New Zealand. We dive into the "missed opportunities" he saw in Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild and the broader evolution of Passive House standards. Lloyd discusses the impact of thoughtful building design, sufficiency in architecture, and what can be learned from New Zealand’s unique challenges in sustainable housing.

https://newsociety.com/book/the-story-of-upfront-carbon/

https://www.reimaginebuildings.com/

Special Component Episode: High-Performance Cladding with Longboard

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this Component Spotlight episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Jay Fox sits down with Aaron Frazier from Longboard to dive into innovative cladding solutions, with a special focus on the Hitch System. Discover how Longboard's extruded aluminum products, from tongue-and-groove siding to their advanced cladding attachment systems, enhance durability, reduce embodied carbon, and improve energy efficiency. Aaron shares insights into Longboard's manufacturing process, the evolution of the Hitch System, and its significant role in passive house design. Tune in for a deep dive into modern, high-performance building solutions!

Longboard: https://longboardproducts.com/

Hitch: https://longboardproducts.com/exterior-products/cladding-attachment-systems/hitch-system

209: How To Develop Your Own Passive House with Jesse Hunt

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Jesse Hunt of Emergent Development joins the podcast to share his journey of developing Houston's first Passive House. He discusses his passion for passive building and the how taking the leap to develop his own project has changed everything for him.

https://www.emergentdev.co/

208: Health, Efficiency, and Innovation at PHINZ 2024

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler-Welsh takes us inside PHINZ 2024 for insightful conversations with Alex Slater, Delia Bellaby, Dr. Emina Kristina Petrovic, Lloyd Alter, and Nikki Kruger. Together, they explore the future of sustainable architecture, from the health impacts of building materials to the intricacies of the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), and the recent updates to New Zealand’s earth building standards. Join us for an engaging discussion on energy efficiency, climate-responsive design, and the innovations driving a greener built environment

Alex Slater:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-76-alex-slater-shared-space-architecture

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/196-passive-house-humility-with-alex-slater

https://sharedspacearchitecture.com.au/

https://www.nathers.gov.au/

Delia Bellaby:

https://www.earthbuilding.org.nz/

http://www.designmake.co.nz/

https://www.standards.govt.nz/shop/nzs-42982020

Dr. Emina Kristina Petrovic:

https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/emina.petrovic

Lloyd Alter:

https://lloydalter.substack.com/

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-march-28-2022

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/living-the-1-5-degree-lifestyle-or-a-discussion-with-lloyd-alter

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/green-zoning-accelerating-smart-growth-in-single-family-zones

Nikki Kruger:

https://passivehouse.nz/about/our-team/

Component Spotlight: Net Zero Heroes with Adam White of Intelligent Membranes

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this special component spotlight episode of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke caught up with Adam White, CEO and co-founder of Intelligent Membranes. Adam shares exciting updates on the company’s innovative Passive Purple products, their recent rebranding Net Zero Heroes, and global expansion. Discover how Intelligent Membranes is revolutionizing zero-carbon building with their eco-friendly, liquid-applied membranes. This episode is packed with insights for Passive House enthusiasts and professionals alike!

https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/

Net Zero Hero trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYyioe1ixEA

Intelligent Membrane Component Spotlight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsSxWSCVzAI

207: Phius in Focus: Revive and Pro Forum

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-host Zack Semke sits down with James Ortega, the Certification Program Director at Phius. James shares insights on the evolving role of Phius, the shift from small-scale homes to larger multifamily and high-rise buildings, and the exponential growth of certified square footage in passive buildings. He also dives into the upcoming Phius Pro Forum in Providence, Rhode Island, and explore the new Phius Revive standard, which focuses on resilient retrofit projects. This episode is packed with valuable information for passive building practitioners and anyone interested in sustainable construction.

https://www.phius.org/

https://www.phius.org/browse-all-events/phius-pro-forum-2024

https://www.phius.org/phius-revive-2024

Come hear from Lisa White of Phius at Reimagine Buildings: How To Decarb

https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-decarb-connect-ec086e08-2a23-4cca-bf0f-015...

206: Behind the Scenes at the Accelerator

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Zack Semke is joined by Kim Davis, Programs Manager, and Michael Ingui, Founder of Passive House Accelerator. The team dives into exciting new developments at the Accelerator, from survey-driven programming changes to a sneak peek of the upcoming Reimagined Buildings Collective. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how they're shaping the future of zero-carbon building through collaborative community events, conferences, and practical insights from top industry experts.

Join us October 18th for Reimagine Buildings: How To Decarb

205: Exploring Passive House Co-housing with Sandra Rohler

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House podcast, Co-Hosts Ilka and Mary chat with Sandra Rohler from Cornerstone Architecture. They explore creative approaches to addressing the housing supply crisis, focusing on co-housing as a model for sustainable, community-focused living. Sandra shares insights from her experience with the Little Mountain Co-housing project in Vancouver, a Passive House-certified development, emphasizing the importance of community, sustainability, and innovative building techniques in the future of urban housing.

Links :

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/sandra-rohler-little-mountain-cohousing
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-105-scott-kennedy-cornerstone-architecture
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/184-scaling-up-can-prefab-help-passive-building-go-mainstream
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/improving-our-passive-house-modeling-tools
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/component-spotlight-intelligent-weather-barriers
https://reimaginebuildings.com
https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-decarb-connect-ec086e08-2a23-4cca-bf0f-015f43901b7b/registration

204: How Rapid Housing Can Be Better Housing

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-host Ilka Cassidy and Mary James talk with Christina Boyer, architect, and Matt Bolen, Managing Principal architect at McCallum Sather. They discuss their work in advancing high-performance housing in Ontario, particularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. With a focus on sustainable design, they share insights into using mass timber and Passive House certification to address the housing crisis. Learn about their innovative projects, challenges in balancing cost and efficiency, and how they are redefining mid-rise construction with faster, eco-friendly solutions.

https://www.mccallumsather.com/projects/city-housing-hamilton-affordable-housing/
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/
https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/cityhousing-hamilton
https://www.phius.org/browse-all-events/phius-pro-forum-2024
https://www.phius.org/phius-bring-passive-building-greenbuild-2024
https://nesea.org/conference/buildingenergy-nyc-2024

203: Buildings Can Take Care of Us

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Accelerator Podcast, Nathan St. Germain, founder of Studio St. Germain discusses his firm’s philosophy of “building to give back." Nathan explores the concept of aging in place and how Passive House design can create a therapeutic, livable environment for people as they age. He highlights his work on the Wilkinsburg Passive House project, where the focus on air quality, energy efficiency, and livability supports the health and dignity of the occupants. The episode delves into the fusion of universal design with Passive House principles and how data-driven design can improve indoor environments for everyone.

Links:

https://www.studiostgermain.com/work#/wilkinsburg-passive-house

https://www.studiostgermain.com/wilkinsburg-passive-house-high-performance

https://www.studiostgermain.com/studio-stgermain-pursues-milestone-passive-house-enerphit-certification-in-pennsylvania

https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/how-this-wilkinsburg-home-is-achieving-milestone-sustainability/

202: Cool Hacks: Listeners’ DIY Tips for the Heat

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In our final episode of our Cooling and Summer Resiliency series we asked you our audience "What's your DIY cooling/summer resilience solution?". Co-Hosts Zack, Mary, Matthew and Ilka discuss your responses and dive into their own DIY solutions. From running bathroom fans all night to strategic shading solutions, hear practical advice from Passive House enthusiasts across North America. Plus, discover insights on the impact of internal gains and the importance of monitoring and adapting your home for optimal comfort.

Check out the full series here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast

201: Cooling & Resilience: The In's and Out's of Energy Modeling

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this fourth episode of our Cooling and Sumer Resiliency series, co-host Ilka Cassidy delves into the intricacies of cooling and resilience in building design with some of North America's leading energy modelers. Join us as Prudence Ferreira, Ryan Abendroth, and Christina Snyder share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for predicting and mitigating overheating in buildings. From the basics of energy modeling to advanced techniques for optimizing building performance. Tune in to explore how these experts ensure comfort and sustainability in Passive House projects across varied climates.

https://www.buildzeroconsulting.com
https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/
https://www.passiveenergydesigns.com/
https://www.certiphiers.com/

200: Designing for Extremes In Australia's Changing Climate

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this third episode of our Cooling and Sumer Resiliency series, we welcome back Andy Marlow to discuss the unique challenges of designing Passive Houses in Australia's increasingly hot and varied climate. We dive into the nuances of maintaining comfort in the face of rising temperatures, the importance of shading, and the evolving role of mechanical cooling. Andy shares insights on the balance between traditional Passive House principles and the need for innovative solutions in warmer regions. Whether you're a designer, builder, or just curious about sustainable housing, this episode offers valuable perspectives on adapting to climate extremes.

https://www.envirotecture.com.au/

Mary's 10 Steps to Hardening Your Home Against Wildfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=626NQeQGH7s

199: Breathing Easier: Indoor Air Quality vs. Wildfire Smoke

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast we revisit a previous episode with John Semmelhack, co-owner of the Comfort Squad based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a member of the Phius Technical Committee. In their conversation Zack and John discuss the increasing impact of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality across North America. They explore both immediate and long-term strategies to protect your home, from DIY air filter solutions like the Corsi-Rosenthal Box to integrating high-performance filtration systems in your building's design. Learn how to make your indoor space a safer haven during these challenging air quality events.

Share how you are keeping cool and be featured in an upcoming episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Passive_House_Podcast

Checkout the video version of the interview on Reimagine Buildings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO_nnTASOAE

Comfort Squad:
https://www.comfortsquad.us/

Corsi-Rosenthal Fan Resources:
https://corsirosenthalfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Build-a-Box-Eng-1.pdf

Original episode https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-147-john-semmelhack-iaq-and-wil...

https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/diy-box-fan-air-cleaner-update/
https://aqicn.org/map/northamerica/
https://cleanaircrew.org/box-fan-filters/

198: Keeping Cool: Strategies for Summer Resiliency

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Accelerator podcast, we're kicking off a special summer mini-series on cooling and summer resiliency. Host Mary James is joined by mechanical engineer, Galen Staengl and Tad Everhart of CertiPHIers Cooperative. Galen shares insights from his extensive experience in energy-efficient green building and Passive House design, emphasizing the importance of holistic, cost-effective approaches to cooling. Tad discusses his journey from climate crisis awareness to Passive House certification and his practical experiences managing cooling in an urban heat island. The conversation explores various cooling techniques, including night cooling, evaporative cooling, and dehumidification, along with strategies to optimize air movement and distribute cool air in Passive Houses.

Share how you are keeping cool and be featured in an upcoming episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Passive_House_Podcast

https://www.staenglengineering.com/

https://www.certiphiers.com/

197: California Building—High Performance and Low Carbon

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Passive House Podcast, co-host Mary James reconnects Bronwyn Barry in her new project in Sacramento, California during a Passive House Open House Days. Bronwyn emphasizes the importance of both operational energy efficiency and embodied carbon reduction. The episode highlights innovative building materials, such as dense pack cellulose and rigid exterior hemp insulation, and touches on the challenges and successes in obtaining permitting and ensuring fire resilience. Additionally, the conversation explores the exciting progress towards recognizing Passive House standards in California’s Title 24 energy code.

https://www.passivehousebb.com/
https://www.passivehouseprojects.org/projects/sacramento-passive-house/

196: Passive House Humility with Alex Slater

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Passive House Podcast, co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh reconnects with Alex Slater from Shared Spaces to delve into the latest advancements and challenges in sustainable design. Alex shares his recent work on the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) and its application in compliance with Australian building regulations. They discuss the significance of energy efficiency, the impact of thermal mass in various climates, and the importance of education and humility in promoting sustainable practices. Alex also reflects on the recent Thrive24 conference, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to advancing Passive House standards in Australia. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of sustainable architecture and the growing Passive House community.

Links:

195: How Passive Buildings Propel the Energy Transition

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Zack Semke welcomes back Lisa White, Associate Director of Phius. A renowned thought leader in the intersection of buildings and the clean energy transition, Lisa shares insights from her work, especially the Architect's Guide to Ultra-Low Energy Buildings, Microgrids, and Direct Current. She and Zack also discuss Phius's exciting revision of its Revive retrofit standard.

https://xenetwork.org/ets/episodes/episode-225-demand-side-solutions/
https://www.phius.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/Architect_Guide_v2.1_3mar24.pdf
https://www.phius.org/phius-revive-2024-standard-document
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-110-lisa-white-phius
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/bonus-episode-lisa-white-phius-phiuscon-2023
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/reimagining-buildings-with-lisa-white-of-phius
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/facilitating-the-renewable-transition-passive-buildings-grid-interactive-capabilities

194: Closing the Loop - Circular Construction in North America

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In the final part of our series on circular construction co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy are joined by Felix Heisel, an architect, professor at Cornell University, and director of the Circular Construction Lab. Learn about the principles of circular construction, urban mining, and the significance of deconstruction over demolition. Discover how Felix's lab is pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture through interdisciplinary research, policy advocacy, and practical implementation. This episode also highlights real-world examples and emerging policies in North America, offering a comprehensive look at how we can build a more sustainable future by rethinking our approach to construction and materials reuse. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on transforming the built environment.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Felix-Heisel/author/B01FW8WP4S
https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-heisel/
https://labs.aap.cornell.edu/ccl
https://aap.cornell.edu/people/felix-heisel

Bonus Episode: Chris Ballard of Passive House Canada (Passive House CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Passive House Canada Conference in Victoria, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Chris Ballard of Passive House Canada.

https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

Bonus Episode: Morgan Wright and Christina Boyer of mcCallumSather (Passive House CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Passive House Canada Conference in Victoria, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Morgan Wright and Christina Boyer of mcCallumSather.

https://www.mccallumsather.com/
https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

Bonus Episode: David Claus of UNBC (Passive House CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Passive House Canada Conference in Victoria, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews David Claus of UNBC.

https://www.unbc.ca/
https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

Bonus Episode: Craig Edwards of the City of Vancouver (Passive House CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Passive House Canada Conference in Victoria, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Craig Edwards of the City of Vancouver.

https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

Bonus Episode: Patrick Ropple of Evoke Buildings (Passive House CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Passive House Canada Conference in Victoria, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Patrick Ropple of Evoke Buildings.

https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/
https://www.evokebuildings.com/

193: Urban Mining and Circularity with Anja Rosen

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In the second part of our series on circular construction, we explore the intersection of sustainable building practices and carbon reduction. Co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy are joined by special guest Anja Rosen, of the Urban Mining Index based in Germany. Anja shares insights from her work in circular construction, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reusing building materials. She discusses the implementation of the Urban Mining Index, detailing how it can be used to assess and optimize the sustainability of both new and refurbished buildings. Anja's passion for sustainable architecture, rooted in her childhood experiences, highlights the urgency and potential of integrating circular principles in construction. Tune in to learn about the future of urban mining and its critical role in combating climate change.

https://urban-mining-index.de/en/

Bonus Episode: Keith Burrows of TAF (Retrofit CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Retrofit Canada Conference in Vancouver, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Keith Burrows of The Atmospheric Fund (TAF).

https://taf.ca/

Bonus Episode: Darla Simpson of ZEIC (Retrofit CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Retrofit Canada Conference in Vancouver, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Darla Simpson of The Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC).

https://www.zeic.ca/

Bonus Episode: Lorrie Rand of ReCover Initiative (Retrofit CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Retrofit Canada Conference in Vancouver, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Lorrie Rand of ReCover Initiative.

https://www.recoverinitiative.ca/

192: Revolutionizing Material Reuse with Concular

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In the first of three episodes of our Circular Construction Series co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Dominik Campanella, co-founder of Concular. They delve into the innovative practices transforming the construction industry. Dominik shares the inspiring journey of Concular, starting from the initial idea conceived in 2000 to the establishment of a thriving marketplace in 2012 and the evolution into Concular in 2020. Discover how Concular's approach not only complies with European regulations but also turns waste into valuable resources, significantly reducing the environmental impact of construction projects.

https://concular.de/

Bonus Episode: Andrea Linsky of Alberta Ecotrust (Retrofit CA Conference '24)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 2024 Retrofit Canada Conference in Vancouver, BC co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Andrea Linsky of Alberta Ecotrust.

https://albertaecotrust.com/

191: Breaking Out of the Box

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Matthew Cutler Welsh chats with Sue Connor of Gaea Architects based in Sydney, Australia. Sue chatted about her lifelong passion for architecture and sustainability. Sue delves into her work with Passive House standards, emphasizing the importance of non-toxic, ethical, and energy-efficient building materials. Through her collaborative work with Darren from Eclipse Passive House, Sue highlights the benefits and challenges of prefabrication in creating comfortable, sustainable homes. She also shares how her early exposure to practical building with her father and inspiring lectures on architectural history ignited her love for the field.

https://www.gaeaarchitects.com.au/

Tarlo River Project: https://www.gaeaarchitects.com.au/projects/greenwich-park-passive-house

Episode 186 featuring Darryn Parkinson of Eclipse Passive House: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/186-building-a-business-building-with-panels

190: Australian Leaders at THRIVE 2024

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Matthew Cutler Welsh dives into the highlights of the 2024 Thrive Passivhaus Conference, in Melbourne Australia. Matthew chats with:

Joe Karten of Built
Emilia Lacovino of Detailed Green
Kristie Wulf of the Australian Hemp Building Directory
Talina Edwards of Envirotecture
Hamish White of Sanctum Homes
Andy Marlow of the Australian Passivhaus Association

Highlights include the first certified Hempcrete Passive House in the Southern Hemisphere, the role of health in sustainable building, and the challenges and successes of incorporating Passive House principles in diverse climates and regions. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable construction and how collaborative efforts are paving the way for more efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly buildings.

Connect with Joe https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-karten-6a857129/

Connect with Emilia https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliaiacovino/

Connect with Kristie https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstie-wulf-9254a3125/

Connect with Talina https://www.linkedin.com/in/talina-edwards/

Connect with Hamish https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-white-b014751a0/

Additional links:

https://panda-sealion-bfpx.squarespace.com/news/becoming-australias-fourth-passivhaus-certifier

https://www.envirotecture.com.au/

https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Check out these podcasts:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-the-australian-way-with-hamish-white

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-15-andy-marlow

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-146-talina-edwards-andy-marlow-envirotecture

189: Passive Panels to Scale Decarb, Quantum Passivhaus

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, co-host Mary James speaks with Angie Horner, co-founder of Quantum Passivhaus, based in Minden, Ontario. Angie shares the inspiring journey of how Quantum started as a husband-and-wife team in 2013, driven by a passion for sustainable building practices and the desire to address common construction issues. We dive into the development of their innovative prefabricated passive house panels, their expansion into multifamily housing, and the exciting new retrofit panels designed to make existing buildings more energy-efficient. Tune in to hear about their impactful projects, including a significant First Nations housing development. Angie also discusses the importance of training and partnerships in promoting sustainable building practices and the future of Quantum Passivhaus in the evolving construction landscape.

https://quantumpassivhaus.com/
https://retrofitcanadaconference.energyconferencenetwork.com/
https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

Bonus Episode: Certifications - All or None?

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 31 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Ilka Cassidy is at the Sustainability Symposium hosted by Green Building United. In the first interview Ilka talks with Robert Fleming, Brian Fullen, Carolina Downey and Sarah Harvey of FCA along with Kayla Reddington and Sarah Murphy of Turner Construction about their sustainability framwork. In the second interview Ilka speaks with Scott Kelly and Drew Lavine of Re:vision Architecture about their project, the first Living Building Challenge (LBC) Core certified project in the world, which is also LEED Platinum and Passive House certified. They discuss collaborative and accountable approaches to setting and meeting project sustainability goals and targets.

https://www.fcarchitects.com/

https://www.turnerconstruction.com/

https://revisionarch.com/

Bonus Episode: Adapting Row House Neighborhoods for the Future

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Ilka Cassidy is at the Sustainability Symposium hosted by Green Building United. Ilka talks with Paul Thompson of BluPath, Lauren Thomsen & Matt Gindlesparger of Lauren Thomsen Design, Justin Iovenitti & Norm Horn of New Ecology and David Gavin of Quinn Evans. Ilka talked to the presenters of a row house renovation in Baltimore and a new construction row house in Philadelphia.

https://blupath.us/

https://www.newecology.org/

https://www.laurenthomsendesign.com/

https://www.quinnevans.com/

Bonus Episode: Insight into Green Building United, the Sustainability Symposium and Greenbuild 2024

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 29 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Ilka Cassidy is at the Sustainability Symposium hosted by Green Building United. Ilka talks with Rich Freeh the Executive Director of GBU and Sangeetha Sambandam of WRT. They give insight into Green Building United and the Symposium, its history, goals, and strategic planning. And looking ahead to Greenbuild in Philadelphia.

Links:

https://greenbuildingunited.org/event/2024-sustainability-symposium/

https://greenbuildingunited.org/

https://www.wrtdesign.com/
https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/

188: Building Intelligent Cities

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 28 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast Co-Host Mary James and Ilka Cassidy had the pleasure of speaking with Cindy Wilson, co-founder of Intelligent City, a company based in British Columbia, Canada. Cindy shares the innovative journey of Intelligent City, which began with a vision to improve urban living through sustainable, efficient construction. She delves into the company's evolution from traditional architectural practices to the use of advanced robotics in manufacturing building components. Cindy discusses their groundbreaking work with mass timber and passive house methods, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and affordability.

https://intelligent-city.com/about-us-leaders-in-urban-housing/

187: Saving Buildings Is Cheap–Prefab Retrofits

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 21 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke speaks with Tim McDonald of Onion Flats Architecture on the heels of Tim's involvement in the Reimagine Building PREFAB conference. Tim discusses his firm's current portfolio of passive deep energy retrofit projects and shares his growing realization that we need to fundamentally rethink our understanding of the economics of retrofits. Compared to building new, saving buildings is cheap! To prove the point, he walks us through the Mayweather Apartments project near Boston.

https://www.onionflats.com/
https://www.poah.org/
https://haycon-inc.com/
https://www.facadesx.com/
https://rmi.org/our-work/buildings/realize/
https://collectivecarpentry.com/
https://quantumpassivhaus.com/
https://www.reframe.systems/

186: Building a Business Building with Panels

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 13 May 2024 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler Welsch talks with Darryn Parkinson of Eclipse Passive House. Darryn is a builder with a passion for sustainability and efficiency. From his early fascination with understanding how things work to his deep concern about environmental impact, Darryn shares his transition from traditional building methods to the innovative world of passive house construction. We explore his challenges and triumphs in setting up a panelized prefabrication factory, the logic-driven approach behind his business model, and the transformative impact of passive house design on health, comfort, and energy efficiency. Join us as we uncover the adventure of building a sustainable future, one panel at a time.

https://www.eclipsepassivehouse.com.au/

Register now for RBPrefab! https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-live-prefab/registration

185: Refining Offerings & Expanding Production—Collective Carpentry Hits Its Stride

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 06 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the podcast, Co-Hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy speak with Heather Mott, Director of Architecture at Collective Carpentry. Heather provides an update on the progress of the company's pre-designed homes, known as Collective Homes. She delves into the refinements made to their building process, including advancements in communication with consultants, feedback integration, and the importance of a holistic approach to sustainable construction. Heather also touches on geographical considerations, material choices, mechanical systems, and expansion plans for multi-family projects and a new production shop.

This episode is part of our month-long series covering perspectives on Prefab in Passive House, leading up to Reimagine Buildings: PreFab , taking place virtually on May 17th.

Check out Collective Carpentry here https://collectivecarpentry.com/

Heather will be speaking at Reimagine Buildings Prefab on May 17th! Register now: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-live-prefab/registration

184: Scaling Up: Can Prefab Help Passive Building Go Mainstream?

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Ilka Cassidy interviews Beth Campell of Unity Homes, Edie Dillman of B.Public Prefab and Katie Faulkner of West Work . This discussion considers pathways toward pre-manufactured buildings and tackles challenges in large scale market adoption from four different viewpoints: the architect, the builder, the software integrator, and the retrofit specialist.

This episode is part of our month-long series covering perspectives on Prefab in Passive House, leading up to Reimagine Buildings: PreFab , taking place virtually on May 17th.

https://bpublicprefab.com/
https://west-work.com/
https://unityhomes.com/

Register now for Reimagine Buildings PreFab here: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-live-prefab/registration

Bonus Episode: Gunter and Markus Lang (Passathon) & Clara Kupelwieser (GBS Summer University) at IPHC 2024

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Michael Ingui interviews Gunter and Markus Lang of Passathon & Clara Kupelwieser of Green Building Solutions Summer University.

https://passathon.at/

https://www.oeadstudenthousing.at/en/summer-universities/gbs/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

Bonus Episode: Sarah Lewis & Yogini Patel of Passivhaus Trust (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Sarah Lewis & Yogini Patel of Passivhaus Trust.

https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Andrew Michler (Hyper Local Workshop), Bronwyn Barry (Passive House bb), Bruce Becker (Becker+Becker) (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Andrew Michler of Hyper Local Workshop, Bronwyn Barry of Passive House bb, & Bruce Becker of Becker+Becker.

https://www.passivehousebb.com/
https://hyperlocalarch.com/
https://www.beckerandbecker.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

183: Scottish Social Housing with Angela Currie

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Join co-host Matthew Cutler Welsh in his conversation with Angela Currie of Hanover in Scotland. Angela delves into the world of social housing in Scotland, exploring its rich history, the evolving landscape of affordable housing, and the challenges of climate change. From Edinburgh to rural villages like Drymen, discover how housing associations like Hanover are reshaping communities and improving lives. Explore topics ranging from the impact of legislation like the right to buy, to innovative housing designs like Passive House standards, and the critical role of social housing in Scotland.

Links:

https://www.hanover.scot/

Bonus Episode: Jessica Grove Smith of Passivhaus Institute (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Jessica Grove Smith of Passivhaus Institute.

https://passivehouse.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Lloyd Alter (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Michael Ingui interviews Lloyd Alter.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-alter-827ba7/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

Bonus Episode: Clare Parry of Development Victoria (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Clare Parry of Development Victoria.

https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/news/thepassivhausplaybook

https://www.development.vic.gov.au/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Jose Marcelino Garcia Gutierrez, Susanne Theumer, & Elena Reyes (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-hosts of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy and Mary James interview Jose Marcelino Garcia Gutierrez of BBVA Mexico and Susanne Theumer & Elena Reyes of Passivhaus Institute.

https://passivehouse.com/
https://www.bbva.com/en/specials/bbva-bancomer-mexico/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: In Cho of Passive House for Everyone! (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews In Cho of Passive House for Everyone!

https://www.passivehouseforeveryone.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Paolo Massacesi of CASSA (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Jose Sosa interviews Paolo Massacesi of CASSA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-massacesi-76338048/?originalSubdomain=ar

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

182: Building Excellence: Insights from NYSERDA's BOE Awards

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Zack Smeke is live at the NYSERDA BOE Round 4 Awards. Listen in as he interviews Illya Azaroff, Lois Arena, and award winners: Fernando Villa and Sara Bayer, Natalie Seagriff, Ed Ettinger, Sean Flynn and Mark Ginsberg. Explore their cutting-edge projects, and discuss the future of green building. From energy-efficient technologies to innovative materials, this episode is a deep dive into the strategies and challenges of creating buildings that not only look good but do good for the planet and communities. Whether you're a professional in the field or simply a fan of sustainability, join us for an inspiring look at the future of architecture and construction through the lens of NYSERDA's Buildings of Excellence.

Check out the winning projects: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/buildings-of-excellence-round-four-winners-announced

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners

Bonus Episode: Anna Czerwinska of Atelier d'Architecture RIVAT (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Anna Czerwinska of Atelier d'Architecture RIVAT

https://www.rivat-architecte.fr/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Marius Soflete (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Marius Soflete a structural engineer, specialist Passive House designer and construction content creator who wants to help you build better.

https://www.youtube.com/c/MariusSoflete
https://soflete.ro/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Bjorn Kierulf of Ecococon (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Bjorn Kierulf of Ecococon.

https://ecococon.eu/us/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Gabriel Rojas of the University of Innsbruck (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Mary James interviews Gabriel Rojas of the University of Innsbruck.

https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

Bonus Episode: Diana Ürge-Vorsatz of IPCC (IPHC 2024)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the International Passive House Conference in Innsbruck, Austria co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews keynote speaker Diana Ürge-Vorsatz a Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, at the Central European University (CEU) and Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

https://www.ipcc.ch/
https://passivhaustagung.de/en/

Thank you to our sponsor, Source 2050 for making the Passive House Podcast at International Passive House Conference.

https://source2050.com/

181: From Earth to Efficiency with Lachlan Gales

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Matthew Cutler Welsh talks with Lachlan Gales of Ovens & King Builders in Wangaratta, Australia. Lachlan takes us through the evolution of his building philosophy, driven by a passion for alternative construction methods. He discusses the technical shifts, the learning curve, and the real-life impacts of building homes that not only withstand extreme temperatures but also offer unparalleled living comfort. Join us as we explore how dedication to craftsmanship, continuous learning, and a commitment to environmental stewardship can redefine the future of construction and community living.

https://www.wangarattabuilders.com.au/

180: Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and Buildings with Kevin Stack and Melissa O'Mara

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Ilka Cassidy talks with Melissa O'Mara and Kevin Stack of The Leaders Co-Lab at the NYS Green Building Conference. Melissa and Kevin share their vision for transforming the built environment. Their session, "Accelerating Transformation through Inner Development Goals," unveils a profound approach to achieving sustainability not just through technical standards but by fostering inner growth and a shift in consciousness within the construction and architectural communities. Join us for a journey into the depths of what it means to build sustainably, not just through materials and metrics, but through the cultivation of our inner selves and our relationships with each other and the planet. This episode is a call to action for all involved in the creation and stewardship of our built environment, to embrace the IDGs and create a legacy of positive impact for the seventh generation and beyond.

https://theleaderscolab.com
https://www.ngbc.us/taxonomy-of-work/building-in-natures-image/

Connect with Melissa: melissa.omara@theleaderscolab.com

The IDG Framework: https://www.innerdevelopmentgoals.org/framework

NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Round 4 Awards https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/nyserda-buildings-of-excellence-round-four-awards

Building Energy Boston with Jacob Goldman

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at NESEA Building Energy Boston, co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Jacob Goldman of Energy Tax Savers.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobgoldman1/

Website: https://www.energytaxsavers.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, New Energy Works for making the Passive House Podcast at NESEA Building Energy Boston.
https://newenergyworks.com/

Building Energy Boston with Anna Demeo

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at NESEA Building Energy Boston, co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Anna Demeo of Gage Zero.

https://nesea.org/users/anna-demeo
https://gagezero.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, New Energy Works for making the Passive House Podcast at NESEA Building Energy Boston.
https://newenergyworks.com/

Building Energy Boston with Gail Sullivan and Dr. Marvin Loiseau

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at NESEA Building Energy Boston, co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Dr. Marvin Loiseau of Franklin Cummings Tech and Gail Sullivan of Studio G Architects.

https://franklincummings.edu/
https://studiogarchitects.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, New Energy Works for making the Passive House Podcast at NESEA Building Energy Boston.
https://newenergyworks.com/

Building Energy Boston with Rachel White & Michael Hindle

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at NESEA Building Energy Boston, co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Rachel White of Bygg Meister Design and Build, and Michael Hindle of Passive to Positive.

https://www.passivetopositive.com/
https://www.byggmeister.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, New Energy Works for making the Passive House Podcast at NESEA Building Energy Boston.
https://newenergyworks.com/

Building Energy Boston with Elaine Hoffman, Jennifer Johnson, & Patrick Murphy

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at NESEA Building Energy Boston, co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Elaine Hoffman of Goody Clancy, Jennifer Johnson of Nitsch Engineering, and Patrick Murphy of Vanderweil Engineers.

Keynote Presentation : https://nesea.org/session/designing-resilience-response-extreme-weather

Thank you to our sponsor, New Energy Works for making the Passive House Podcast at NESEA Building Energy Boston.
https://newenergyworks.com/

Building Energy Boston with Florence MacGregor and Bryan Bleier

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at NESEA Building Energy Boston, co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Florence MacGregor of NESEA and Bryan Bleier of New Energy Works.

https://nesea.org/
https://newenergyworks.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, New Energy Works for making the Passive House Podcast at NESEA Building Energy Boston.
https://newenergyworks.com/

179: Future-Proofing with Passive Design: The Cornerblock Story, with Ben Sinclair

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh talks with Ben Sinclair of Gold Coast, Australia based CORNERBLOCK. Ben shares his unique journey from managing a family business to pioneering the sustainable Cornerblock project on the Gold Coast. Ben's approach, informed by his diverse background and keen observation of conventional building inefficiencies, led to embracing Passive House principles for commercial property development. Cornerblock stands as a testament to innovative, sustainable design in a challenging subtropical climate, redefining commercial building standards and tenant comfort. Ben's insights highlight the evolving real estate demands, the importance of thoughtful design, and the value of sustainable investments.

CORNERBLOCK (cornerblockgc.com.au)

Ben Sinclair | LinkedIn

basehaus.com.au

178: The Strengths of Retrofitting

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down with Betsy Agar, Director of the Pembina Institute's Buildings Program, a leading voice in policy and research for decarbonizing homes and buildings. With a background in Civil Engineering and Building Science, Betsy discusses her journey into advocating for sustainable building practices and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. From tackling regulatory barriers to promoting market transformation, Betsy shares insights on deep retrofitting, climate resilience, and affordable housing. Join as we explore topics ranging from prefab panel supply chains to labor shortages in British Columbia, and discover the strategies needed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future in our built environment.

https://www.pembina.org/

Reframed Lab: https://reframedinitiative.org/lab/

Deep Retrot Accelerator Initiative: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/buildings/deep-retrofit-accelerator-initiative/24925

Retrofit Canada Conference: https://retrofitcanadaconference.energyconferencenetwork.com/

Reimagining Buildings with Sharne Bloem of Team Mahali

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Hosts of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Mary James interview Sharne Bloem of Team Mahali.

https://www.mahali.org.za/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Register now for Reimagine Buildings’24, the global online conference that provides the information, connections, and inspiration you need to make buildings that can change the world. Over the course of 24 hours the event will circumnavigate the globe, unveiling a new, innovative building project every hour, complete with actionable solution sets and lessons-learned.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

Reimagining Buildings with Vincent Martinez of Architecture 2030

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy interviews Vincent Martinez of Architecture 2030.

https://www.architecture2030.org/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

Reimagining Buildings with Lisa White of Phius

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews Lisa White of Phius.

https://www.phius.org/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

177: Decarbonization & Resilience: New Phius Retrofit Standard Open for Public Comment

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Get involved - Phius is seeking public comments on the new health and resilience-based, carbon-focused Phius REVIVE 2024 passive retrofit standard. NOTE: The deadline for comment has been extended to March 31, 2024.

The standard's custom targets and focus on resilience & decarbonization make it a viable solution for wide-scale passive retrofits.

Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy speaks with James Ortega, the Certification Program Director for Phius and Haley Kalvin - Gold, Project Certifier.

Here is a link to the Phius REVIVE 2024 Standard Document: https://www.phius.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/Phius%20REVIVE%202024%20v0.8_Public%20Comment.pdf

https://www.phius.org/decarbonization-resilience-new-phius-retrofit-standard-open-public-comment

Reimagining Buildings with Lois Arena of Steven Winter Associates

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Zack Semke interviews Lois Arena of Steven Winter Associates.

https://www.swinter.com/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

Reimagining Buildings with Jessica Grove-Smith | iPHA

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews Jessica Grove-Smith of iPHA.

https://passivehouse-international.org/index.php?page_id=65

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

Reimagining Buildings with Ann Marie-Fallon | Architype

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Jay Fox interviews Ann Marie-Fallon of Architype.

https://www.architype.co.uk/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

Reimagining Buildings with Talina Edwards at Envirotecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Talina Edwards of Envirotecture.

https://www.envirotecture.com.au/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

Reimagining Buildings with Shefali Sanghvi at Dattner Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Director of PHA, Zack Semke interviews Shefali Sanghvi at Dattner Architects

https://www.dattner.com/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://reimaginebuildings.com/24

Reimagining Buildings with Rosalia García Sánchez | PEP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

In this special Reimagine Buildings episode of the Passive House Podcast, Co-Hosts of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Rosalia García Sánchez of PEP.

https://www.plataforma-pep.org/

Thank you to our Stakeholder Sponsor NYSERDA and to our Signature Sponsors and Community Partners.

Taking place online Around the World, March 7-8, 2024.

Use code “PODCAST” for 20% your ticket!

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator#about

176: Behind the Scenes, Making Reimagine Buildings '24

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews the team at PHA making Reimagine Buildings ’24 happen. Matthew talks with Michael Ingui, founder of PHA and Zack Semke, director of PHA about how the conference came to be and why it’s unlike any other. Along with conversations from Kim Davis, Cara Engh, Mary James, Ilka Cassidy, and Jay Fox.

Join us for RB24, the global online conference that provides the information, connections, and inspiration you need to make buildings that can change the world. Over the course of 24 hours, we'll circumnavigate the globe, unveiling a new, innovative building project every hour, complete with actionable solution sets and lessons learned.

Use code: Podcast for 20% off of registration!

Sizzle reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXsF9ZOP8U

Interested in becoming a Signature Sponsor or Community Partner? Email us at RB24@passivehouseaccelerator.com.

Student + Scholarship Rate tickets are available to ensure that everyone regardless of financial constraints, can be part of RB24. Please email RB24@passivehouseaccelerator.com with subject line: “RB24 Scholarship” for more information.

175: Homes for Today and the Future

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James speak with Elisabeth Baudinaud, Founder of Carbon Wise. As an esteemed leader in policy development and community resiliency, Elisabeth's wealth of experience and dedication to advancing low-carbon construction practices have propelled the establishment of Carbon Wise. We talk with Elisabeth Baudinaud who started Carbon Wise to help homeowners, builders, and policy makers understand the carbon emissions implications of design and construction choices.

Carbon Wise
https://carbon-wise.ca/

Reimagine Buildings 2024
https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

174: Cool Passive Houses In a Hot Climate

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh talks with Stefan Goebel and Ryan Abendroth from Build Zero Consulting. From Solar Decathlon award winners to Passive House advocates, they discuss their journey, Phius 101 training sessions, resilience, and the importance of finding low-carbon solutions for emissions-heavy interests such as flying.

https://www.buildzeroconsulting.com/

Vertiport Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHuGrFyePic&si=XF1QaVSicSgZjd1o

Reimagine Buildings 2024

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Upcoming Events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-january-22nd-2024

173: From Student to Teacher

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Jay Fox speaks with Brittany Coughlin, Principal and Energy & Sustainability Specialist at RDH Building Science. Brittany describes her Passive House journey and what inspired her to pursue a career in high-performance building before talking about her work on such notable projects as the Doig River Cultural Center, which is one of the northern-most buildings in Canada to receive Passive House certification; her work as a teacher at the British Columbia Institute of Technology; and what role the building industry can play in educating consumers about decarbonization.

https://www.rdh.com/

Reimagine Buildings 2024
https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Component Spotlight: New ERV/HRV Hits the North American Market, with Brink (Arthur Dijkstra) and 475 (Gabrielle O’Grady)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

After 475 High Performance Building Supply conducted a round of focus groups asking North American Passive House practitioners what new Passive House materials and components they needed, one clear message kept coming through: give us a new alternative for HRVs and ERVs. Enter Brink and their FLAIR line, now available in North America through 475. In this special Component Podcast episode, Gabrielle O’Grady of 475 and Arthur Dijkstra of Brink discuss the FLAIR units and their exemplary performance in efficiency, power consumption, size, quiet, and cost. They also share the history of HRV/ERV development in Europe and the role that Brink has played over the decades in driving the evolution of this technology that is so vital to Passive House practice.

https://475.supply/products/brink-flair-erv-hrv

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_recovery_ventilation

172: Fostering Longterm Sustainability

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James speak with with Amanda Bonelli, an Associate at Bright Common, a Philadelphia-based firm. Amanda shares insights into her impactful work, where she passionately addresses resiliency and social equity within urban environments. The discussion covers a wide spectrum, including topics such as scaling deep-energy retrofits, scattered site affordable housing projects, and innovative approaches like prefabricated Passive Houses and mixed-use urban infill work.

Bright Common
https://www.brightcommon.com/

The Passive Row House Manual
https://greenbuildingunited.org/newsroom97/it-s-here-the-passive-rowhouse-manual

Reimagine Buildings 2024
https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Upcoming Events
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-january-8th-2024

171: New Generation, New Building Ideas

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke sits down with Sarah Nuamah, board member of Passive House Northwest and a Systems Design and Services Agent at Small Planet Supply. Sarah shares insights into her distinctive journey within the high-performance building industry. She discusses her passion for incorporating advanced building techniques into the realm of trades labor, with a focus on imparting these skills to a younger generation. Sarah's dedication to advocating for sustainable building practices, coupled with her commitment to social impact and environmental consciousness, serves as a driving force behind her impactful contributions to the industry.

https://phnw.org/
https://www.smallplanetsupply.com/

Reimagine Buildings 2024
https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Upcoming Events
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-january-1st-2024

Bonus Episode: Joseph Lstiburek, Building Science Corporation (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Hosts of the Passive House Podcast, Shaun St-Amour and Mark Wille interview Joseph Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation.

https://buildingscience.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

169: The Past, Present, and Future of Passive House with Marine Sanchez (Part 2)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In the second part of Passive House Podcast co-host Jay Fox’s conversation with Marine Sanchez, the two explore the importance of collaboration, creating energy budgets early in the design process, and communicating to developers that improving building performance is a way of future proofing their building. Sanchez, one of the more prominent voices in the Passive House community and a Passive House Specialist at RDH Building Science, also discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a more complete vision of the challenges many communities face and how better building can provide solutions.

https://www.rdh.com/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-december-18th-2023

Reimagine Buildings '24 Reel:
https://youtu.be/und2LvGNzmk?si=tJ9A4lCUV-tyvGny

Reimagine Buildings Conference registration link:
https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

170: Passive House Progress in North Carolina

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh engages in a conversation with Steve McKee, the owner of North Carolina-based QRS Quality Renovation Services and a seasoned general contractor. Join us as we explore Steve's journey, transitioning from a background in disaster renovation to his current role as a player in the Passive House movement.

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Bonus Episode: Maren Longhurst, Sam Rodell Architects (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Maren Longhurst of Sam Rodell Architects.

https://rodell.design/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Troy Imbrey & Mike Cairns, Innotech Windows + Doors (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Hosts of the Passive House Podcast, Shaun St-Amour and Mark Wille interview Troy Imbrey and Mike Cairns of Innotech Windows + Doors.

https://www.innotech-windows.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: John Knapp, Source 2050 (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews John Knapp of Source 2050.

https://source2050.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Chris Magwood, Rocky Mountain Institute (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Hosts of the Passive House Podcast, Shaun St-Amour and Mark Wille interview Chris Magwood of Rocky Mountain Institute.

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Tim McDonald, Onion Flats LLC (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Passive House Podcast Co- Hosts Mary James and Shaun St-Amour interview Tim McDonald the President and CEO of Onion Flats LLC.

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Jesse Hunt, Phius Houston (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Jesse Hunt of Phius Houston.

https://phiusalliancehouston.org/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

168: The Past, Present, and Future of Passive House with Marine Sanchez (Part 1)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Jay Fox speaks with Marine Sanchez, a thought leader and Passive House Specialist at RDH Building Science. Together, they explore a diverse range of topics, including how Marine's unique background in engineering informed her approach to energy modeling, updates on projects like the new student housing complex at the University of Toronto Scarborough (now known as Harmony Commons), and how recent updates to building codes are accelerating the adoption of Passive House in places like Massachusetts. Marine shares valuable insights into how the world of Passive House is expanding and its transformative effects on various aspects of construction and community development.

https://www.rdh.com/

Reimagine Buildings '24 Reel:
https://youtu.be/und2LvGNzmk?si=tJ9A4lCUV-tyvGny

Reimagine Buildings Conference registration link:
https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Bonus Episode: Kimberly Llewelln, Mitsubishi (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Kimberly Llewellyn of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US.

https://metahvac.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Lindsey Schack, Love | Schack Architecture (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Shaun St-Amour interviews Lindsey Shaack of Love | Schack Architecture.

https://loveschackarchitecture.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode Shelly Porttorf, Architend (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Shelly Porttorf of Architend.

https://www.architend.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: David Salamon, Re:Vision (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2023, Co- Hosts of the Passive House Podcast Beverly Craig andMary James interview David Salamon of Re:Vision.

https://revisionarch.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Cynthia Suarez, Lake | Flato Architects (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2023, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Cynthia Suarez of Lake | Flato Architects.

https://www.phius.org/cynthia-suarez

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Jacob Racusin, Builders for Climate Action (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Jacob Racusin of Builders for Climate Action.

https://www.buildersforclimateaction.org/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

167: Financing 101 for Affordable Housing

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-hosts speak with Katelyn Meehan, Relationships Manager at Wells Fargo within the Community Lending platform. Katelyn describes the complexities of construction financing, highlighting the growing awareness among lenders in the Passive House sector. In her role she sees Passive House standards taking the lead as the preferred choice for green building certification, offering a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to construction and design.

Join us at Reimagine Buildings '24
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/join-us-for-the-big-event-reimagine-buildings-24

RB24 reel
https://youtu.be/und2LvGNzmk

Bonus Episode: Tessa Bradley, Artisans Group (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Shannon Pendleton interviewsTessa Bradley of Artisans Group

https://artisansgroup.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Hideki Shibaike, Kyoto Institute of Technology (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Hideki Shibaike of Kyoto Institute of Technology.

https://www.kit.ac.jp/en/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Graham Wright, Phius (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Shannon Pendleton interviews Graham Wright of Phius.

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Kristof Irwin, Positive Energy (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023,Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy, interviews Kristof Irwin of Positive Energy.

https://positiveenergy.pro/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Rolf Jacobsen, University of Minnesota (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Rolf Jacobsen of the University of Minnesota.

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Ellen Franconi, PNNL (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Ellen Franconi of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

https://www.pnnl.gov/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

166: Retrofits in Maine Looking UP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James engage in a conversation with Naomi Beal, the Founder and Executive Director of passivhausMAINE. They discuss her background as an architectural photographer and the unique path that led her to Passive House. Looking to the future, Beal emphasizes the importance of increased public education and shares insights on how to effectively influence the trajectory of the built environment.

https://www.passivhausmaine.org/

Buildings UP Award Article published on Passive House Accelerator

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/buildings-up-award-goes-to-passivhausmaine

Announcing Reimagine Buildings:

https://www.accelevents.com/e/passive-house-accelerator

Walsh Construction Is Our Accelerator Partner of the Week:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/walsh-construction-is-our-accelerator-partner-of-the-week

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-november-27th-2023

Bonus Episode: Charles MacBride, University of Texas (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Charles MacBride of University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture.

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Lisa White, Phius (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy, interviews Lisa White of Phius.

https://www.phius.org/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Trey Farmer, Forge Craft Architecture & Design (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Trey Farmer, Forge Craft Architecture & Design.

https://forgexcraft.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Kathleen Narbonne, RDH Building Science (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Kathleen Narbonne of RDH Building Science.

https://www.rdh.com/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Michael Jemtrud, McGill University (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023 Mary James, PHA Director of Publications, interviews Michael Jemtrud of McGill University.

https://www.mcgill.ca/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Sayo Okada, Studio G Architect + Passive House Institute Japan (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2023,Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy, interviews Sayo Okada, Studio G Architect + Passive House Institute Japan.

https://studiogarchitects.com/
https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus Episode: Katrin Klingenberg, Phius (PhiusCon 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2023, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy, interviews Katrin Klingenberg Co-Founder & Executive Director at Phius.

https://www.phius.org/

https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

Thank you to our sponsor, Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.zolawindows.com/

165: Our Takeaways from PhiusCon '23

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This week's episode of the Passive House Podcast highlights key
takeaways and insights shared by the PHA team during PhiusCon 2023 in Houston, Texas. Stay tuned for bonus episodes from the conference later this week!

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-the-australian-way-with-hamish-white

Bonus Episode: Lois Arena, Steven Winter Associates (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Lois Arena of Steven Winter Associates .

https://www.swinter.com/
https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Mike O'Donnell, Steven Winter Associates (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Next Gen edition of Passive House Live Carmel Pratt, interviews Mike O'Donnell of Steven Winter Associates.

https://www.swinter.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Carmel Pratt, Bright Power (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host's of the Construction Tech edition of Passive House Live Shaun St-Amour and Mark Willie, interview Carmel Pratt of Bright Power.

https://www.brightpower.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Dylan Martello, Steven Winter Associates (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference Mary James, PHA Director of Publications, interviews Dylan Martello of Steven Winter Associates.

https://www.swinter.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: NY Passive House (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Next Gen edition of Passive House Live Carmel Pratt, interviews Louis Koehl of Handel Architects, George Tolosa of Handel Architects, and Sara Bayer of Magnusson Architects.

https://www.maparchitects.com/

https://handelarchitects.com/

https://www.nypassivehouse.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

164: Passive House the Australian Way with Hamish White

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Hamish White, a Passive House Builder hailing from Melbourne, Australia. As the director of Sanctum Homes, a company dedicated to fostering positive change through the built environment, Hamish shares into the foundational principles and core values that drive Sanctum Homes. Their discussion examines the profound significance, forward trajectory, and the scientific underpinnings of Passive House construction in his work.

Sanctum Homes: https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Talina Edwards and Andy Marlowe episode: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-146-talina-edwards-andy-marlow-envirotecture

Talina’s and Andy’s Little Pot of Gold: https://littlepotofgold.wixsite.com/littlepotofgold

Carbon Brief chart that Zack spoke about during the intro: https://twitter.com/hausfath/status/1717581669354598714/photo/1

Battery technology that Matthew spoke about during the intro:

Dr Ben Miles, Battery 4.0: The Solid State Battery Revolution

Wikipedia entry on Solid-state battery technology

Article about Amptricity's residential solid state battery

Reimagine Buildings video about 425 Grand Concourse: https://youtu.be/UJImxUFC9TE?si=spurusrntE-CCN21

Bonus Episode: Timothy Lock, OPAL (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, PHA Director of Publications Mary James interviews Timothy Lock of OPAL Architecture.

https://www.opalarch.us

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Alex White and Adam White, Intelligent Membranes (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Construction Tech edition of Passive House Live Shaun St-Amour and Mark Wille ,interviews Alex White and Adam White of Intelligent Membranes.

https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Edie Dillman, B.Public Prefab (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host's of the Construction Tech edition of Passive House Live Shaun St-Amour and Mark Wille interview Edie Dillman of B.Public Prefab.

https://bpublicprefab.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Monte Paulsen, Climate Ready Buildings Group (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Next Gen edition of Passive House Live Carmel Pratt, interviews Monte Paulsen of Climate Ready Buildings Group.

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Mariana Pickering, Emu (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0400

https://emupassive.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Rane Wardwell, Collective Carpentry (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Construction Tech edition of Passive House Live Shaun St-Amour, interviews Rane Wardwell of Collective Carpentry.

https://collectivecarpentry.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Andrew Michler, Hyperlocal Workshop (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Andrew Michler of Hyperlocal Workshop.

https://hyperlocalarch.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

163: Passive House Goes Viral with Matt Ferrell

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Zack Semke and Shaun St-Amour interview Matt Ferrell, creator of the “Undecided with Matt Ferrell" YouTube channel. This channel, which has well over 1 million subscribers, explores an array of engaging topics, including net-zero home construction, solar panels, clean energy technology, and provides a comprehensive guide to passive house concepts. In their conversation, they explore Matt's background in UI/UX design, the driving force behind launching the channel, and the significance of discussing and the importance of addressing how technology is shaping the future of our climate.

Passive House Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=secB3R0sIYU&si=nVbjNqUjOFwgGYVa

https://youtu.be/secB3R0sIYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSN-np71d0Q

Undecided YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/@UndecidedMF

Upcoming Events:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-30th-2023

Bonus Episode: Mike O'Donnell, Steven Winter Associates (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co- Host of the Next Gen edition of Passive House Accelerator Live Carmel Pratt interviews Mike O'Donnell of Steven Winter Associates

https://www.swinter.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Jonathan Hines, Architype (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Jonathan Hines of Architype.

https://www.architype.co.uk/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Elena Reyes, Passive House Institute (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Elena Reyes of Passive House Institute.

https://passivehouse.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Chris Magwood, Rocky Mountain Institute (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Chris Magwood of Rocky Mountain Institute.

https://rmi.org/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

162: European Inspired Design Meets Passive House

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down with Mary and Cedric Burgers, of Burgers Architecture, a multi-generational architecture and interior design firm from British Columbia, Canada. They discuss how the firm began, the influence of European design plays in the firm and construction, and the role passive homes play in creating a healthy, liveable future for their clients.

Burgers Architecture:

https://burgersarchitecture.com/

Upcoming Events:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-23rd-2023

Bonus Episode: Tad Everhart, CertiPHIers (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Mary James, PHA Director of Publications interviews Tad Everhart of CertiPHIers

https://www.certiphiers.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Ed May, bldgtyp (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co - Host of the Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy, interviews Ed May of bldgtyp.

http://www.bldgtyp.com/index.html

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Bronwyn Barry, Passive House BB (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Passive House Podcast cohost Mary James interviews Bronwyn Barry of Passive House BB.

https://www.passivehousebb.com/

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Enrico Bonilauri, Emu (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Co-Host of the Passive House Podcast Ilka Cassidy interviews Enrico Bonilauri of Emu

https://phnconference.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

161: Creating the 3 Passive Homes that Caught the WSJ’s Attention

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke sits down with Mike Dellefave, architect and senior project designer with RODE architects. RODE has garnered recent acclaim with a notable feature in the Wall Street Journal. The article spotlights Brucewood homes, a trio of single-family Passive House residences located in Boston. They discuss the significance of the article, not only on RODE Architects but also on the broader architectural industry.

RODE Architects:

https://www.rodearchitects.com/

Brucewood Project Link:

https://www.rodearchitects.com/PROJECTS/Brucewood-by-the-Park

Chart from Nature Physics showing global cumulative wastes that Zack refers to

https://twitter.com/janrosenow/status/1712499370975736170

Wall Street Journal Article: Triple-Digit Heat, but No Electric Bill? For Passive Homeowners, ‘It’s Hard to Go Back’

https://www.wsj.com/articles/passive-home-design-massachusetts-2c89a18d

PhiusCon 2023
https://phius1.zohobackstage.com/PhiusCon2023

PHA LIVE
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/passive-house-live

Reimagine Buildings

https://www.youtube.com/@ReimagineBuildings

Link for the Climate Denier's Playbook Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-climate-deniers-playbook/id1694759084

Upcoming events:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-16th-2023

Bonus Episode: Craig E. Stevenson, AUROS Group (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Passive House Podcast bonus episode co-host Carmel Pratt interviews Craig E. Stevenson, of the AUROS Group.

https://www.aurosgroup.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

Bonus Episode: Prudence Ferreira, Thornton Tomasetti (PHN 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Network Conference, Passive House Podcast cohost Ilka Cassidy interviews Prudence Ferreira, of Thornton Tomasetti.

https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, ENERsign for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Network Conference possible.

https://www.enersign.com/en/

160: Sustainable Futures: Shefali Sanghvi on Equitable, Resilient Building

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Shefali Sanghvi, Director of Sustainability at Dattner Architects. Shefali discusses her commitment to facilitating equitable access to climate-resilient, healthy buildings. She shares insights into the recent Vital Brookdale project and elaborates on her role as a Director of Sustainability at a prominent architecture firm, exploring how her work is forging a path towards a better building future.

Dattner Architects:
https://www.dattner.com/

Vital Brookdale Project:
https://www.dattner.com/projects/view/vital-brookdale/

Link to the chart that Zack mentions in the intro:
https://x.com/AukeHoekstra/status/1708071382259515855?s=20

159: Building New Zealand’s First Passive House Office with Bryce Dunlop

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Bryce Dunlop, a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and Managing Director of Dunlop Builders, based in New Zealand. Bryce has played a pivotal role in the creation of Dunlop Builders' first certified Passive House office, which serves as a workshop, showroom, and office space. In this conversation, he shares insights about his role and discusses the journey and inspiration behind the conception and realization of this unique project.

Dunlop Builders
https://www.dunlopbuilders.co.nz/insights/the-dunlop-hub/

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-2nd-2023

158: Managing Indoor Air Quality for Better Health, Stephanie Taylor

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James sit down with Dr. Stephanie Taylor, the CEO and Founder of Building 4 Health Inc. This innovative company has patented a medically-based Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) health standard and provides real-time, data-driven solutions to assess and enhance the indoor environment for both occupant health and building efficiency.

They discuss the intersection between the constructed environment, mechanical systems, design, and health. They explore the profound health impacts associated with spending time in buildings, offering insight into the intricate interplay between varying elements within built spaces and how they affect human well-being. The conversation not only sheds light on the significant aspects of building design but also emphasizes the pivotal role of health-conscious approaches in contemporary architectural and construction practices.

https://www.b4hinc.com/

Upcoming events:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-25th-2023

157: Dave Fox, RDH Building Science

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Dave Fox, Senior Project Manager at RDH. Their conversation focuses on Passive House code development in both Massachusetts and Washington state. During their discussion, Zack and Dave explore the diverse approaches and pathways to code development, shedding light on the challenges and innovations that each region brings to the table. Dave emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing the building enclosure when designing high-efficiency structures, underscoring how this focus can drive massive energy efficiency outcomes.

RDH Building Science:
https://www.rdh.com/about/

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-11th-2023

156: Shane Pollin, PS Ventures

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Shane Pollin, Founder of PS Ventures, LLC where his primary mission is to help design and develop buildings that are more resilient, more durable, and more efficient utilizing building science and Passive Building principles. Shane brings a practical, economic and marketing based approach to Passive House and speaks in depth about his unique perspectives as a developer.

PS Ventures:
https://www.psvdev.com/about-us

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-11th-2023

155: Heather Mott, Collective Carpentry

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James interview Heather Mott, in-house designer and a Certified Passive House Consultant at Collective Carpentry. In this interview, she shares her profound enthusiasm for Passive House design and how her involvement with the Passive House Accelerator played a pivotal role in shaping her current role. Heather shares into her unique approach to crafting model homes that prioritize both the well-being of their occupants and the preservation of the environment. Her designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote comfort, health, and environmental responsibility.

Collective Carpentry:
https://collectivecarpentry.com/

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-4th-2023

Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

Passive House Podcast Ep. 154: Mike Anderson, Passive Design Solutions

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Zack Semke sits down with Mike Anderson of Canadian based Passive Design Solutions. Learn how Mike's standard plans and catalog for Passive Homes are reshaping the industry as he speaks about scaling up Passive building models and his hands-on involvement in all aspects of high-performance housing, from energy modeling to window layouts.

Passive Design Solutions:
https://www.passivedesign.ca/pages/about-us

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-august-28th-2023

Passive House Podcast Ep. 153: Helena McElmeel, Helena McElmeel Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James interview Helena McElmeel of Helena McElmeel Architects in Galway, Ireland. They explore architecture and Passive House design, and discuss her innovative strategies for addressing overheating, including exterior shading, after surpassing overheating goals in the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP).

Helena sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of promoting Passive House principles in Western Ireland, emphasizing the urgent need to align construction practices with climate change realities. Helena also discusses crucial aspects of windtightness and airtightness in Passive House construction, uncovering their role in energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Helena McElmeel Architects:
https://mcelmeel.ie/

RIAI 2023 Climate Change Update:
https://www.riai.ie/whats-on/news/riai-2030-climate-challenge

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-august-21st-2023

Passive House Podcast Ep. 152: Wayne Turett, Turett Collaborative

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Wayne Turett, founder of The Turett Collaborative, an architecture and interiors firm in NYC. Their conversation focuses on the link between the circular economy and construction waste. Wayne stresses the need to rethink waste management at every stage of design and construction to align with a more circular economy, prioritizing strategies like designing for disassembly, selecting sustainable materials, adaptive reuse, and prefabrication to reduce waste and promote sustainability. He also speaks about the importance of educating stakeholders and collaborating to drive change.

Turett Collaborative:
https://www.turettarch.com/

Evergreen Recycling Services:
https://interstatewaste.com/c-d-recycling/

Freecycle:
https://www.freecycle.org/

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-august-14th-2023

Don't miss Passive House Accelerator's new YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ReimagineBuildings

Passive House Podcast Ep. 151: Andrea Mancino, Bright Power

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Bright Power interim CEO, Andrea Mancino. Andrea began at Bright Power over a decade ago as an intern and now heads up the industry-leading energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy management consultancy, based in New York City. The firm's Passive House portfolio is growing at a rate of 100% per year, reflecting the exciting momentum and progress underway in the northeastern US around high-performance buildings. Andrea, Mary, and Ilka discuss this momentum, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, the importance of workforce development, Andrea's leadership and advocacy as part of the Women in Construction network of ProCore (https://www.procore.com/wic), and lots more!

https://www.brightpower.com/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-august-7th-2023

Don't miss Passive House Accelerator's new YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ReimagineBuildings

Passive House Podcast Ep. 150: Carolin Friese, Carolin Friese Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Carolin Friese, the architect behind Carolin Friese Architecture in Queenstown, New Zealand. Originally from Germany, Carolin's early exposure to sustainable and energy-efficient homes, along with her background in engineering, has led her to become a Passive House designer. She gives insights into her design philosophy and what she sees as the future of eco-conscious living spaces.

Carolin Friese Architecture:
https://www.cf-architecture.co.nz/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-31st-2023

Passive House Podcast Ep. 149: David Barker, Introba

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews David Barker, Managing Principal and leader of the Australian National Sustainability Team at Introba. They discuss the impact of his his early decision to pursue engineering and his path to discovering the importance of sustainable building practices. David also shares a bit about his current projects including his contributions to the Passive House Playbook launched at the Thrive 2023 Conference hosted by the Australian Passivhaus Association.

https://www.introba.com/

https://www.development.vic.gov.au/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-24th-2023

Passive House Podcast Ep. 148: Raphael Vibert, Herz & Lang

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of the Passive House Podcast, cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Raphaël Vibert, a Passive House certifier accredited by the Passive House Institute. Raphaël is a senior designer, consultant, and certifier at Herz & Lang.

Throughout this episode, the conversation covers a range of topics, starting with the significance of adopting a holistic approach when undertaking projects. Raphaël shares insights from his extensive experience certifying various project types, and talks about the challenges and rewards of achieving energy efficiency goals. Notably, the conversation highlights Raphaël's instrumental role in leading the certification of the groundbreaking Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, the world's first Passive House-certified hospital.

Herz & Lang:
https://www.herz-lang.de/de/ueber-uns/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-17th-2023

Passive House Podcast Ep. 147: John Semmelhack, IAQ and Wildfire Smoke

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke catches up with John Semmelhack, co-owner of the Comfort Squad based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a member of the Phius Technical Committee. John shares an immediate, triage solution to keeping indoor air clean (the Corsi-Rosenthal cube) as well as a long-term, structural solution (Passive House airtightness and ventilation with high-performance filtration). Listen to learn about short-term triage solutions as well as longer-term structural solutions in buildings.

Checkout the video version of the interview on Reimagine Buildings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO_nnTASOAE

Comfort Squad:
https://www.comfortsquad.us/

Corsi-Rosenthal Fan Resources:
https://corsirosenthalfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Build-a-Box-Eng-1.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=201&v=H2YELPNsImk&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fcleanaircrew.org%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw7fUMhNov8&t=300s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7eL2OAnqc8&t=131s

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-10th-2023

Passive House Podcast EP. 146: Talina Edwards + Andy Marlow, Envirotecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Talina Edwards + Andy Marlow of Envirotecture, an Australian-based architectural firm.

During the interview, Talina and Andy discuss their recent success in a carbon focused design competition, shedding light on the complex relationship between operational and embodied carbon. Their primary focus lies in creating net-zero homes that are equitable, affordable, and conducive to a healthy lifestyle while shaping a future where sustainable homes are accessible to all.

Envirotecture:
www.envirotecture.com.au

https://littlepotofgold.wixsite.com/littlepotofgold

Previous episode featuring Talina:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-28-talina-edwards

Previous episode featuring Andy:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-15-andy-marlow

More about the rapid fall of solar’s embodied carbon: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rapid-fall-solars-embodied-carbon-chris-worboys/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-3rd-2023

Passive House Podcast Ep. 145: Joe Mercieca, Blue Eco Homes

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Joe Mercieca, owner of Blue Eco Homes, an Australia-based construction company. With an extensive background spanning over three decades in the building industry, Joe shares his discovery of Passive House and its impact on his approach to construction. Joe discusses training his team and his insights into the significance of airtight design and the creation of high-quality, energy-efficient buildings.

Blue Eco Homes:
https://blueecohomes.com.au/about-us/

The Sapphire Home:
https://blueecohomes.com.au/concept-homes/the-sapphire/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-26th-2023

International Passive House Open Days:
https://passivehouse-international.org/index.php?page_id=262

PHA x NYPH, Charlotte of the Upper West Side recording:
https://youtu.be/iWQAW7_vWMA

Passive House on the Frontlines: Wildfire Smoke & Indoor Air Quality
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/passive-house-on-the-frontlines-wildfire-smoke-and-indoor-air-quality

Reimagine Buildings:
https://www.youtube.com/@ReimagineBuildings

Passive House Podcast Ep. 144: Emily Smith, Re:Vision Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of the Passive House Podcast, cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Emily Smith, Sustainability Consultant at Re:Vision Architecture, located in Philadelphia, PA. Emily is a LEED Accredited Professional, HERS Rater and PHIUS+ Rater.

During the episode, Emily shares her inspiring journey, tracing back to her early fascination with renewable technology and her transition from a potential career in mechanical engineering. As she shares her personal journey, Emily discusses how she found a sense of purpose by aligning her work with a responsibility towards sustainability and climate change.

Re:Vision Architecture:
https://revisionarch.com/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-12th-2023

Bonus Episode: EuroLine Windows (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Alfred Jury, Davyd Funk, and Ilan Muskal of EuroLine windows. Thank you, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible!

https://euroline-windows.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 143: Katie Faulkner, West Work

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of the Passive House Podcast, guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy sit down with Katie Faulkner, co-founder of West Work design collaborative. This wide-ranging episode dives deep into the world of retrofitting, prefabrication, and building science.

Katie Faulkner is an experienced architect with a passion for transforming existing buildings into energy-efficient spaces. She brings her expertise to the conversation, sharing valuable insights on the challenges, strategies and opportunities associated with retrofit projects, as well as the role of prefabrication in sustainable construction. Katie sheds light on how her current work with prefabrication methods is streamlining the building process, enhancing quality control, and improving energy performance.

West Work:
https://west-work.com/

Passive House on the Frontlines: Wildfire Smoke & Indoor Air Quality
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/passive-house-on-the-frontlines-wildfire-smoke-and-indoor-air-quality

Previous Passive House Podcast episodes with Katie:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-encore-ep-katherine-faulkner-faulknerwest

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-37-katherine-faulkner-westfaulkner

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-12th-2023

Bonus Episode: Scott Foster, Senior Advisor, Senior Fellow, and Entrepreneur in Sustainable Energy (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Passive House Accelerator founder Michael Ingui interviews Scott Foster, Senior Advisor, Senior Fellow, and Entrepreneur in Sustainable Energy and former United Nations Economic Commission Director of Sustainable Energy.

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Lois Arena, Steven Winter Associates (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Lois Arena of Steven Winter Associates.

https://www.swinter.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Chris Chan, Soukup America (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Passive House Accelerator founder Michael Ingui interviews Chris Chan of Soukup America.

https://soukupamerica.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Sean Botham, CityHousing Hamilton (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Sean Botham of CityHousing Hamilton.

https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/cityhousing-hamilton

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 142: Mark van Haandel, MVH Constructions

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Mark van Haandel of MVH Constructions. Joining us from Melbourne, Australia, Mark shares his journey of transitioning from a traditional builder to a passionate advocate for sustainable construction practices. Discover how Mark's encounter with Passive House principles revolutionized not only his way of building but also transformed his entire business.

MVH Constructions:
https://www.mvhconstructions.com/

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-5th-2023

Thank you to our Accelerator Partner of the Week, DataBased+
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/databased-is-our-accelerator-partner-of-the-week

Bonus Episode: Marine Sanchez, RDH Building Science (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Marine Sanchez of RDH Building Science.

https://www.rdh.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Evelyne Bouchard, Tandem Architecture Écologique (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Evelyne Bouchard of Tandem Architecture Écologique.

https://en.tandemarch.ca/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Corey Diamond, Efficiency Canada (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Corey Diamond of Efficiency Canada.

https://www.efficiencycanada.org/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Mahnaz Nikbakht, ROCKWOOL North America (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Mahnaz Nikbakht of ROCKWOOL North America and Bâtiment Passif Québec.

https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/
https://batimentpassifquebec.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep.141: Gunter and Markus Lang, LANG consulting

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 May 2023 13:00:00 -0400

In the most recent episode of the Passive House Podcast, guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Gunter and Markus Lang of LANG consulting. Known as longstanding members of Passive House Austria, they delve into their extensive efforts to promote the principles of Passive House on a global scale.

2019 interview with Gunter and Markus:

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/interview-with-gunter-and-markus-lang-father-son-passivhaus-duo-in-austria

Österreich radelt:
https://www.radelt.at/

Upcoming Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-29-2023

Bonus Episode: Jennifer Hogan, Pretium (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Jennifer Hogan of Pretium.

https://pretiumengineering.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Matt Bowers, Rochester Passive House Consulting (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 26 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Passive House Accelerator founder Michael Ingui interviews Matt Bowers of Rochester Passive House Consulting.

https://rocpassivehouse.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.

https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Chris Ballard, Passive House Canada (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 25 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Chris Ballard of Passive House Canada.

https://www.passivehousecanada.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.
https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Josie Costantini, Schilthuis Construction (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 24 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Mary James interviews Josie Costantini of Schilthuis Construction.

http://www.schilthuis.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.

https://euroline-windows.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 140: Passive Voyage

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 23 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Linnea Kreutzer, one-half of the Mother and Daughter duo, embarking on an ambitious Passive Voyage across more than 20 countries in Europe. Having already spent 50 days on their journey, they are immersing themselves in the exploration of over 150 different Passive House projects and are visiting numerous High Performance Building Manufacturers along the way.

Social links to follow the Voyage:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/taking-a-passive-voyage-through-europe

Upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-22-2023

Greek TV spot featuring the Voyage (with English subtitles):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dv6ftq9w9cm1jlt/Passive%20Voyage%20-%20Greek%20National%20TV.mp4?dl=0

Austrian radio spot in German:
https://sound.orf.at/podcast/oe1/oe1-nachhaltig-leben/passivevoyage-wie-mutter-und-tochter-europas-passivhaeuser-erkunden

Bonus Episode: Connor Malloy of Passive House Canada and George Brown College (PHCC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 22 May 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the Passive House Canada Conference, Passive House Accelerator founder Michael Ingui interviews Connor Malloy of Passive House Canada and George Brown College.

https://www.georgebrown.ca/

https://conference.passivehousecanada.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, EuroLine Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at the Passive House Canada Conference possible.

https://euroline-windows.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 139: Emma Raymont, MaGrann Associates

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In the most recent episode of the Passive House Podcast, guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Emma Raymont, Director of Engineering at MaGrann Associates in Philadelphia. Emma is a highly regarded expert in designing and retrofitting building systems to be energy-efficient, and healthy.

Emma takes us on her non-linear journey to becoming an engineer, highlighting the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped her career path. With her passion for sustainability and environmental consciousness, Emma sheds light on the importance of considering the broader impact of buildings on our planet and the communities they serve.

Upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-15-2023

Bonus Episode: Marcelo Huenchuñir Bustos, Instituto Latinoamericano Passivhaus (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 13 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this special bilingual bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House LIVE! 101 Series co-host Jose Sosa interviews Marcelo Huenchuñir Bustos of Instituto Latinoamericano Passivhaus.

https://www.passivhaus.lat/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Tomas Mikeska, Passive House Institute (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 12 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Tomas Mikeska of the Passive House Institute.

https://passivehouse.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Special Passive House Component Episode: Alfred Jury, EuroLine Windows

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 11 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component Podcast Episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Alfred Jury, Certified Passive House Consultant at EuroLine Windows. We learn the story behind EuroLine Windows, a pioneering Canadian-based company specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-performance windows for residential and commercial buildings. Alfred shares his personal journey within the company and delves into his passion for Passive House building practices. He offers an insider's perspective into the company's forthcoming innovations, giving listeners a sneak peek at what's on the horizon for the company.

https://euroline-windows.com/

Bonus Episode: Murat Yucel, Meesenburg International (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 10 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Murat Yucel of Meesenburg International.

https://www.meesenburg.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 138: Tim Montague, Clean Power Hour Podcast

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Tim Montague, the host and creator of the Clean Power Hour Podcast. Tim is a seasoned solar developer, expert in clean energy, and a trusted consultant with a 30-year career in sustainability and technology. Their conversation focuses on the transformative power of solar energy and wind power. Drawing on his wealth of experience, Tim shares invaluable insights into the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy and and how it relates to the built environment.

Clean Power Hour Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4QpRZoiYIV72ZNz7hTYX0W?si=e8512090b0ae4e50

Ramez Naam Podcast Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QA7W5wFlZbo4eDqWHWrRw?si=PjD_IZL1S0aAkpkXLFxFHA

Upcoming Passive House Events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-8-2023

Bonus Episode: Kate De Selincourt (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 04 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews journalist Kate De Selincourt.

https://www.katedeselincourt.co.uk/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Kate Nason, Australian Passive House Association (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews Kate Nason of The Australian Passive House Association.

https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 137: Sara Bayer, Magnusson Architecture and Planning

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Zack Semke sits down with Sara Bayer, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Magnusson Architecture and Planning. They delve into Sara's personal journey to Passive House and discuss the critical role that architects play in designing energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable spaces. They also take a closer look at Magnusson Architecture and Planning's recent award-winning projects through the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence program, as well as two upcoming senior living projects with ambitious sustainability goals.

Reimagine Buildings YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ReimagineBuildings

Upcoming Passive House Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-1st-2023

Articles co-authored by Sara Bayer examining Embodied and Operational Carbon:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/a-delicate-balance-weighing-embodied-vs-operational-carbon
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/a-delicate-balance-weighing-embodied-vs-operational-carbon-part-two

Sara's presentation about the Rheingold Senior Residence Balanced Passive House:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/rheingold-senior-residence-balanced-passive-house

Sara's presentation about Cooper Park Commons:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/urban-passive-house-episode-2-cooper-park-commons

NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Round 3 Awards: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/buildings-of-excellence-round-3-awards-ceremony-by-nyserda

Bonus Episode: Joseph Schlitz, ENERsign (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Joseph Schlitz of ENERsign.

https://enersign.com/en/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Special Passive House Component Episode: David Boyer, Pat Downey, and Paul Grahovac, PROSOCO

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component Podcast Episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews David Boyer, Pat Downey, and Paul Grahovac of PROSOCO, a leading producer of air and water barriers for Passive House projects via its R-Guard line of fluid-applied membranes.

Their discussion spans the eight plus decades of Prosoco’s history, problematic window installations and the importance of robust water barrier in rough openings, and the importance of air tightness in promoting health and resiliency.

Prosoco: https://prosoco.com/

Previous Podcast Episode: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/special-passive-house-component-episode-paul-grahovac-an...

Contact Pat Downey: pat.downey@prosoco.com

Bonus Episode: Ganbaa Nyamaa of Mongolian PH Institute (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Ilka Cassidy interviews Ganbaa Nyamaa of Mongolian PH Institute.

https://passivehouse-international.org/memberSearchDetails.php?member_id=12883

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 136: Kara Haggerty Wilson, Onion Flats

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Kara Haggerty Wilson, Project Manager at Onion Flats Architecture. They speak about her start with Passive House, the firm's transition from development to delivering architectural solutions for projects in a wide range of climates, and particularly the exciting and innovative work the firm is doing to implement large-scale deep energy retrofits in Massachusetts.

Upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-24th-2023

Bonus Episode: Benjamin Krick, Passive House Institute (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Bonus Episode: Benjamin Krick, Passive House Institute (IPHC 2023)

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Ilka Cassidy interviews Benjamin Krick of Passive House Institute.

https://passivehouse.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 135: Chris Hill, BCollective

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Chris Hill, President of BCollective in Vancouver, BC. Chris is a board member of Passive House Canada and one of the driving forces behind an open sourced system, BOSS, which stands for Building Offsite Sustainable Systems.

Construction Tech episode featuring Chris Hill:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/offsite-construction-methods-using-prefabricated-panels

Zebx:
https://www.zebx.org/

Upcoming Passive House Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-17th-2023

Thank you to Barlis Wedlick for their partnership as Accelerator Partner of the Week!

Bonus Episode: Dragos-Ionut Arnautu, Passive House Institute (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Dragos-Ionut Arnautu of Passive House Institute.

https://passivehouse.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Ed May, bldgtyp (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Ed May of bldgtyp.

http://www.bldgtyp.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Special Event Episode: Buildings of Excellence Round 3 Awards, NYSERDA

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0400

Zack Semke, director of Passive House Accelerator, joins us with a series of short interviews conducted immediately after the close of the Awards Ceremony that celebrated the winning projects for Round Three of the Buildings of Excellence Competition presented by NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. We at the Accelerator, in partnership with NYSERDA and AIA New York, produced the awards ceremony at the Center of Architecture in New York City.

Round 3 of NYSERDA’s Buildings of Excellence program is an exciting 48 million dollar plus initiative to advance clean and resilient buildings that are profitable, beautiful, and affordable for all New Yorkers. The awards support the state’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050 and advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal to achieve two million climate friendly homes by 2030.

Interviews include:

Katrin Klingenberg, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Phius
James Hartford, Partner at River Architects
Jeff Mirel of Rosenblum Development Corporation and Shawn Corp of Balzer & Tuck Architecture
Pournamasi Rath and Ed Ettinger of Ettinger Engineering Associates
Jesse Schwartzberg of Black Mountain Architecture and Dave Bruns of Bruns Realty Group

Watch video versions of interviews:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdVD4FGLQBN4z_Pu0y-BMFW4Em_hErWY-

Buildings of Excellence Awards Ceremony:
https://youtu.be/6SLRK9EEdGg

More about Buildings of Excellence:
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Progra...

Passive House Podcast Ep. 134: Lorrie Rand, Habit Studio

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Lorrie Rand. Lorrie is Co-Founder, Director of Sustainability, and a certified Passive House Designer at Habit Studio in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Upcoming Passive House Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-10th-2023

Bonus Episode: Jens Lüder Herms, pro clima (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Jens Lüder Herms of pro clima.

https://proclima.com/service/technical-support

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Jesus Menendez, Zero Energy Passivhaus (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Jesus Menendez of Zero Energy Passivhaus.

https://www.zepassiv.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 133: Mark Siddall, LEAP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Mark Siddall, Principal at LEAP Architecture in Durham, United Kingdom. Mark's work focuses on the design, delivery, and operation of ultra-low energy and Passive House buildings. In this return interview, Mark discusses and walks us through the eight stages of the RIBA Passive Haus Overlay.

Podcast Episode 107:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-107-mark-siddall-leap

Podcast Episode 52:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-52-mark-siddall-leap

Larch Corner PHA LIVE! Episode:
https://youtu.be/DzjM0YzoE-E

RIBA Passive Haus Overlay PDF:
https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/UserFiles/File/2023/2023%2002_Passivhaus%20Overlay%20to%20RIBA%20Plan%20of%20Work/Passivhaus%20Overlay%20to%20RIBA%20Plan%20of%20Work_FINAL.pdf

Upcoming Passive House Events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-3rd-2023

Bonus Episode: Sarah Mekjian, Climate Alliance (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Ilka Cassidy interviews Sarah Mekjian of Climate Alliance.

https://www.climatealliance.org/home.html

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Ifrah Ariff, bere:architects (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cut interviews Ifrah Ariff of bere:architects

https://bere.co.uk/architecture/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Micheel Wassouf, Energiehaus (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Zack Semke, Mary James, and Ilka Cassidy — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews Micheel Wassouf of Energiehaus.

https://www.energiehaus.es/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Sarah Lewis, Passivhaus Trust (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Sarah Lewis of Passivhaus Trust.

https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Andrew Peel, Peel Passive House (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Andrew Peel of Peel Passive House.

https://www.peelpassivehouse.ca/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 132: Voya Milasinovic, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Voya Milasinovic, Manager of Performance Construction and Electrification at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US. They discuss his role as a liaison to the community of Passive House practitioners, a new smaller heat pump sized for Passive House projects, the unique challenges of Passive House delivery in hot and humid climates (and examples of projects that are meeting those challenges), and the central role that the skilled trades will play in high-performance building moving forward.

About Vitruvius' 10 Books on Architecture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_architectura

Passive House Podcast ep. 10 with Kimberly Llewelyn: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-episode-10-kimberly-llewelyn

Mitsubishi Electric Component Spotlight re: CO2 DHW, Heat Pump Hyrdronics, and More:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/passive-house-component-spotlight-mitsubishi-electric-trane-hvac-us

Mitsubishi Electric Component Spotlight re: Heat2O, the Future of Water Heating:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/heat2o-the-future-of-water-heating-with-mitsubishi-electric-trane-hvac-us

Upcoming Passive House events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-march-27th-2022

Bonus Episode: Maria Vico Garcia, Castaño & Asociados Passivhaus (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews Maria Vico Garcia of Castaño & Asociados Passivhaus based in Seville, Spain.

https://castanoyasociados.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 131: Nick Sowden, Sowden Building Solutions

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cuttler-Welsh interviews Nick Sowden of Sowden Building Solutions in Australia. Nick is a master builder, green living builder, and CPHTP. They speak about his early curiosity for sustainable home building, his interest in Hempcrete, and his thoughts on workforce training.

Sowden Building Solutions:
https://www.sowdenbuildingsolutions.com.au

Instagram live tour:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CpnWQxwITny/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Bonus Episode: Emma Osmundsen, Sixty Bricks (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Ilka Cassidy interviews Emma Osmundsen of London based Sixty Bricks.

https://sixtybricks.co.uk/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Juan Manuel Castaño Salvador (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews Juan Manuel Castaño Salvador of Castaño & Asociados Passivhaus based in Seville, Spain.

https://castanoyasociados.com/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Sally Godber, WARM: Low Energy Buildings Practice (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews Sally Godber of WARM: Low Energy Buildings Practice based in the UK.

https://peterwarm.co.uk/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus Episode: Anne Vogt, VAND arquitectura (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 26th International Passive House Conference, Passive House Podcast co-host Mary James interviews Anne Vogt of VAND arquitectura based in Madrid, Spain.

https://vandarquitectura.info/

Thank you to our sponsors for making the Passive House Podcast at the International Passive House Conference possible.

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Special Passive House Component Episode: Akshayaa Kariyakkar + Jeremy Latriano, Lamilux

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Akshayaa Kariyakkar and Jeremy Latriano, Daylighting Product Consultants with Lamilux. As part of the 475 team, Akshayaa and Jeremy have worked with Lamilux to bring hundreds of daylight projects to life across North America. They discuss the history of the company as well as some of the different product lines and how they can be used by PH practitioners.

Lamilux Website: https://www.lamilux.com
475 High Performance Building Supply: https://foursevenfive.com/

Passive House Podcast Ep. 130: Eddy Voltaire, Design Construction & Sustainability Inc

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Eddy Voltaire, Urban(ist) Designer, CPHT, and sustainability consultant with New York based Design Construction & Sustainability Inc (DCS). They discuss his path to Passive House, his recent involvement as a Passive House Network board member, current projects, and the new PHN DEI Series.

PHN DEI Series: https://naphnetwork.org/phn-dei/

Special Passive House Component Episode: Sam Meyers, Retrotec

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Sam Meyers, Building Scientist at Retrotec. Sam speaks about his product development and training roles at the company as well as his use of blower door tests and applications of other diagnostic equipment.

Retrotec website: https://retrotec.com/

Contact Retrotec USA: sales@retrotec.com

Contact Retrotec EU: salesEU@retrotec.com

Leonard Wyeth and Sara D. Holmes - Wyeth Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Leonard Wyeth, Principal and architect at Wyeth Architecture, and Sara Holmes architect at Wyeth Architecture. They speak about the ambitious deep energy retrofit on an 18th century colonial building that they are currently working on and will eventually serve as the Wyeth Architecture office. Leonard and Sara also discuss their involvement with Connecticut Passive House.

Connecticut Passive House: https://ctpassivehouse.org/

Office retrofit project: https://wyetharchitects.com/project/6-maple-street/

Andrew Steingiser – RDH Building Science

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Andrew Steingiser, Associate, Senior Project Architect, and Passive House Consultant at RDH Building Science's Boston Office. Andrew shares Massachusetts's exciting new Stretch Code and Opt-In Specialized Code, both of which feature Passive House. He discusses the impact that these new building policies are having on the ground in Massachusetts, and what it's like to go into client meetings with Passive House on the table as a requirement as opposed to an option that needs to be sold. (Spoiler: it's good.) Hear Andrew's insights from one of the most dynamic centers of Passive House development anywhere.

Read Andrew's article, “The Shifting Energy Code Landscape in Massachusetts,” in High Profile: https://www.high-profile.com/the-shifting-energy-code-landscape-in-massachusetts/

Links to upcoming Passive House events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-february-20th-2022

Bonus: Jessica Grove-Smith + Jan Steiger of Passive House Institute (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Jessica Grove-Smith and Jan Steiger, both Managing Directors of the Passive House Institute (PHI), about the upcoming 26th International Passive House Conference in Wiesbaden, Germany (March 10-12). They dive into the theme of the conference—Efficiency NOW—as well as the conference's focus on Passive House retrofit projects, approaches, and innovations, like the OutPHit initiative.

This interview is the second of a series that the Passive House Accelerator will be conducting at the International Passive House Conference, thanks to generous support from:

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Bonus: Wolfgang Feist of Passive House Institute (IPHC 2023)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

With the 26th International Passive House Conference right around the corner (March 10-12, 2023 in Wiesbaden, Germany), Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Dr. Wolfgang Feist, founder of the Passive House Institute (PHI), about PHI's Efficiency Now campaign and the role that efficiency can play in weaning Europe off of dependence on Russian oil and gas. It's a conversation that ranges from astrophysics to energy efficiency, from Carl Sagan's stardust to Passive House's potential to help undermine autocratic power in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

This interview is the first of a series that the Passive House Accelerator will be conducting at the International Passive House Conference, thanks to generous support from:

Ikon Windows and Doors https://www.ikonwindows.com/
Innotech Windows and Doors https://www.innotech-windows.com/
Intelligent Membranes https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Minotair https://www.minotair.com/home_us/
Pro Clima https://proclima.com/

Learn more about Passive House Institute: https://passivehouse.com/
Explore PHI's Efficiency Now campaign: https://passipedia.org/efficiency_now
Register for the International Passive House Conference: https://passivhaustagung.de/en/
Read the Economist article "War and subsidies have turbocharged the green transition": https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2023/02/13/war-and-subsidies-have-turbocharged-the-green-transition

Kelly Moynihan – HPZS

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Kelly Moynihan, Principal at the women-led firm, HPZS (https://hpzs.com/). With certifications in Passive House design, Living Building Challenge, WELL Standard, and LEED, Kelly's work to decarbonize the built environment spans Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Links to upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-february-20th-2022

Jessica Allen – Climasure

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Jessica Allen, Technical Manager at Climasure in South Australia, about her transition from "worrying about how buildings look" to "caring about how they work". She shares her journey from energy modeling, to focusing on airtightness, to learning about and harnessing Passive House design. She and Matthew also discuss recent progress in Australia's building code and her hopes for future progress there.

Links to events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-february-13th-2022

Passive House Podcast episode featuring Petra Wöerner, designer of the new Passive House hospital in Frankfurt, Germany: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-40-petra-woerner-woerner-traxler-richter

Passive House Podcast episode featuring Jesse Clark of Pro Clima: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-124-jesse-clarke-p

Edie Dillman – B.Public Prefab

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Edie Dillman, Co-Founder and CEO of B.Public Prefab, the high performance prefab envelope manufacturer. The two discuss her mission-driven work at B.Public, her board service for both the Passive House Network and Santa Fe Art Insitute, and the theme of disruption.

Links to events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-february-6th-2022

Jesse Clarke – Pro Clima

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cuttler-Welsh interviews Jesse Clarke, Innovation and R&D Manager at Pro Clima in New Zealand and Australia, about his pathway to Passive House and the healthy building movement. The question "why?" has played a key role in Jesse's journey of discovery in building science and building regulations. In the conversation, Jesse shares the "cascade of intervention" from insulation to airtightness to vapor and moisture management, and his recent work to help Australia include airtightness in its building code in 2019 and the ASHRAE 160 standard in 2022.

Pro Clima website: https://proclima.com/
The Pro Clima Blue Book: https://proclima.com.au/the-blue-book/
The Pro Clima Australia Study: https://proclima.com.au/pro-clima-australia-study/

Links to Passive House news and upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-january-30th-2022

Adam White – Intelligent Membranes (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Adam White, CEO and Founder of Intelligent Membranes, maker of the Passive Purple line of intelligent liquid membranes for Passive House airtightness and water and vapor management. Adam shares his background as a builder, the near-death experience that led him down the pathway to becoming a manufacturer of liquid-applied membranes, the many fruits of his serial entrepreneurship, and even a bit about the Magna Carta!

Intelligent Membranes website: https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/
Contact Intelligent Membranes: https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/contact
The Reubens College (keeper of the Magna Carta) case study: https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/blog/reubens-college
The world's most airtight bar: https://www.intelligentmembranes.com/blog/airtight-bar-cambridgeshire

Tessa Bradley + Roussa Cassel – Artisans Group

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Tessa Bradley and Roussa Cassel, co-owners and principals of Artisans Group in Olympia Washington. The interview delves into women's leadership in architecture, Artisans Group's Passive House practice, the firm's exciting new project with Habitat for Humanity, and Tessa's and Roussa's distinct paths to their current collaborative leadership of the firm.

Tessa's May 2020 presentation about Madison Passive House: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/tessa-smith-madison-passive-house

Tessa's Episode 14 appearance on the Passive House Podcast:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-14-tessa-smith-bradley-https-open-spotify-com-episode-5qrlqjfreotb0kbwhxopwm

Tessa's appearance with Graham Irwin on a bonus Passive House Podcast episode recorded at PhiusCon 2021: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-14-tessa-smith-bradley-https-open-spotify-com-episode-5qrlqjfreotb0kbwhxopwm

Tessa's appearance on a bonus Passive House Podcast episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/bonus-episode-tessa-bradley-of-artisans-group-at-phiuscon-2022

Jose Sosa – Host of New PHA LIVE 101 Series

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews architect and Passive House consultant Jose Sosa, Passive House Accelerator's host for the new PHA LIVE! 101 Series. The two discuss Jose's work at Bright Power, his recent move to London, the latest from the Latin American Passive House scene, and Jose's hopes for the new series that launches on Feb 1.

Episode 1 of Passive House Accelerator LIVE! 101 Series: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/event-announcements/10-steps-to-designing-your-first-passive-house-tips-and-tricks-from-an-architect
Bright Power: https://www.brightpower.com/
WELL Building Standard: https://standard.wellcertified.com/well
EDGE: https://edgebuildings.com/

Leslie Billhymer – Corona Partners Real Estate

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Leslie Billhymer, Principal at Corona Partners Real Estate, about her 15-plus years of experience in real estate and her work as a Certified Passive House Consultant and Certified Energy Manager. The conversation centers on her work in Philadelphia project managing a number of complex, deep energy retrofits of historic buildings for the human services nonprofit, Elwyn.

Corona Partners: https://corona-partners.com/

Elwyn: https://www.elwyn.org/

Links to upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-january-9th-2022

Ralph DiNola – New Buildings Institute

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Ralph DiNola, Chief Executive Officer of New Buildings Institute (NBI). The two conducted the interview in the PAE Living Building in Portland, Oregon, the site of NBI's headquarters and Oregon's first full Living Building. Ralph shares what's coming for NBI and what he sees on the horizon for building decarbonization in the United States. The importance and challenge of building retrofits loom large in the conversation.

New Buildings Institute website: https://newbuildings.org/

Phius REVIVE: https://www.phius.org/standards/retrofit

PHI EnerPHit: https://passipedia.org/certification/enerphit

PHI OutPHit: https://outphit.eu/en/

RMI Realize: https://rmi.org/our-work/buildings/realize/

Dezeen article about the PAE Living Building: https://www.dezeen.com/2022/08/22/zgf-pae-living-building-portland/

Passive House Accelerator LIVE! presentation about the PAE Living Building: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/a-living-building-with-passive-de

Links to upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-january-2-2022

Mark Lyles – New Buildings Institute

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Mark Lyles, Senior Project Manager at New Buildings Institute (NBI). The two conducted the interview in the PAE Living Building in Portland, Oregon, the site of NBI's headquarters and Oregon's first full Living Building. Mark shares news from NBI's work on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), his work helping to develop ASHRAE's Passive Building Standard (227p), his thoughts about the interplay between performance-based and prescriptive-based building code and standards, and his thoughts about what's on the horizon for Passive House.

New Buildings Institute website: https://newbuildings.org/

ASHRAE 227p info: https://www.ashrae.org/news/esociety/new-ashrae-passive-building-standard-to-boost-use-of-strategy

Dezeen article about the PAE Living Building: https://www.dezeen.com/2022/08/22/zgf-pae-living-building-portland/

Passive House Accelerator LIVE! presentation about the PAE Living Building: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/a-living-building-with-passive-design

Josh Salinger – Birdsmouth Design-Build

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Josh Salinger, founder and principal of Birdsmouth Design-Build in Portland, Oregon. Josh shares his journey from student of science, to bartender, to builder, to leader of a mission-driven design-build firm, to dedicated communicator about how to address the climate crisis by improving the built environment. Passive House features prominently in this story.

Oregon DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Quality) case study on low carbon concrete: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/mm/Documents/ConcreteCaseStudy-ResBirdsmouth.pdf

Fine Homebuilding article by Josh on the concrete-free slab technique: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/insulation/concrete-free-slab

Fine Homebuilding article by Josh on the benefits of design-build: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2022/11/18/the-many-benefits-of-design-build

Video of Josh's presentation about the concrete-free slab on Passive House Accelerator LIVE!: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/concrete-free-slab-on-grade-foundations-with-josh-salinger

Links to upcoming events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-december-19th-2022

Amy Failla – Baxt Ingui Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Cohost Zack Semke interviews Amy Failla, Principal at Baxt Ingui Architects, the NYC-based firm known for its Passive House retrofits of historic buildings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. Amy shares about how she was drawn to architecture as a young child, how she made the leap from architecture school straight to Baxt Ingui, her recent work managing the Engine 16 project (a Passive House retrofit of an historic firehouse into a 6-unit multifamily building), and her role on the board of Passive House New York.

See Baxt Ingui Architects's work: https://www.baxtingui.com/

Amy's appearance on the Global Passive House Happy Hour, presenting about Engine 16: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/amy-failla-historic-firehouse-retrofit

Amy's appearance on Passive House Accelerator's Construction Tech, along with Ed May of bldgtyp: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/construction-tech-ed-may-bldgtyp-and-amy-failla-baxt-ingui-architects

Links to Passive House events coming up:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-december-12th-2022

Bonus: Michael Hindle of Passive to Positive at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Accelerator's Director of Publications Mary James interviews Michael Hindle of Passive to Positive.
https://www.passivetopositive.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bronwyn Barry – The Passive House Network and Passive House BB

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Bronwyn Barry, principal of Passive House BB and longtime board member and leader at The Passive House Network. The two dive into Bronwyn's recent presentation to COP27 in Egypt about the mutually supportive role that the international Passive House standard and building energy code development can play. She shares an analogy of Passive House as high-speed rail and code development as the local train; both are important, both ultimately reach the same direction, and the advancement of one supports the other.

Passive House BB: https://www.passivehousebb.com/
The Passive House Network: https://naphnetwork.org/
Learn about the BuildingToCOP Coalition:
https://globalabc.org/news/cop27-buildingtocop-coalition-keeps-focus-built-environment-critical-solutions-provider

Bronwyn's previous appearances on the Passive House Podcast:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-8-bronwyn-barry
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/bonus-episode-bronwyn-barry-at-passive-house-for-all-interview-8
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/bonus-episode-mikhail-haramati-and-bronwyn-barry-at-passive-house-for-all-interview-17

Bronwyn's previous appearances on Passive House Accelerator's live programming:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/how-to-transition-to-a-passive-house-practice-with-bronwyn-barry
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/global-passive-house-happy-hour-bronwyn-berry-cycling-toward-industry-transformation

Links to Passive House events coming up:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-december-5th-2022

Bonus: Mark Ginsberg of Curtis + Ginsberg at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Mark Ginsberg, Partner at Curtis + Ginsberg Architects.
https://www.cplusga.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Dan Whitmore, Passive Building Trainer, at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Dan Whitmore, longtime passive building trainer and Phius board member.

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Julie Klump of POAH at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Accelerator's Director of Publications Mary James interviews keynote speaker Julie Klump of POAH.
https://www.poah.org/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Ryan Abendroth of Passive Energy Designs + Stefan Goebel of Goebel Consulting Group at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh Ryan Abendroth of Passive Energy Designs and Stefan Goebel of Goebel Consulting Group.
https://www.passiveenergydesigns.com/
https://www.gcg-us.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Lauren Thomsen – Lauren Thomsen Design

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Lauren Thomsen, architect and principal at Lauren Thomsen Design. The two discuss Lauren's attraction to architecture at a young age, her fine arts training in Paris, and her journey to Passive House as an architect, including the Northern Liberties Passive House in Philadelphia.

Link to the Grand Designs New Zealand episode that co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh shares in the intro:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/grand-designs/130537676/grand-designs-nz-aucklanders-swap-city-rental-for-good-life-passive-house

Link to video of the Northern Liberties Passive House presentation at the Passive House Accelerator LIVE! Project Showcase: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/northern-liberties-passive-rowhouse

Link to the Phius Certification Guidebook, which includes detail about the airtightness targets that Zack and Matthew discuss in the episode's outro:
https://www.phius.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/Phius%20Certification%20Guidebook%20v3.02.pdf

Links to upcoming Passive House and Passive House-adjacent events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-november-28th-2022

Bonus: Graham Irwin of Essential Habitat Architecture at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews keynote speaker Graham Irwin of Essential Habitat Architecture.
http://www.essentialhabitat.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Lois Vitt Sale of Wight & Company at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Accelerator's Director of Publications Mary James interviews keynote speaker Lois Vitt Sale of Wight & Company.
https://www.wightco.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: John Woelfling of Dattner Architects at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews keynote speaker John Woelfling of Dattner Architects.
https://www.dattner.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Christoph Stump of Trinity Financial at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Accelerator's Director of Publications Mary James interviews keynote speaker Christoph Stump of Trinity Financial.
http://www.trinityfinancial.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Zoe Kaufman – National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 21:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Zoe Kaufman of NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory). As a research engineer, Zoe focuses on guiding building fabrication toward replicable, low-carbon design. In her conversation with Mary and Ilka, Zoe shares her collegiate experience in the Solar Decathlon, and her subsequent work at the Levy Partnership and Bright Power in New York City. She also dives into her work at NREL doing hygrothermal modeling in the context of a changing climate and what implications that has for building envelope durability moving forward.

Links to organizations, software, and articles mentioned in the interview:
https://www.nrel.gov/
https://blokable.com/
https://wufi.de/en/software/wufi-pro/
https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2022/nrel-set-to-receive-54-million-in-funding-to-research-turning-buildings-into-carbon-storage-structures.html
https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2019/the-role-fungi-will-play-in-nrels-biomass-research.html
https://homestylegreen.com/why-adding-insulation-causes-moisture-issues-in-buildings/
https://homestylegreen.com/173-using-wufi-to-keep-buildings-dry-and-healthy/

Links to upcoming Passive House and Passive House-adjacent events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-november-21-2022

Bonus: Marine Sanchez of RDH Building Science at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Marine Sanchez of RDH Building Science.
https://www.rdh.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Dylan Ingui of University of Michigan at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Dylan Ingui, featured speaker at PhiusCon Youth and incoming freshman at the University of Michigan.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-ingui/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Andreas Holm of FIW Munich at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews PhiusCon 2022 keynote speaker Andreas Holm of FIW Munich.
https://fiw-muenchen.de/de

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Beth Campbell of Unity Homes at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Accelerator's director of publications Mary James interviews Beth Campbell of Unity Homes.
https://unityhomes.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Clint Gollop – CBG Construction

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast o-host Mathew Cutler-Welsh sits down with Clint Gollop, of CBG Construction. Clint, an eighth-generation builder based in Wanaka, New Zealand, speaks about his introduction to Passive House, becoming a Passive House Tradesperson, and the shift in the general public’s understanding of what makes a well-functioning home.

Links to upcoming Passive House and Passive House-adjacent events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-november-14-2022

A partial list of Passive House tradesperson/builder training resources:
https://www.phanz.ac.nz/
https://passivehouseaustralia.org/APHA/APHA/Certified_Passive_House_Tradesperson_Online_Course.aspx
https://www.phius.org/phius-certified-builder-cphb-program-overview
https://emu.systems/learn/learn-passive/
https://passivehouseaustralia.org/APHA/APHA/Certified_Passive_House_Tradesperson_Online_Course.aspx

Bonus: Sam McAfee of Zola Windows at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Sam McAfee, NYC/LA Regional Sales Manager with Zola Windows.
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Sloan Ritchie of Cascade Built at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Sloan Ritchie, President of Cascade Built, the Seattle-based Passive House builder and developer.
https://www.cascadebuilt.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Bonus: Tessa Bradley of Artisans Group at PhiusCon 2022

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at PhiusCon 2022 in Chicago, Passive House Accelerator's director of publications Mary James interviews Tessa Bradley, co-owner of Artisans Group.
https://artisansgroup.com/

Thank you to Sto Corp. and Zola Windows for making the Passive House Podcast at PhiusCon 2022 possible.
https://www.stocorp.com/
https://www.zolawindows.com/

Mariana Pickering – Emu Passive

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Mariana Pickering, co-founder of Emu Passive based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Emu Passive trains the trades in Passive House construction and provides Passive House consulting services. Mariana shares about what's new in Emu's work, including reflections on Emu's recent tradesperson training held in Santa Barbara. She also discusses the recent Marshall Fire outside of Denver, the ongoing rebuilding effort there, and the role that Colorado's Passive House community is playing there to help "build forward".

Rocky Mountain PBS stories on Marshall Fire and the role of Passive House in the rebuild:
https://www.rmpbs.org/colorado-voices/passive-houses/
https://www.pbs.org/video/passive-house-incentives-after-marshall-fire-3qadku/
https://www.pbs.org/video/marshall-fire-rebuild-passive-house-expo-nivmaz/
https://www.pbs.org/video/marshall-fire-victims-tour-passive-house-2bnw12/

NPR story on Marshall Fire and the role of Passive House in the rebuild:
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/13/1128623971/victims-of-a-colorado-wildfire-can-choose-a-green-rebuild-thats-within-their-bud

Colorado Green Building Guild Marshall Fire resources: https://cgbg.org/resources

Info on support available for rebuilding after the Marshall Fire: https://rebuildingbetter.org/

Passive House Accelerator LIVE! Construction Tech appearance by Mariana Pickering and Enrico Bonilauri: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/mariana-pickering-and-enrico-bonilauri-mock-ups-installation

Links to upcoming Passive House and Passive House-adjacent events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-november-7-2022

Mahnaz Nikbakht + Robert Blount – ROCKWOOL (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke catches up with Mahnaz Nikbakht and Robert Blount of ROCKWOOL North America. The three discuss the personal Passive House advocacy of both Mahnaz and Robert, the product innovations and design guidance offered by ROCKWOOL, and the application of mineral wool in two major projects (the Ken Soble Tower retrofit in Ontario and the Winthrop Center Passive House office tower in Boston). After their interview, cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh catches up with Robert in person at the PhiusCon 2022 conference in Chicago.

https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

ROCKWOOL's 2021 Sustainability Report: https://www.rockwool.com/group/about-us/sustainability/sustainability-report-2021/

ROCKWOOL's Passive House Solutions Guide: https://www.rockwool.com/syssiteassets/o2-rockwool/documentation/technical-guides/commercial/passive-house-solutions-guide.pdf

More about Ken Soble Tower:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/ken-soble-tower-enerphit
https://youtu.be/92ToKizwzyI

More about Winthrop Center:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/standout-passive-office-takes-shape-in-boston
https://youtu.be/q0dBdHecjZ4
https://youtu.be/4S6-XfvILKY

Info about the Passive House Massachusetts Symposium on November 16, 2022: https://passivehousema.org/symposium

Website of Batiment Passif Quebec:
https://batimentpassifquebec.com/

Kim Dupont-Madinier – Atelier Dupont-Madinier

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Kim Dupont-Madinier of Atelier Dupont-Madinier. Kim shares about her work weaving textiles into architecture, as well as her exploration of incorporating Passive House into traditional Mongolian architecture. Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke join Mary and Ilka in person at the PhiusCon conference in Chicago to record the intro and outro of this episode.

Atelier Dupont-Madinier: https://www.dupontmadinier.com/

For links to upcoming Passive House events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-31-2022

Lisa White – Phius

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:00:00 -0400

Zack interviews Lisa White, Associate Director at Phius, about her 10-year service there, the role of passive buildings in supporting and accelerating the clean energy transition, the new ASHRAE passive building standard underway, and the big Phius conference coming up this week in Chicago, PhiusCon.

Info about ASHRAE 227P: https://www.ashrae.org/news/esociety/new-ashrae-passive-building-standard-to-boost-use-of-strategy

Notable Passive House news stories this week:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90796385/why-new-apartment-buildings-should-adopt-ancient-cooling-techniques

https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/projects/2022/10/vancouver-art-gallery-gets-50-million-funding-boost-for-new-home

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffsteele/2022/10/19/upstate-new-york-becoming-bastion-of-passive-house-design/?sh=215c29821767

Links to the events mentioned:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-24-2022

Rob Conboy – Glavel (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke catches up with co-founder and CEO of Glavel, Rob Conboy. The two discuss the new production facility for the foam glass gravel manufacturer, based in Vermont, and the steps Glavel has taken to produce its product with clean energy, dramatically reducing the embodied carbon of the material. Rob shares what advice he would give his past self as he was just getting started with building Glavel, as well as Glavel's work in progressive hiring practices. He also discusses Glavel's plans for future expansion out west.

https://www.glavel.com/

To learn more and to request product samples, visit:
https://www.glavel.com/learn/

Enda McDonagh – Montgomery Sisam Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Matthew interviews Enda McDonagh, Certified Passive House Consultant and principal at Montgomery Sisam Architects. Enda studied and worked as Architectural Technician in Dublin where he developed a passion for detailing. In 2010 he moved to Toronto, Canada where he has worked at Montgomery Sisam ever since. His portfolio includes projects for the education, supportive housing, and mental health sectors. Montgomery Sisam is currently working on an affordable housing development in downtown Hamilton. All 24 of the studio apartments are being built offsite and the whole building will be Passive House Certified.

Hamilton Passive House Modular Housing:
https://www.montgomerysisam.com/project/hamilton-passive-house-modular-housing/

Passive House Stories:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/oct/08/passion-project-the-passive-house-that-raised-the-roof-on-sustainable-living-passivhaus
https://homestylegreen.com/181-hutt-tomorrows-house-today/
https://connectingtoplace.org/sustainability/
https://mithun.com/project/the-bush-school-new-upper-school/

Info about upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-17-2022

Carmel Pratt – Bright Power

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Carmel Pratt, VP at Bright Power in New York City. Carmel discusses her firm's work delivering affordable multifamily Passive House projects, including the recently-completed Park Avenue Green project, as well as two projects underway, Chestnut Commons and Vital Brookdale, all in NYC. Carmel and Zack also discuss the state of building energy policy in New York and Bright Power's collaboration with several other NYC groups in gathering data and putting together a report to demonstrate to lenders that Passive House energy savings bring real and predictable financial savings for building owners.

Link to the Multifamily Passive House: Connecting Performance to Financing report that Carmel discusses:
https://www.brightpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Multifamily-Passive-House-Performance-to-Financing-1.pdf

Links to news stories that Zack and co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss:
https://www.cpr.org/2022/09/30/marshall-fire-climate-friendly-homes/
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2022/10/inflation-reduction-act-climate-economy/671659/

Info about upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-10-2022

Mark Siddall – LEAP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Mark Siddall, Principal at LEAP Architecture in Durham, United Kingdom. Mark's work focuses on the design, delivery, and operation of ultra-low energy buildings and Passive House buildings. In this interview, Mark discusses his recently published paper on avoiding thermal bypasses to optimize building performance and improve the health & comfort of occupants, "Thermal Bypass Risks" published by Passivhaus Trust.

Info about upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-october-3-2022

Glenn Murdoch – Theca Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 23:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Glenn Murdoch, Design Director at Theca Architecture in Christchurch, New Zealand. They discuss Glenn's early adoption of Passive House design, his role in the early days of Passive House Institute New Zealand, and his practice of using PHPP and Passive House design in all of his work, whether PH-certified buildings or not-certified.

Links to the articles referenced by Matthew and cohost Zack Semke in the news segment of the episode:
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/sustainable-hotels-setting-a-new-standard-for-the-industry
https://www.showhouse.co.uk/news/blenheim-estate-homes-plans-britains-biggest-rural-passivhaus-community/

Info about upcoming events:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-26-2022

Scott Kennedy – Cornerstone Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Scott Kennedy, Partner at Cornerstone Architecture in Vancouver, British Columbia. Trained as an engineer and an architect, Scott is a leading exponent of multifamily Passive House design, trailblazing the approach in Vancouver and championing the adoption of Passive House across Canada. He's also a longtime member of the Board of Directors of Passive House Canada. In the interview, Scott speaks about his discovery of Passive House, the parallel evolution of his practice and building energy policy in Vancouver, the projects and the design puzzles that excite him the most these days, and what is on the horizon.

In the news segment of the episode, cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh share an article in Fast Company about the Clayton Community Center: https://www.fastcompany.com/90768017/how-ancient-design-techniques-helped-this-stunning-civic-center-use-72-less-energy

At the end of the episode Matthew and Zack discuss upcoming events. Links can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-19-2022

Jon Iliffe – eHaus

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Jon Iliffe, a Director and co-founder of eHaus, the nationwide building company in New Zealand focussing on delivering Certified Passive Houses and high-performance homes. Jon discusses some of his previous experiences, including working for Rolls Royce in the UK and the exciting times ahead as demand grows for healthier, more efficient and lower carbon buildings in New Zealand.

Matthew and Cohost Zack Semke discuss Passive House news item at the top of the show, including:

HalifACT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfv_xnMM-AQ
https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/energy-environment/halifact-2050-acting-climate-together

3,500 Deep Energy Retrofits in Renfrewshire:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/scotland-s-renfrewshire-council-commits-to-major-retrofits

At the end of the episode, Zack shares upcoming events. Details can be found at:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-september-12-2022

Terry Bryers – Certified Passive House Builder

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Terry Bryers is an Auckland-based Certified Passive House Builder. Having worked on one of the first and most incredible EnerPHit projects in New Zealand, he has started his own building company to focus on Passive House and high-performance homes. Matthew Cutler-Welsh caught up with Terry recently and discussed his discovery of Passive House.

Stuff Magazine feature on EnerPHit project by Terry: https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/real-estate/127462495/no-expense-spared-on-nzs-first-passivhaus-enerphit-rebuild-now-selling

Case study: https://sustainableengineering.co.nz/casestudy/piha-enerphit/

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discussed Passive House-related news items at the top of the episode:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/homes/article-11162825/What-passive-house-Ultra-eco-friendly-Queensland-home-heated-hairdryer.html

https://www.nine.com.au/property/news/the-home-in-queensland-that-can-be-heated-with-a-hair-dryer-for-20-minutes/ce3e09d9-9e3a-414f-b2ee-ca39fc1d0306

https://passivehouse-database.org/index.php?lang=en#d_6650

https://homestylegreen.com/248-what-does-a-passive-house-have-in-common-with-an-f-111/

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/01/climate/california-lawmakers-climate-legislation.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/01/california-moves-to-ban-new-oil-wells-within-3200-feet-of-homes.html

Info about NESEA's upcoming Building Energy NYC event: https://nesea.org/conference/be-nyc

Karen Manson – Meta Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Karen Manson, Director of Meta Architects, a design-led practice in Christchurch specializing in high-performance building. Karen returned to New Zealand after gaining experience in a variety of projects in the UK. She completed Passive House training and established Meta Architects in 2015 and has recently been working alongside Pete Bielski of Ethos Homes (episode 13) to create Bushland Park, an inspiring community of passive house homes in an idyllic setting below the Port Hills of Canterbury.

Matthew mentioned the Skagen project in Coquitlam:
https://www.tricitynews.com/local-news/rare-52-unit-passive-house-project-coming-to-coquitlam-promises-80-energy-savings-5718925

Cohost Zack Semke mentioned two Passive House-related stories by PBS Rocky Mountain:
Colorado Voices: Building Back Better after the Marshall Fire:
https://www.rmpbs.org/colorado-voices/passive-houses/
Tour Colorado's First Passive House:
https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/rocky-mountain-pbs/leading-the-way-in-building-highperformance-and-fire-resistant-homes/
And here's a link to Andrew Michler's book, "Hyperlocalization of Architecture":
http://hyperlocalarch.com/ours/

Here's the link to Passive House Accelerator's upcoming launch of a new season of Passive House Accelerator LIVE!, to be held on September 7:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/event-announcements/be-nyc-2022-conference-preview-what-we-have-learned-from-many-built-multifamily-passive-houses

Richard Yancey — Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke kick off Season 3 of the Passive House Podcast with an interview of Richard Yancey, Executive Director of Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex) based in New York City. Richard shares his early training in high-performance building in Seattle in the 90s and early 00s, his introduction to Passive House during a visit to Brussels, and his work advancing building decarbonization in NYC.

At the top of the episode, Zack references the Inflation Reduction Act incentive calculator at Rewiring America: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator. At the end of the episode, Zack shares info about the on-demand "Passive House Summer School" being offered by Building Energy Exchange. Take any on-demand course free until August 31st with the coupon code "PH SUMMER". View courses here: https://be-exchange.org/

Michael Ingui — Baxt Ingui Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0400

To mark the Passive House Podcast's 100th episode, cohosts Matthew Cutler-Welsh, Mary James, and Zack Semke interview Passive House Accelerator's founder, Michael Ingui. Michael shares why he founded the Accelerator, the precursor networks that inspired the effort, and how the Accelerator has grown.

At the end of the episode, Zack shares info about the on-demand "Passive House Summer School" being offered by Building Energy Exchange. Take any on-demand course free until August 31st with the coupon code "PH SUMMER". View courses here: https://be-exchange.org/

Jennifer Hogan — Pretium Engineering

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Jennifer Hogan joins Mary James and Ilka Cassidy for the 99th episode of the Passive House Podcast! Jennifer is senior project manager and the technical and service leader for environmental performance services at Pretium Engineering in Burlington, ON. Currently, Jennifer and her team are working on a phased retrofit of 20 story social housing building in Windsor, ON. Listen to the full episode for to learn about how Jennifer is mitigating thermal bridging, repelling from buildings, and solving technical challenges in the EnerPHit process.

Luke Middleton — EME Design

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Luke Middleton is an award-winning Passive House Designer based in Melbourne, Australia. With early inspiration drawn from a brief period in London and then Czechoslovakia, Luke now has almost two decades of experience creating community, educational and residential buildings in Australia. He is one of a growing number of Australian designers exploring and evolving contemporary sustainable architecture for the southern hemisphere and warm temperate climates.

Michelle Lambert — Lambert Sustainability

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Michelle Lambert, principal and founder of Lambert Sustainability, chats with Mary James and Ilka Cassidy about the Northland Newton Development in Newton, MA. The project is transforming 22 acres of abandoned industrial property and unused land into a mix-use community with 800 residential units and 14 new buildings. The Northland Newton Development is another jewel in Massachusetts Passive House crown, listen to episode 97 of the Passive House Podcast to learn more about the project.

Michelle Apigian – ICON Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 18:00:00 -0400

In the latest installment from his recent visit to Massachusetts, cohost Zack Semke visits the Cambridge Finch Passive House affordable project to interview Michelle Apigian, Associate Principal at ICON Architecture, a leader in the boom of Passive House development underway in Massachusetts today. Michelle guides a tour of the building as she discusses her Passive House work at ICON.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-18-2022

Read/view Michelle's "Passive House Divas" presentation at Phius' national conference in 2019: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/sheroes-of-passive-house-michelle-apigian

Read an interview with Michelle, James Petersen, and Tom Chase. about the Finch Cambridge project: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/nesea-interview-finch-cambridge-passive-house-affordable-housing

View Michelle's Global Passive House Happy Hour presentation, "Passive House Details for Multifamily Projects": https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/nesea-interview-finch-cambridge-passive-house-affordable-housing

Julia Klump – POAH

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0400

As part of his recent visit to Massachusetts, cohost Zack Semke visits the Salem Heights Passive House retrofit project to interview Julie Klump, Vice President for Design and Building Performance at POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing). The two discuss the details of the Salem Heights project, as well as Julie's extensive portfolio of Passive House work.

Brad Mahoney – MP Boston

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0400

In this Fourth of July episode, cohost Zack Semke interviews Brad Mahoney, Director of Sustainable Development at MP Boston, about his firm's revolutionary development work in the heart of Boston. The two recorded the interview on the 19th floor of the iconic Winthrop Center, a 691-foot tall, 1.8 million square foot high-rise project that will house the world's largest Passive House (PHI) commercial office space once it's completed in early 2023. Brad shares technical details about the project, the performance and health benefits that it will confer to tenants, and why Passive House makes sense for this $1.3 billion development.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-july-4-2022

Note: The interview took place on the 19th floor of construction, which will be the 21st floor of the building once complete.

Sophie Tremblay – LGA Architectural Partners

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Guest Cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Sophie Tremblay of LGA Architectural Partners in Toronto, where her projects include a new housing co-op for Innstead and several Toronto Community Housing tower renewal projects.

Mary and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-27-2022

Chris Benedict + Zak Veres – Sto Corp. (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component episode, Chris Benedict of Chris Benedict R.A. and Zak Veres of Sto Corp. join Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke to discuss Passive House practice in New York City, the Casa Pasiva building retrofit designed by Chris that incorporates Sto's EIFS system, and the future of innovation in Passive House and high performance building.

Visit Sto Corp.: https://www.stocorp.com/
More about EFIS: https://www.stocorp.com/eifs/

AJ Patton – 548 Capital

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews AJ Patton, Managing Partner & CEO of 548 Capital and 2019 recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 Award for his impact on America’s transition to a clean economy. They discuss AJ's mission at 548 Capital, his work on two of Chicago's most significant Passive House developments (3831 W Chicago Avenue and Galleria 89), and his green building development plans for the future.

A special "thank you" to Steven Winter Associates for being Passive House Accelerator's Sponsor of the Week this week! Steven Winter Associates provides research, consulting, and advisory services to improve commercial, residential, and multifamily built environments for private and public sector clients.

See AJ Patton's presentation at Passive House Accelerator LIVE! here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/a-developer-s-perspective-transforming-communities-with-passive-house

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-20-2022

Find details about International Passive House Open Days here:
https://passivehouse-international.org/index.php?page_id=262
https://naphnetwork.org/international-passive-house-open-days-june-2022/
https://passivehouseaustralia.org/APHA/iCore/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=56ae1f8d-330c-4b4b-ac60-ac0371f15704

Passive House Canada – 2022 Conference Interviews

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0400

In this special episode recorded at the Passive House Canada conference in Victoria, BC, Passive House Podcast guest co-hosts Mary James and Shaun St-Amour interview Chris Ballard (Passive House Canada), Maddy Kennedy-Parrott (RJC Engineers), Andrew Peel (Peel Passive House), Graeme Verhulst (Waymark Architecture), Ruffy Ruan (Impact Engineering), and Rick Gregory (Brivia Group). Don't miss this sampling of insights from Canada's flagship Passive House event.

Co-host Zack Semke shares upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-13-2022

Adrian Dymarczyk – Ikon Windows + (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component Episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Adrian Dymarczyk, founder of Ikon Windows + Doors, a Champion Sponsor of Passive House Accelerator and supplier of high-performance European fenestration with a home base in the tri-state region of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Adrian, who comes from a window family with European roots, talks about his unique journey to Passive House windows, shares his strategies for communicating about the value of high-performance windows as deliverers of comfort and health, talks about some of the cool projects he's working on, and reveals his plans for Ikon's future.

Priscila Besen – Auckland University of Technology

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Dr. Priscila Besen, lecturer at the Huri Te Ao School of Future Environments at Aukland University of Technology. The two dive into the findings and insights from Besen's research into the technical feasibility and best approaches to deep energy retrofits of historically significant buildings, viewed with an EnerPHit lens.

A special "thank you" to Emu for being Passive House Accelerator's Sponsor of the Week this week! Emu helps construction industry professionals navigate the journey from research to reality by providing a supportive community with access to training, services, and standardized systems.

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-june-6-2022

Jamie Harte – PUBLIC

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 30 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Jamie Harte, architect and Certified Passive House Designer at PUBLIC in Vancouver, BC about his Passive House journey, his work on the UBC Skeena Student Residence, and his current project, Vienna House.

View Jamie's Passive House Accelerator LIVE! a presentation about the Skeena Student Residence here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/ubc-skeena-student-residence

Read the Accelerator's article about the Skeena project here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/skeena-residence-a-community-asset

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-30-2022

Paul Grahovac + Pat Downey – PROSOCO (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 26 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component Episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Paul Grahovac and Pat Downey of PROSOCO, provider of the R-Guard system of fluid-applied air and water barriers since the early days of the North American Passive House movement.

Paul and Pat share how the R-Guard system was originally an outgrowth of building rescue work, how PROSOCO worked with the International Living Future Institute to remove phthalates from their product chemistry in order to be included on the Bullitt Center project, and how a recent code-built high school in Washington State became an "Accidental Passive House" due to the Passive House-level of airtightness that was accidentally achieved by the project team after they applied PROSOCO's fluid-applied membranes.

Caitlin Martusewicz – Cycle Architecture and Planning

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 23 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Mary James and Ilka Cassidy talk with Caitlin Martusewicz, principal at Cycle Architecture and Planning, about how her early community development experience in rural Ghana led to her wanting to join the firm and the Passive House projects that she has contributed to. They also discuss Cycle’s involvement in NYSERDA’s Building of Excellence and RetrofitNY programs, as well as the exciting prospects that this involvement could herald.

The Passive House Podcast cohosts discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-23-2022

Ryan Cassidy – RiseBoro Community Partnership

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 16 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Ryan Cassidy, Director of Sustainability & Construction for RiseBoro Community Partnership. Ryan discusses supervising the construction of the first multi-family affordable Passive House buildings in NYC, his current work renovating existing buildings to the Passive House standard, and his insights around mainstreaming Passive House as standard practice.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-16-2022

Evan Anderson – Zola Windows (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 12 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component Episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Evan Anderson, general manager of Zola Windows, a longtime supporter of North America's Passive House movement and the first Founding Sponsor of Passive House Accelerator.

Evan shares his path to Passive House and the world of high performance windows, talks about how Zola Windows are being applied in the field, including in a recent project in Antarctica, and gives a preview of Zola's brand new steel frame line.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss the May 16, 2022 Passive House Component Spotlight event featuring Sam McAfee of Zola Windows. View the video of that event here: https://youtu.be/EJiRAWpNuWw

Marine Sanchez – RDH Building Science

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Marine Sanchez, Senior Passive House Consultant at RDH Building Science. A chartered, bilingual building science engineer, Passive House designer, and certifier, Marine leads RDH's Passive House services on the east coast of the US and Canada. Marine and Zack discuss the state of Passive House in Toronto and Ontario, the impact of the Toronto Green Standard and carbon tax policy on developer decision-making about incorporating Passive House in their projects, and more.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-9-2022

Also, please check out:
• Interview article with Marine Sanchez that introduces the Toronto Green Standard: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/interview-with-marine-sanchez-rdh-building-science-about-passive-house-and-the-toronto-green-standard
• Video of Marine's presentation to the Global Passive House Happy Hour about the Passive House Dormitory at University of Toronto Scarborough: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/videos/marine-sanchez-passive-house-dorm-at-u-toronto

Steve Hughes – Build Good Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 01 May 2022 22:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Steve Hughes of Build Good Architecture in New Zealand. Steve and his family moved from Ponsonby to Pumpkin Hill on the Coromandel Peninsula in 2021 to live their dream life: to build a beautiful, off-grid, passive home and live off the land by growing a lush permaculture garden. Hear about Steve's pathway to Passive House practice and about the design and construction of his remarkable home.

Mathew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-may-2-2022

Laura Blau – BluPath Design

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0400

Laura Blau is a principal of BluPath Design, a Passive House trailblazer, and an expert witness for plaintiffs regarding building defects. Guest Co-Hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Laura about her early Passive House days, including her participation in Philadelphia's first builder training where she was the only woman and only architect, her complex Passive House projects, and the problems with poorly constructed non-Passive House buildings.

After the interview, show cohosts discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-25-2022

Roberto Pecora – ZEBx

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Roberto Pecora, Director of ZEBx, the Zero Emissions Building Exchange based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Zack and Roberto discuss the role that Passive House is playing in policymaking and market transformation in the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and beyond.

Zack and co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events near the end of the episode, link to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-18-2022

Adam Souter – Souter Built

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Adam Souter, Director of Souter Built in Sydney, Australia about his approach to high performance building design and his remarkable Pepper Tree Passive House project.

View an article of the project here: https://www.realestateview.com.au/news/nsw/unanderra-builder-unveils-region-s-first-passive-house/

At the end of the episode, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-11-2022

Ben Caine – Leanhaus

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Ben Caine, an Architect and Passive House Designer based in Perth, Western Australia. As Matthew discovered in this interview, Ben has a passion and knack for making good design look simple.

After an early career working in the film industry, Ben decided that he really wanted to do something that would make a difference to people’s lives. So in his mid-twenties, he went back to college to become an architect. He has made the most of this opportunity, taking out design awards and being involved with the local branch of the Australian Institute of Architects. In 2018, Ben qualified as a Certified Passive House Designer and during that same year, he founded Leanhaus, a design firm with a goal to bring high performance homes to more people than just the select few who can afford a luxury, architecturally designed home.

While some of his designs may look a million dollars, Leanhaus is demonstrating that Passive House can be practical, affordable, and very appropriate for warm climates like Western Australia.

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-april-4-2022

Nakita Reed – Quinn Evans Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Nakita Reed, CPHC, Associate at Quinn Evans Architects, Co-Chair of the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration, and host of the Tangible Remnants podcast that explores the interconnectedness of architecture, sustainability, historic preservation, race, and gender. Nakita is the recipient of the 2018 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award and the 2022 AIA Young Architects Award. In this episode, Nakita shares about her work bringing the fullness of American history, including the African American experience, into historic preservation work, the building performance lessons of historic architecture that are sometimes forgotten, how Passive House and preservation are and can be aligned in making high performance buildings, and the importance of cross-organization collaboration in working toward a decarbonized built environment.

Catch Nakita's podcast, Tangible Remnants, here: https://www.nakitareed.com/podcast

After the interview, Zackj and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-march-28-2022

Christina Aßmann – Passive House Consultant

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview independent consultant Christina Aßmann, who has her fingers in many pies. Christina is a senior architect and building scientist with 18 years of professional experience who works with Passive to Positive as a Passive House consultant, is an energy code trainer, and a member of the Technical Working Group for NY’s Stretch 2023 Energy Code Development, and also educates aspiring architects.

After the interview, show cohosts discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-march-21-2022

Toby Tilsley – Craft Homes

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Toby Tilsley is a builder, Certified Passive House Tradesperson, and Homestar® Practitioner and Assessor with 20 years of project management experience and over 15 years of practical knowledge gained in the Auckland building market. He is the founder and director of Craft Homes, a company specializing in healthy, energy-efficient, and sustainable residential building. In this interview, Toby shares with Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh why he started building in the first place, how the IDEAL House inspired his interest in Passive House and why he likes training young, relatively inexperienced builders to join his team. Be sure to check out the documentary series that Toby is putting together.

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-march-14-2022

Pablo Sepulveda – Aurecon

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Victoria, Australia-based architect Pablo Sepulveda, of the engineering and design firm Aurecon. The two discuss Pablo's affinity for engineering due to the design power it confers, as well as his work on the pioneering Ngā Kāinga Anamata project in Auckland, New Zealand. Ngā Kāinga Anamata is a pilot social housing project whose five buildings (30 units total) explore various approaches to reducing both operational and embodied carbon, including Passive House.

See this flythrough video of the project's design and program: https://youtu.be/FDt_89d02cY

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-weekly-march-7-2022

Alex Slater – Shared Space Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Melbourne-based Alex Slater, architect at Shared Space Architecture, Passive House Designer, and NatHERS Assessor. Alex shares how he's combined building science and art in his professional work modeling and designing high-performance buildings; how his initial interest in the energy modeling engine behind Australia's NatHERS rating system led naturally to an interest in the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) and Passive House more generally; and how building physics plays a central role in his practice, whether Passive House or not.

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-february-28

Clara Ha – ChoShields Studio

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 23:00:00 -0500

Guest cohosts Ilka Cassidy and Mary James interview Clara Ha, an educator and a licensed architect working in New York City. She is an Associate at ChoShields Studio, a Passive House Certified architecture studio, where she oversees small to medium scale projects designed for a sustainable environment. She has taught architecture at the New York Institute of Technology since 2011 before joining Pratt in 2019 and has held an architectural workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark.

After the interview, the cohosts Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-february-21

Sloan Ritchie – Cascade Built

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Sloan Ritchie, owner of builder/developer Cascade Built, is a pioneer in the Passive House movement in Seattle, responsible for several major multifamily Passive House projects in the city. His mission is to demonstrate the scalability and feasibility of using Passive House construction techniques to build cost-competitive high-performance projects, establishing Seattle as a leader in the nation and changing the way people think about where they live and work. He's making good progress at it, and Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke explores this and more with him during their interview.

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-february-14

Giorgia Tzar – International Passive House Association

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Giorgia Tzar, a familiar guest on the Passive House Podcast. Now based in Stuttgart, Germany Giorgia runs the International Passive House Association at the Passive House Institute.

Throughout the last couple of years, we've all had to work a bit differently, but the work has continued. Interest in Passive House is growing strongly around the world, not just with designers and building owners. Governments and policymakers are paying attention. In this catch-up, Giorgia shares some of her recent and ongoing work helping to shape energy and climate policy at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Matthew and Giorgia also chat about some of the exciting projects and activities planned for 2022 at Passive House Institute and the International Passive House Association.

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, links to which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-february-7

Juhee Lee-Hartford + James Hartford – River Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Cohost Zack Semke interviews Juhee Lee-Hartford and James Hartford of River Architects, the Hudson Valley-based architecture firm that has been pioneering Passive House design for over a decade. Juhee and James share how they met, how both building science and design excellence motivate their work, and the community of practice that they have been part of building in New York State.

Cohost Mathew Cutler-Welsh and Zack discuss upcoming Passive House events, links to which can be found at: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-january-31

To view James Hartford's Scottish small pipes tribute to the late Sam Hagerman, visit:
https://youtu.be/L3DN_Q3VPPk

Amy Tankard – Passive House Institute New Zealand

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Amy Tankard, the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Te Tōpūtanga o te Whare Korou ki Aotearoa - Passive House Institute NZ. Coming from a background of management and HR, the appointment of Amy by the board of PHINZ marked a concerted effort to consolidate the growth of Passive House in Aotearoa New Zealand. Like many affiliate organizations around the world, PHINZ began as a small group of passionate volunteers and has evolved into an important entity leading Passive House education and advocacy. As CEO, Amy plays a crucial role in maintaining and growing PHINZ.

Amy is getting her own first-hand experience of Passive House, building a family home in Waihi, two hours from Auckland. Matthew discussed this project and why they chose to use prefabricated panels from the South Island to build a Passive House in the North Island.

Cohost Zack Semke shares upcoming events at the end of the episode. Links can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-january-24

See Amy's Facebook page about her project here: https://www.facebook.com/tankardpassivehouse/

Anne Vogt – VAND arquitectura

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 21:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Anne Vogt of VAND arquitectura passivhaus based in Madrid, Spain. Anne shares her introduction to Passive House in Germany, the connections she found between bioclimatic design and Passive House design, her work to help establish the Plataforma de Edificación Passivhaus (PEP), and her extensive portfolio of Passive House work in Spain.

At the end of the episode, the cohosts discuss upcoming events. Find links here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-january-17

Kevin Brennan – Brennan Brennan Insulation and Airtightness

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Kevin Brennan, co-owner at Brennan Brennan Insulation and Airtightness, firefighter with the New York City Fire Department, and cohost of Passive House Accelerator's popular Construction Tech program. Kevin shares how he got involved in both high performance construction and firefighting, insights gleaned from his years participating in the home energy performance boom, his introduction to Passive House by Tomás O'Leary, and how it all led to his current role as a leading Passive House tradesperson and educator in New York.

At the end of the episode, cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack discuss upcoming events. Find links here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-january-10

Sy Safi – Ubergreen Spaces + Homes

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Sy Safi, founder of Louisville, Kentucky-based design/build company, Ubergreen Spaces + Homes. Sy has been a leader in green building and design for well over a decade. In 2012 he created My Green Kentucky Home, a model home that is Kentucky's first Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water home certified LEED Platinum by the US Green Building Council. Since then, he's adopted the most stringent third-party programs in the Living Building Challenge, Passive House and the WELL Building Standard, while becoming a Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home Partner, a Certified Passive House Consultant, Certified Passive House Builder and WELL Accredited Professional. In this interview, Sy talks about how he melds Passive House with WELL and Living Building Challenge in his work, and shares about a new, ambitious development project he's spearheading.

Chris Nunn – David Baker Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Chris Nunn, a sustainability advocate working to bring Passive House to mainstream attention. At the time of our interview, Chris was just completing a successful four-year term as Chair of the Australian Passive House Association. As well as overseeing significant growth in the uptake of Passive House in Australia during that time, Chris' experience of Passive House culminated in the completion of his own home project in 2021. The suburban Sydney Passive House Premium family home was the main focus of our chat.

This project is yet another demonstration of how applicable Passive House is to all climates around the world and how insulation, airtightness and ventilation can work just as well for keeping cool as they can for keeping warm.

It's also incredibly encouraging to know there are people like Chris with influence and connections in the world of real estate and finance that are committed to Passive House as a proven method of achieving sustainable development.

Katie Ackerly – David Baker Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview architect Katie Ackerly, sustainable design lead at David Baker Architects (DBA). Katie is an industry thought leader with a deep grounding in building science and energy efficiency policy. The three discuss DBA's sustainability framework and its innovative approaches to zero net energy and all-electric multifamily housing. Katie also talks about DBA’s collaboration with Rocky Mountain Institute’s REALIZE-CA initiative to catalyze equitable zero-carbon retrofits for affordable housing.

Bonus: James Geppner at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews James Geppner, RetrofitNY Senior Project Manager at NYSERDA (the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).

Thank you to NYSERDA for supporting Passive House Accelerator as a Stakeholder Partner. Thank you, too, to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/CiLtulYFH0Q

Bonus: Pat Fitzgerald at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Pat Fitzgerald, Senior Project Manager at NYSERDA (the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).

Thank you to NYSERDA for supporting Passive House Accelerator as a Stakeholder Partner. Thank you, too, to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/JiVAQkCa0BA

Skylar Swinford – Energy Systems Consultants

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Skylar Swinford, principal of Energy Systems Consultants and longtime member of the Phius Technical Committee, is a widely recognized North American Passive House consultant and thought leader based in Boise, Idaho. Podcast cohost Zack Semke, who worked with Skylar at Hammer & Hand when that Pacific NW builder was playing a pioneering role in Passive House, spoke with Skylar about his unique pathway to Passive House, his experience building and consulting on his own recently-completed Passive House home in Boise, and the how Passive House fits with the exciting new "electrify everything" movement that is gaining traction in the US.

At the end of the episode, cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack discuss upcoming Passive House events. Links to those events are here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-december-1

Bonus: John Woelfling at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews John Woelfling, principal at Dattner Architects.

Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/zy6sZxTF7L4

Bohemia Hookham – DesignInc Melbourne

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Bohemia Hookham is a registered architect and Certified Passive House Designer based in Melbourne, Australia and is playing a key role in the creation of one of Australia’s latest groundbreaking Passive House projects. Just North of the city of Melbourne the Glenroy Community Hub will be the first Passive House of its type in the country. Matthew Cutler-Welsh caught up with Bohemia to talk about how the inception of this project and some of the design challenges of adhering to the Passive House standard in such a versatile public building. Once completed, the community hub promises to be another great showcase of the emerging vernacular of Passive House in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cohosts Mathew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode. Links to those events are here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-december-6

Bonus: Michael Ingui and Shannon Pendleton at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 21:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Michael Ingui, principal at Baxt Ingui Architects and founder of Passive House Accelerator, and Shannon Pendleton, principal at Sanderson Sustainable Design and cohost of the Accelerator's Construction Tech program.

Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/6q1i1ZtP7kA

Bonus: Steve Hessler at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 23:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Steve Hessler, co-founder of Holzraum System.

Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/Sy-BzEzZsmQ

Joseph Lyth – Respond Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Joseph Lyth, CPHC and architect at Respond Architects in Auckland, about life in his own Passive House with his wife and three kids. This episode of the Passive House Podcast is a follow-up to Matthew's interview of Joseph about a year ago on Matthew's Homestyle Green Podcast, when construction of the house was underway. Listen to that interview (Episode #253) here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5H1OAyb3RDSO1gtlCh2Hxg And see photos of Lower Saddle Passive House here: https://respondarchitects.co.nz/our_work/lower-saddle-passive-house

For links to the events discussed after the interview, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-november-29

Bonus: Ilka Cassidy at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Ilka Cassidy, frequent guest host of the Passive House Podcast and co-founder of Holzraum System.

Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/bZ7mvPppMT4

Bonus: Ian Findlayson at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Ian Findlayson of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/94QIF3VRgu0

Bonus: Tom Bassett-Dilley at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Tom Bassett-Dilley of TBDA. Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/F5g7aU1LRQs

Angela Iraldi – Re:Vision Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Guest Passive House Podcast cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Angela Iraldi, Senior Project Manager at Re:Vision Architecture, about her work as a PHIUS+ Verifier, Passive House's position in the green building scene in Philadelphia, the origins and evolution of Green Building United, and more.

For links to the events discussed after the interview, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-november-22

Bonus: Lindsey Elton at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 01:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Lindsey Elton of Eco Achievers. Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/ZjKNnFa_BrQ

Bonus: Bomee Jung at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 21:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Bomee Jung of Topsight Advisors. Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/aBaE9uOWzjQ

Bonus: Todd Kimmel at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Todd Kimmel of ROCKWOOL North America.

ROCKWOOL underwrote our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/FdqPmognuwU

John Tallis + Julia Thomas – Our FabHaus

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews architects John Tallis and Julia Thomas, founders of Our FabHaus, the Australia-based Passive House prefab company. https://ourfabhaus.com/ The three discuss John and Julia's design and manufacturing model, their motivations for bringing prefab to Passive House (and vice versa), their first built projects, and their plans for the future.

For links to the events discussed after the interview, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-november-15

Bonus: Karan Gupta at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Karan Gupta of Newphire Building and a member of the Phnius board. Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

View a video version of this episode at: https://youtu.be/omcdZ6wSzo8

Bonus: Robert Blount at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 23:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Robert Blount of ROCKWOOL North America. ROCKWOOL underwrote our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/HHes-vs42k0

Bonus: Elizabeth Turner at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0500

In this special bonus episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Elizabeth Turner of Precipitate.

Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/TBPL42B-Isk

Sayo Okada – Cube Zero + PHIJP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House Podcast guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Sayo Okada, project manager at Studio G Architects (Massachusetts), board member of PHIJP (Japanese Passive House Institute), and founder of Cube Zero (Japan). Sayo shares insights about building practice in Japan, the fascinating real estate dynamics there, and the totally unique mix of opportunities and challenges for Passive House uptake that exist in Japan.

For links to the events discussed after the interview, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-november-8

Bonus: Tessa Bradley + Graham Irwin at PhiusCon 2021

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 21:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus video episode recorded at the PhiusCon 2021 conference in Tarrytown, New York, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews old friends and Passive House pioneers Tessa Bradley (Artisans Group) and Graham Irwin (Essential Habitat Architecture).

Thank you to ROCKWOOL North America for underwriting our interviews at PhiusCon2021. https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/5hFvOBIdEFY

Luke Kellett – Kellett Design Group

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Luke Kellett, Director of Kellett Design Group based in Western Australia, about his Passive House practice, and the challenges and opportunities for Passive House adoption in the WA market.

For links to the events that Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss after the interview, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-november-1

Dr. Diana Ürge-Vorsatz – IPCC

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Dr. Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, Vice Chair of WGIII of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for her return visit to the Podcast. (Listen to Ürge-Vorsatz's first interview in Episode 12 of the Passive House Podcast: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-12-dr-diana-uerge-vorsatz.)

Matthew and Ürge-Vorsatz discuss the significant cultural impact of the recent reports released by IPCC as well as the upcoming report of WGIII (Working Group III). Ürge-Vorsatz shares her perspectives about the urgent nature of the climate crisis, the important window of opportunity that we have to address it right now, and the big role that buildings in general, and Passive House in particular, can play in solution-making.

For links to the upcoming events that Matthew and co-host Zack Semke discuss, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-october-25

Hugh Whiriskey – Partel (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0400

In this special Passive House Component Episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Hugh Whiriskey, founder and Technical Director of Partel, the Galway, Ireland-based developer and manufacturer of high-performance airtight and windtight systems with distribution throughout Ireland, the UK, North America, and mainland Europe.

Hugh is an engineer, a former practitioner of high performance building, and now a designer and leader in the manufacture of high performance buildings products that are key to Passive House practice. In his conversation with Zack, Hugh shares his motivations for founding Partel, the role that building regulations in the UK and Ireland are playing in advancing Passive House adoption, what that advancement means for high performance building products moving forward, and the key role of education in further accelerating the transition to Passive House construction and retrofits.

Ilana Judah – ACORN Resilience & Sustainability

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast guest co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Ilana Judah, founder and principal of Vancouver, BC-based ACORN Resilience & Sustainability.

For links to the upcoming events that Mary and Ilka discuss with co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-october-18

Katrin Klingenberg – Phius

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Katrin Klingenberg, co-founder and Executive Director of Phius. Katrin and Zack discuss this week's upcoming PhiusCon conference in Tarrytown, New York, the rebrand that Phius recently unveiled, the new slate of passive building certifications that Phius offers, the ways that Phius is engaging with questions of operational carbon emissions, embodied carbon, and electrification, and the challenges and opportunities for scaling up deep energy retrofits and new passive buildings over the next decade.

Check out these links from Phius' Klingenblog for more detail on the topics that Katrin and Zack talked about:
https://blog.phius.org/a-tree-grows-at-phius-keeping-up-with-expansion-digitally/
https://blog.phius.org/guidance-on-retrofits-and-decarbonization-for-all-buildings/
https://blog.phius.org/building-a-zero-carbon-future-together/

For links to the events that Zack and co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss at the end of the episode, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-october-11

Bonus: Ron Beattie at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 22:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Ron Beattie of Beattie Passive in the UK. Ron discusses his novel approach to delivering prefabricated Passive House retrofits and new construction, the Beattie Passive system. Looking for an inspiring story about the potential for cost-effective transformation of the world's building stock? Look no further.

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/FLcbjdy_qb8

Bonus: Jessica Grove-Smith and Jan Steiger at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 21:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Jessica Grove-Smith and Jan Steiger, both researchers and managing directors at Passive House Institute. Jessica and Jan share their impressions from the conference, including their sense of urgency for a transition to Passive House building and retrofits for climate protection and their recognition of the strong examples of successful projects that were presented at the conference to light the path.

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/_LVILKfvSSg

Bonus: Berthold Kaufmann at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Berthold Kaufmann, Senior Scientist at Passive House Institute. Berthold shares his perspectives on next steps for scaling Passive House, his experiences with Passive House in China, and his findings around mechanicals and domestic hot water.

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVnLKJZRPgU

Bonus: Giorgia Tzar at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Giorgia Tzar, Association Management and Communications at the International Passive House Association (iPHA). Giorgia shares the latest about iPHA's Efficiency First campaign, her impressions of the conference, and iPHA's plans for the upcoming COP26 conference in Glasgow.

For a special video version of this episode, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMXrhB214r8

iPHA's website: https://www.passivehouse-international.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-house-institute
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_iPHA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PassiveHouseInternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passivehouse_international/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrO62YaHJbtZgZXk-m57B-g/videos

Bonus: Benjamin Krick at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Passive House Institute researcher and Managing Director Benjamin Krick. Benjamin shares his impressions of the conference as well as key insights about embodied energy, embodied carbon, and Passive House practice.

For a video version of this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/3y3XFHYfY7c

Shannon Pendleton – Sanderson Sustainable Design

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Shannon Pendleton, principal of Sanderson Sustainable Design and co-host of Passive House Accelerator Construction Tech. Shannon shares about her practice and how the Passive House approach has shaped it, the recent history of green building community building in Philadelphia, and the potential for an open-source approach to sharing building models (aka "digital twins") to help accelerate the transition to Passive House and high performance building.

For links to the events that Zack and co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss at the end of the episode, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-october-4

Bonus: Susanne Winkel + Aisha Liebehenz at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 22:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Susanne Winkel, Head of Training and Education at Passive House Institute, and Aisha Liebehenz, Associate Manager of Training and Education at Passive House Institute. They dive into the latest developments around training certifications and marks available to Passive House tradespeople and designers.

For a video version of this episode, visit https://youtu.be/8y5oskIgBj0

Bonus: Rainer Pfluger at the 25th International Passive House Conference

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode recorded at the 25th International Passive House Conference presented online by Passive House Institute in September 2021, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Rainer Pfluger, a professor at the University of Innsbruck and a key player in the OutPHit initiative. Rainer explains this effort to deliver EnerPHit-level retrofits at scale.

For a video version of this episode, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih7QOLcV1jg

Jason Quinn – Sustainable Engineering Ltd.

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Jason Quinn, founding director of Sustainable Engineering Ltd. Jason spent a decade as a rocket scientist at NASA before he and his family relocated to New Zealand in 2009. He soon became one of New Zealand’s first certified Passive House designers and in 2016 traveled to Germany for further training and exams to become the country’s first Passive House certifier. Jason is an internationally-known thought leader, communicator, and practitioner whose work focuses on the intersection of physics and building design. Matthew and Jason's conversation ranges from the compendium of building details that Jason recently spearheaded, to the relationship between international ISO standards and PHI's Passive House standard, to the power of the simple maxim "cold spots create mold spots", and to Jason's current building science practice.

The building details compendium that Jason and Matthew discuss, the High-Performance Construction Details handbook, was spearheaded by Passive House Institute New Zealand (PHINZ). View it at: https://passivehouse.nz/hpcd-handbook/

For more info about the events that Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss at the end of the episode, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-september-27

Maria Callau – SUR Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Maria Callau, Director of SUR Architecture in Dunedin, New Zealand. The conversation delves into Callau's research into fuel poverty in New Zealand, the Passive House High Street Co-housing Development that she and her family are residents of, and her architectural practice at SUR.

For links to the events that Matthew and co-host Zack Semke discuss at the end of the episode, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-september-20

Mark Siddall – LEAP

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Mark Siddall, architect, founder, and director of low energy architecture at LEAP (http://leap4.it/). He’s passionate about enabling people to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives by helping them create a comfortable lifestyle in beautiful, quality assured, ultra low energy homes, workplaces and communities.

Prof. Wolfgang Feist says of Mark, “... he is one of the pioneers to introduce Passivhaus to the UK. His experience and ongoing research into building performance makes him one of the UK’s most skilled and knowledgeable Passivhaus Architects. ...I have no doubt that Mark Siddall’s buildings also offer an economical, attractive solution to the investors.”

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events. Find links here:
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-september-6

Mackenzie Stickney – [bundle] Design Studio

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 22:00:00 -0400

To kick off Season 2 of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Mackenzie Stickney, Project Manager at [bundle] Design Studio, a leader of sustainable design that works out of a PHIUS-certified Passive House tiny trailer in Bellingham, Washington. She's a Passive House practitioner, woodworker, and dynamic young innovator in climate-wise building design.

Encore: Gaby Brainard & Nina Sharifi

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 02:00:00 -0400

In this Encore Episode of the Passive House Podcast (originally aired as Episode 29 on International Women's Day, March 7, 2021), guest co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview two exciting guests who are collaborating on a retrofit guide for common building typologies found in cold climates.

Nina Sharifi is an assistant professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture and the Director of the Applied Sciences and Technology Research and Architecture Lab. Gabrielle Brainard is an architect, facade specialist, and educator. She consults on Passive House projects, conducts academic research, and teaches architecture and building science at Pratt Institute and the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

The envelope retrofit guide that they are collaborating on will provide technical guidance to architects in the early stages of net-zero retrofit projects. The guide focuses on the building envelope, a critical component of high-performance retrofits that is the primary responsibility of the architect. During their interview with Mary and Ilka, Nina and Gaby discuss the retrofit guide project, dive into an explanation of the field of architectural sciences and how Passive House design meshes with it, and explore the overlap of architecture, construction, and technology in Passive House project delivery. They also reflect on their experience as women in the fields of architecture and construction, and in working to catalyze the transition to high-performance, low carbon building.

Mary, Matthew Cutler-Welsh, and Zack Semke mention upcoming Passive House Accelerator programming for September, including:

The Global Passive House Showcase (formerly known as the Global Passive House Happy Hour): https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/our-happy-hour-to-become-the-global-passive-house-showcase
Construction Tech Tuesday: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/construction-tech-is-back-soon

Encore: Katherine Faulkner, WestFaulkner

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 01:00:00 -0400

In this Encore Episode of the Passive House Podcast (originally aired as Episode 37 on May 3, 2021), guest co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Katie Faulkner, founder of WestFaulkner, an office with a mission for sustainable design. She is also a director at PT-Tech, a division of Placetailor in Boston whose initial focus is on the design and prefabrication of retrofit panels for triple-decker homes.

Katie has been working as an architect for more than 20 years and was named to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows in 2020. Her work is motivated by an interest in sustainable, modular construction, centered on the intention to reduce risk and improve cost control. She was a founding partner of the Boston-based firm NADAAA, where her projects included the Daniels Building at University of Toronto, Rhode Island School of Design’s North Hall, and the R+D Center at the Beaver School. More recently, she was a Vice President of Design for Katerra, focusing on a mid-rise mass timber housing prototype.

Mary and Ilka’s conversation with Katie ranges from the career opportunities that prefabrication opens up for women to the urgency of deep energy retrofits, and much in between. Her early work in healthcare design led to an abiding interest in optimized project delivery models, while always keeping sustainable design front and center. Katie’s decades-long experience is well suited to her current collaboration with Placetailor to bring to market cost-effective bio-based retrofit panels.

At the end of this encore episode, Mary, Matthew Cutler-Welsh, and Zack Semke discuss major Passive House conferences and events coming up in Fall 2021:

25th International Passive House Conference (Passive House Institute) Part I: September 10-12; Part II: September 14+15: https://passivhaustagung.de/en/
Tower Retrofit Symposium 2021 (Passive House Canada) September 22-23: https://www.passivehousecanada.com/tower-retrofit/
PhiusCon (Phius) October 12-15: http://phiuscon.org/
South Pacific Passive House Conference (PHINZ + APHA) November 25-27: https://passivehouse.nz/2021/06/09/spphc21-cfa/

Encore: Daniel Kress, Smart Plus Academy

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 02:00:00 -0400

In this Encore Episode of the Passive House Podcast (originally aired as Episode 20 on January 4, 2021), cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Daniel Kress. Daniel is a prolific Passive House educator, having trained over half of Australia’s certified Passive House professionals. Matthew and Daniel discuss his work at Smart Plus Academy, the educational consultancy that Daniel founded and directs, as well as his work promulgating Passive House in Australia and beyond.

At the end of the episode, Mathew and Co-host Zack Semke discuss major Passive House conferences and events coming up in Fall 2021:

25th International Passive House Conference (Passive House Institute) Part I: September 10-12; Part II: September 14+15: https://passivhaustagung.de/en/
Tower Retrofit Symposium 2021 (Passive House Canada) September 22-23: https://www.passivehousecanada.com/tower-retrofit/
PhiusCon (Phius) October 12-15: http://phiuscon.org/
South Pacific Passive House Conference (PHINZ + APHA) November 25-27: https://passivehouse.nz/2021/06/09/spphc21-cfa/

Encore: Robyn Wark, BC Hydro

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 01:00:00 -0400

In this Encore Episode of the Passive House Podcast (originally aired as Episode 36 on April 26, 2021). cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Robyn Wark, Manager of Advanced Demand Side Management at BC Hydro about the groundbreaking Energy Step Code in British Columbia.

Robyn is a sustainability strategist, partnership builder, and coach on low carbon communities. Her sustainability work has won awards from Real Estate Foundation of BC, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC). In 2013 she was awarded the PIBC Individual Award for Leadership in Advocacy & Innovation.

The BC Step Code provides a roadmap of 5 steps to guide the AEC industry and BC cities from today's base building code to an endpoint of Passive House-levels of performance. This highest level of performance, “Step 5”, will become mandatory for all buildings in British Columbia by 2032. Because everyone knows exactly where code is headed, as well as the steps to get there, early adoption of higher levels of performance can be incentivized in a clear and rational way.

In her conversation with Matthew, Robyn describes the BC Energy Step Code, how it came to be in British Columbia, and how its lessons might be applied elsewhere in the world.

Read more about BC Energy Step Code here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/construction-industry/building-codes-and-standards/reports/bcenergystepcode_lessons_learned_final.pdf

At the end of the episode, Mathew and Co-host Zack Semke discuss major Passive House conferences and events coming up in Fall 2021:

25th International Passive House Conference (Passive House Institute) Part I: September 10-12; Part II: September 14+15: https://passivhaustagung.de/en/
Tower Retrofit Symposium 2021 (Passive House Canada) September 22-23: https://www.passivehousecanada.com/tower-retrofit/
PhiusCon (Phius) October 12-15: http://phiuscon.org/
South Pacific Passive House Conference (PHINZ + APHA) November 25-27: https://passivehouse.nz/2021/06/09/spphc21-cfa/

Jeremy Avellino – Bright Common Architecture & Design

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400

In this 50th regular episode of the Passive House Podcast (and the last installment of Season 1), cohost Zack Semke interviews Jeremy Avellino, founder and principal of Philadelphia-based Bright Common Architecture & Design, the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Design Vanguard award from Architectural Record. Jeremy talks about his firm's practice and shares his perspectives about the work of centering equity in housing and Passive House design.

Bright Common website: https://www.brightcommon.com/
Architectural Record piece about Bright Common and the Design Vanguard 2021 award:
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15160-design-vanguard-2021-bright-common
Week in Preview for links to upcoming Passive House events: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-august-2

Bonus: Sophia Rini at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #18)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 18th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Sophia Rini of ROCKWOOL North America.

Bonus: Mikhail Haramati and Bronwyn Barry at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #17)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 17th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Mikhail Haramati of NYSERDA and Bronwyn Barry of NAPHN.

Bonus: Lori Atwater at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #16)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 16th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Lori Atwater of Transformation Village.

Bonus: Mary Anne Akers at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #15)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 15th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Mary Anne Akers, Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at Morgan State University.

Bonus: Zack Semke at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #14)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 14th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, Kevin Brennan flips the script and interviews Zack Semke, Director of Passive House Accelerator and cohost of the Passive House Podcast.

Bonus: Kevin Brennan at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #13)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 13th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Kevin Brennan of Brennan Brennan Airtightness and Insulation and cohost of Passive House Accelerator Construction Tech.

Mark Wille – Tstud & PHAccelerator Construction Tech

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Mark Wille, Carpenter and Storyteller at Tstud and cohost of Passive House Accelerator's Construction Tech program every Tuesday. Mark shares his childhood growing up a stone's throw from the lumberyard his dad managed, his early adoption of green building principles and materials, and the opportunities for scaling up Passive House construction.

Near the end of the episode, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke refer to upcoming events and programming. Find links to those here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-july-26.

Bonus: Eddy Voltaire at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #12)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 12th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Eddy Voltaire of Design Construction & Sustainability, Inc., and of the NAPHN Board of Directors.

Bonus: Ken Levenson at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #11)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 11th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Ken Levenson of NAPHN.

Bonus: Craig Stevenson at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #10)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 10th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Craig Stevenson of Auros Group and NAPHN.

Bonus: Shannon Pendleton at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #9)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 9th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Shannon Pendleton, principal of Sanderson Sustainable Design.

Bonus: Bronwyn Barry at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #8)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 8th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Bronwyn Barry, outgoing Board Chair of NAPHN and principal at Passive House BB.

Norm Horn – Envinity

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 02:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Norm Horn, CPHC, CPHT and Design+Build Project Manager at Envinity in State College, Pennsylvania. They discuss Norm's path from landscape architecture student to builder to reluctant energy efficient building practitioner to full bore Passive House tradesperson and consultant. They also dive into Norm's current project, an EnerPHit Passive House retrofit of a 12,000 square foot, 3-storey masonry building in State College.

Near the end of the episode, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke refer to upcoming events and programming. Find links to those here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-july-19

Bonus: In Cho at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #7)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 7th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews In Cho, founding principal at ChoShields Studio.

Bonus: Derrick Tillman at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #6)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 6th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Derrick Tillman, President and CEO of Bridging the Gap Development.

Bonus: José Sosa at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #5)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 5th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews José Sosa, founder of the Panama Passivhaus Chapter at Latin American Passivhaus Institute.

Bonus: Beth Eckenrode at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #4)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 20:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 4th of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Beth Eckenrode Co-Founder of Auros Group.

Bonus: Edie Dillman at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #3)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 3rd of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Edie Dillman, CEO and Co-Founder of B.Public Prefab.

Bonus: Lois Arena at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #2)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 2nd of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Lois Arena, director of Passive House Services at Steven Winter Associates.

Bonus: Michael Ingui at Passive House For All Conference (Interview #1)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:00:00 -0400

Catch this special bonus episode of the Passive House Podcast, recorded at North American Passive House Network’s conference, “Passive House for All", in June 2021 in New York City. In this, the 1st of 18 interviews we recorded amidst the hustle and bustle of the conference hall floor, cohost Zack Semke interviews Michael Ingui, principal at Baxt Ingui Architects and founder of Passive House Accelerator.

Chris Ballard — Passive House Canada

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Chris Ballard, CEO of Passive House Canada. Chris took the helm of PHC in 2019 and he brings a timely skillset to the role: deep knowledge of and experience with the levers of policy and government action. He has a strong history of climate-related work, most recently as Ontario’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. He also served as the Minister of Housing, the Minister responsible for Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, and the Executive Director of the 60,000 member Consumers’ Association of Canada (Ontario), among many other leadership roles during his career. Chris shares his path to Passive House and dives into Passive House Canada’s exciting policy and educational initiatives at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Many listeners will be aware of the leadership that cities and provinces in Canada are taking in advancing Passive House adoption. Learn how that work is being ushered forward, and coaxed into being, by a key Passive House institution, its staff, and its leader.

Cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack discuss several upcoming events at the end of the episode. More info at: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-july-12

Grace Park-Bradbury — Blocpower

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Grace Park-Bradbury, general manager west and head of strategic initiatives for Blocpower. Since Blocpower’s founding in 2014, the company has retrofitted more than 1,000 buildings in disadvantaged communities in New York City, with projects underway in 24 cities. Grace discusses her role in stitching together financing incentives for their customers, ensuring that health and comfort are not exclusively available to those with money.

To access the links for upcoming events that cohost Zack Semke mentions, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-july-5

Shaun St-Amour – 475 High Performance Building Supply

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Shaun St-Amour, education and outreach expert at 475 High Performance Building Supply, Passive House evangelist, and a frequent fixture at Passive House Accelerator as Q&A Concierge at the Global Passive House Happy Hour and Co-host of Construction Tech Tuesday. Matthew and Shaun discuss Shaun's family legacy in construction, his background in prefab, his journey to Passive House, his work establishing the Ice Box Challenge in Vancouver and its subsequent tour across North America, and much more.

Watch this video of Shaun St-Amour and the Ice Box Challenge team in Seattle, WA for the 2017 installation as part of the Seattle Design Festival: https://youtu.be/kZZM17L-uVc

For links to the events that Matthew and Co-host Zack Semke discuss at the end of the episode, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-june-21

Kylie Mills – BluKube Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews architect Kyle Mills, Director of BluKube Architecture in Sydney, Australia, and pioneer of both Passive House practice and education Down Under. Their conversation touches on Kylie's early builder apprenticeship with her father and the insights that has brought to her work with tradespeople onsite, her experience watching the trades in Australia ramp up on Passive House practice enough to start enabling deeper Passive House retrofits, and her thoughts about the future of Passive House in Australia.

Near the end of the episode, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events, details about which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-june-21

Rob Conboy – Glavel (Special PH Component Episode)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0400

In this, the first special Passive House Component episode of the Passive House Podcast, cohost Zack Semke speaks with Rob Conboy, CEO of Glavel, an industry innovator and founding sponsor of Passive House Accelerator. Rob and Zack dive into Glavel’s origin story, its commitment to 100% clean energy use in the production of its foam glass gravel, the firm's moves to weave equity and inclusion into its company DNA, and its quest to eliminate operational and embodied carbon emissions from buildings throughout North America. Glavel takes recycled glass and transforms it into a low embodied carbon, insulative gravel that replaces both gravel and foam board insulation at the foundations of Passive House buildings. It’s revolutionary stuff, and Rob and his team are harnessing that revolutionary spirit to build a manufacturing operation that will accelerate the transition to healthy, resilient, and climate-wise buildings. Have a listen!

Check out the video version of this special episode here: https://youtu.be/w3inUmTDYv8

Meleny Thomas – South Baltimore Community Land Trust

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0400

Mary James and Ilka Cassidy talk with Meleny Thomas, executive director of the South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT), about the organization’s mission to create community-led development and her decision to target Passive House for their initial development of 10 new homes. The choice sets a precedent for healthy homes not being restricted to affluent communities, Thomas says, in discussing how she first heard about Passive House and why she chose it as a target. SBCLT grew out of a decade of grassroots and youth organizing in a community burdened by unsafe, unaffordable housing and toxic environmental hazards. Thomas has more than 15 years of experience building community-based organizations and serving families and has a Master’s in nonprofit management and leadership.

Find links to upcoming events here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-june-13

Brian Guinan — ISMART Building Group

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Brian Guinan, Certified Passive House Consultant, Certified Passive House Tradesperson, and Owner/Director of ISMART Building Group in Perth, Australia. The two discuss Brian’s apprenticeship as a builder in his native Ireland, his time in construction in New York City, and his journey to Passive House construction in Western Australia. Brian shares his insights around transforming industry practice, and the importance of focusing on improvements to existing technologies and construction approaches in order to achieve the most rapid change. He shares lots more about his work to build awareness about Passive House and to build examples as proof-of-concept for builders, trades, architects, and homeowners.

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke talk about the upcoming NAPHN hybrid conference, Passive House For All, that will take place on June 10 and 11, 2021. For links to this event as well as many other upcoming Passive House gatherings and trainings, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-june -7

José Sosa Rueda – Instituto Latinoamericano Passivhaus

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 31 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

José Sosa trained as a structural architect in Panama City before attending New York City College to complete a Masters in Sustainability in the Urban Environment. Professionally, he’s worked in both Panama and New York, often on high-performance projects. As well as working as an architect, José has also supported other designers with the specification and supply of high performance windows, often for Passive House projects. José became a Certified Passive House Designer in 2018 and the following year he founded the Panama Chapter of the Latin American Passivhaus Institute.

Petra Wörner – wörner traxler richter

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 24 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

Guest co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy talk with architect Petra Wörner, managing partner of wörner traxler richter, about heading up the design of the world’s first hospital targeting the international Passive House standard. Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, currently under construction in Frankfurt, Germany, will open its doors next year. The 839,585sf facility recently passed the all-important airtightness test with an impressive result of 0.13 ACH50, bringing the hospital a giant step closer to certification.

Mary, Ilka, Matthew Cutler-Welsh, and Zack Semke refer to upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode, which can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-may-24

Bomee Jung – Topsight Advisors

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 17 May 2021 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Zack Semke interviews Bomee Jung, recently of NYCHA (NY City Housing Authority) and now principal of Topsight Advisors. Bomee discusses her involvement in early efforts to address climate action and buildings, the role that affordable housing providers are playing to reset our collective understanding of what “housing quality” should mean (ie. Passive House), and the ways that Passive House practitioners and organizations can help advance racial equity both in the AEC industry and in the built environment. Don’t miss Bomee’s contributions to our Passive House Policy Summit and her recent interview with Chris Benedict about the health impacts of compartmentalization in multifamily buildings.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh also discuss upcoming events that can be found in our Passive House Week in Preview: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-may-10

John Palmer – Passivhaus Trust

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Sixteen years in the UK Royal Navy not only gave John Palmer a sounds background in engineering, he also gained leadership and management experience within a large and structured institution. When he made the decision to leave his Commander role, he retrained and applied his technical and management skills to building and then energy efficiency. It was only a matter of time that he came across and then fully embraced the building science of Passive House. In 2018 he left his role as Managing Director of Enhabit to become the Research and Policy Director for Passivhaus Trust. During this interview, cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh questions John about his recommendations for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), a common method of comparing theoretical building energy efficiency in Europe and the UK.

Mathew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events that can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-may-3

Katherine Faulkner — WestFaulkner

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

On Episode 37 of the Passive House Podcast, guest co-hosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy interview Katie Faulkner, founder of WestFaulkner, an office with a mission for sustainable design. She is also a director at PT-Tech, a division of Placetailor in Boston whose initial focus is on the design and prefabrication of retrofit panels for triple decker homes.

Mary, Ilka, Matthew Cutler-Welsh, and Zack Semke discuss upcoming events that can be accessed here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-may-3

Robyn Wark — BC Hydro

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0400

On Episode 36 of the Passive House Podcast. cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Robyn Wark, Manager of Advanced Demand Side Management at BC Hydro about the groundbreaking Energy Step Code in British Columbia.

In her conversation with Matthew, Robyn describes the BC Energy Step Code, how it came to be in British Columbia, and how its lessons might be applied elsewhere in the world. (She’ll expand upon these ideas at our Passive House Summit on Monday, April 26, too!)

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events. Link to those in Passive Hosue Accelerator's Week in Preview: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-april-26

Tom Eisele — NYPH Policy Advisor

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 01:00:00 -0400

In Episode 35 of the Passive House Podcast, cohost Zack Semke interviews architect Tom Eisele, recently of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Resiliency, and current policy advisor with New York Passive House. Zack and Tom discuss the momentous New York City Local Law 97 which caps greenhouse gas emissions for all buildings in New York that are 25,000 or larger—over 50,000 buildings. The caps step down to 80% reduction in GHGs by 2050, with hefty fines to be levied on building owners for buildings that do not comply. Local Law 97, assuming it persists, will compel all significant buildings in New York City to dramatically reduce energy consumption and emissions over the coming decades, and building owners will be looking for predictable and quantifiable means to achieve these reductions. Enter Passive House.

This podcast interview previews ideas and themes that will be explored at Passive House Accelerator’s Passive House Policy Summit to be held on Monday, April 26, 2021. Learn more and register for the virtual event.

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events. Find links: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-april-19

Beverly Craig – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0400

In Episode 34 of the Passive House Podcast, cohost Zack Semke interviews Passive House policy leader and accelerator Beverly Craig, Senior Project Manager of Low and Moderate Income Programs at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (Mass CEC). Zack and Beverly discuss the pivotal role that policy progress can play in spurring widespread adoption of Passive House design and construction. Beverly shares her firsthand experience instigating rapid Passive House uptake in her state, spurred along by programs like Mass CEC’s Passive House Design Challenge, Mass CEC’s Triple Decker Challenge, Mass Save’s Passive House incentives, and Massachusetts’ recently-passed climate law, and more. It’s safe to say that Massachusetts is lining up to become an epicenter of Passive House construction in North America, thanks in no small part to these programs and to the work of Beverly and other policy leaders. Listen to the podcast episode to hear her insights about what has made these programs successful and to take away lessons for use in your community.

This podcast interview previews ideas and themes that will be explored at Passive House Accelerator’s Passive House Policy Summit to be held on Monday, April 26, 2021. Learn more and register for the virtual event: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/event-announcements/passive-house-policy-summit-i-new-construction

For more about Mass CEC's Triple Decker Challenge: https://www.masscec.com/triple-decker-design-challenge

Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss upcoming Passive House events. Find links: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-april-5

A big "Thank You!" to our Sponsor of the Week, Sto Corp: https://www.stocorp.com/

Ya'el Santopinto – ERA Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Ya’el Santopinto is an architect and associate at ERA Architects, where she leads ERA’s affordable housing retrofit practice. She is also the director of research and partnerships with the Tower Renewal Partnership, a non-profit sister organization to ERA that advocates for supportive policy frameworks around the preservation of Canada’s affordable apartment housing supply. Ya’el is the project architect on the inspiring Passive House retrofit of the Ken Soble apartment tower in Hamilton, Ontario—the largest EnerPHit outside of Europe.

Mary James and Ilka Cassidy spoke with Ya’el about urban policies and the shape of cities, tower renewal, and the preservation of vital rental housing. Today about 800,000 Canadian households live in aging tower structures, which were built starting in the 1960s to accommodate post-war families. Tower renewals transform more than the buildings, as they breathe new life into the tight-knit communities that have sprung up in them, Ya’el points out. Taking a Passive House envelope-first approach to such retrofits creates a win-win-win for residents’ comfort, carbon savings, and for landlords. Listen in for more about ERA’s retrofits-only practice, its collaborative systems approach, and the primary research conducted by its sister organization, the Tower Renewal Partnership.

For more tower retrofit details, read the Ken Soble Tower EnerPHit article: http://passivehousebuildings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PassiveHouseBuildings-Spring2020-Screen.pdf

Or listen to the June 10, 2020 Global Passive House Happy Hour: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/video-graeme-stewart-and-yael-santopinto-ken-stoble-tower-retrofit

The publication, Tower Renewal: A Field Guide to Retrofits in Occupied Buildings, can be found here: http://towerrenewal.com/research-reports/tower-renewal-a-field-guide-to-retrofits-in-occupied-buildings/

For links to the events that co-host Zack Semke mentions at the end of the episode, visit: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-april-05

Kate Nason – Atelier Ten

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Kate Nason is a certified passive house designer in Melbourne, Australia. She works for the international environmental design consultancy, Atelier Ten. She's also a director of partnerships and major events on the board of the Australian Passive House Association and a part-time tutor at the University of Melbourne.

Having had various architectural roles since graduating from her master's degree, Kate has collected a range of experiences, including working on some of Australia's earliest Passive House projects. Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh caught up with Kate to talk about her journey into architecture, how she discovered Passive House, and her vision for the future of her industry in Australia.

Don't miss Kate's excellent report, Green Light: The Rise of the Energy Efficient Building: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/green-light-rise-of-the-energy-efficient-building

View Kate's May 2020 appearance at the Global Passive House Happy Hour: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/video-kate-nason-melbourne-passive-house

See the Gillies Hall project, Kate's first Passive House project, and the one that got the ball rolling for her: https://grunconsulting.com/project/944/

Listen to Andy Marlow (who Kate mentioned in the interview) and his conversation with Matthew for the Passive House Podcast: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-podcast-ep-15-andy-marlow-of-passivhaus-design-construct

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events and trainings. Access those at: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-march-29

Clare Parry – HIP V. HYPE

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Most Australians who know a bit about Passive House will know a bit about Clare Parry. If they haven’t met her personally, they will have been impacted by her leadership. In this interview, Clare shares with Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh how she had to travel to New Zealand to attend Passive House training because there wasn’t any available in Australia when she first became interested. And there wasn’t any Australia-based Passive House training until Clare herself set it up. She went on to become the founding Chair of the now well-established Australian Passive House Association and is one of only two Passive House Certifiers in the country. As well as being one of Australia’s leading Passive House professionals, Clare has extensive experience in a broad range of building rating tools, including LEED, Green Star, WELL and NABERS. She is currently the Better Buildings Lead at the innovative practice, HIP V. HYPE, in Melbourne.

At the end of the episode, co-host Zack Semke refers to upcoming Passive House Accelerator events and the Accelerator's Sponsor of the Week, 475 High Performance Building Supply. Learn more at: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-march-22

Laura Nettleton – Thoughtful Balance

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 23:00:00 -0400

Laura Nettleton is the founder of Thoughtful Balance, an architectural and consulting firm based in Pittsburgh devoted to cutting-edge sustainable and high-performance design solutions. The firm has pioneered some of the most significant Passive House retrofit projects in the United States. Laura is dedicated to the idea that architecture should be simple, affordable, and available to everyone. She is actively involved in green initiatives in Pittsburgh, and in spreading the word about Passive House. She founded the PHWPA (Passive House of Western Pennsylvania) and was its first president.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Nettleton joins cohost Zack Semke to discuss her reflections as an architectural innovator and Passive House exponent. This conversation touches on the role of buildings, particularly retrofits, in creating a better, more healthy future, even in the face of existential climate change challenges. Listen to the full episode of Laura Nettleton on your favorite podcast platform.

After the interview, Zack and cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh discuss several upcoming events. Find links to those and more here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-march-15

Nina Sharifi & Gaby Brainard – Envelope Retrofit Guide

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 23:00:00 -0500

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2021, we have something special in store for listeners of the Passive House Podcast. Guest cohosts Mary James and Ilka Cassidy launch their once-a-month series of interviews with women leaders and practitioners in Passive House with an interview with Nina Sharifi and Gabrielle Brainard.

Mary James is Passive House Accelerator’s Director of Publications and the driving force behind Passive House Accelerator Magazine (formerly Passive House Buildings Magazine). Ilka Cassidy is co-founder of Holzraum System and specializes in offsite, prefabricated, low carbon Passive House buildings. For their first Passive House Podcast episode, Mary and Ilka interview two exciting guests who are collaborating on a retrofit guide for common building typologies found in cold climates. Nina Sharifi is an assistant professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture and the Director of the Applied Sciences and Technology Research and Architecture Lab. Gabrielle Brainard is an architect, facade specialist and educator. She consults on Passive House projects, conducts academic research, and teaches architecture and building science at Pratt Institute and the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

Talina Edwards – Talina Edwards Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Talina Edwards is a leader in regenerative architecture and Passive House design in Australia. She’s a leader of Australian Architects Declare as well as a board member of Australian Passive House Association. In 2013 she established her architectural studio, Talina Edwards Architecture, which has gone on to win numerous sustainable design awards, most recently for the striking Owl Woods Passive House project.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Talina joins cohost Matthew-Cutler Welsh to discuss her journey as an architect and Passive House pioneer. This conversation takes us through Talina’s education at Melbourne University, her early connections to sustainability, the launching of her own architecture practice, and the maturation of that practice into one that embraces both building physics and biophilic design. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming events. For details: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-mar-1

And if you enjoy the Passive House Podcast or Passive House Accelerator’s other programming please consider joining as a Patreon supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/passivehouseaccelerator

Ben Adam-Smith – House Planning Help

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Passive House podcaster extraordinaire and personality Ben Adam-Smith of House Planning Help joins Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh for an entertaining conversation about how Ben came to his focus on Passive House, his burgeoning communications treasure trove at House Planning Help's "The Hub", his observations about Passive House adoption in the UK, and the secrets behind his Passive House communications superpowers.

Ben started his career in radio and TV production, including a stint as a radio presenter. But when he embarked on a journey to create an "eco" home for his family, he recognized the need for easier-to-find and easier-to-access info about sustainable design and construction. So he pivoted and launched a podcast about that journey. That podcast expanded to video content, a website, and now, The Hub. Listen to the interview to learn more!

After the interview, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke refer to a series of upcoming events that can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-feb-22

Prudence Ferreira – BR+A Consulting Engineers

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 23:00:00 -0500

You may know Prudence Ferreira through her role as cohost of Passive House Accelerator’s Global Passive House Happy Hour. Or perhaps you’ve been her student, learning the ins and outs of Passive House design and building science in one of Prudence’s many teaching engagements. She’s one of North America’s top Passive House innovators and a global leader in high-performance building practice. Now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she’s Senior Associate with the Carbon Neutral Group at BR+A Consulting Engineers.

In this episode, Passive House Podcast cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Prudence about her pathway to Passive House (from professional dance to health food to corporate sustainability) and then dives into a fascinating conversation about the potential role of evolutionary algorithms, AI, and machine learning in accelerating the transition to high-performance building design, at scale, in the AEC industry.

Prudence is a licensed trainer, curriculum developer, author for PHIUS, and teaches the CPHC training program and Passive House workshops throughout the US. She helped author the CPHC Exam, helped train over 500 CPHCs, and is a contributor to CPHC training curriculum. She’s also an advisor for Passive House Accelerator.

Listen to the full episode about Prudence Ferreira's pioneering Passive House practice.

For event links mentioned by Matthew and cohost Zack Semke, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-feb-15

Sian Taylor – Team Green Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Sian Taylor was one of the first certified Passive House designers in New Zealand and has played a pivotal role in Passive House adoption there. She first trained as an architect in the United Kingdom, at the University of Wales in Cardiff. She currently lives in Otago, where she started her practice, Team Green Architects. Her architectural practice has helped show a pathway for fusing high-performance building with design excellence and has helped raise the profile of Passive House design and construction in New Zealand.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Sian joins cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh to discuss how Passive House design has become integral to her architectural practice. The conversation takes us through Sian’s process as an architect, the role that window quality plays in determining a home’s performance, airtightness testing, and more. Listen to the full episode about Sian Taylor’s approach here.

Mathew and cohost Zack Semke discuss upcoming Passive House events at the end of the episode–find them here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-feb-8

See this profile of Team Green Architects’ striking Oliver’s Ridge project: https://archipro.co.nz/project/olivers-ridge-team-green-architects

And don’t miss Sian’s Passive House Open Days video from Summer of 2020, featuring the design of her own home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrTlqaUqjBo

Anton Dobrevski – Passive House School

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Anton Dobrevski was born and raised in Bulgaria, where he says that houses are generally not built well or well insulated. Nevertheless, Anton was introduced to Passive House at an early age by his father, a pioneering Passive House builder in Bulgaria. Upon graduating from high school, Anton moved to the Netherlands to study architecture at Delft University of Technology. During one of his first assignments as a student, his class was advised to follow the Passive House standard. While eager to do so, he found that was hard to find practical information and resources about how to practically apply Passive House to design.

Anton believes that many architects have not necessarily been taught the specifics of how to design energy-efficient buildings. Added to this, many designers and builders around the world still have not yet heard of the Passive House Standard. Anton started the Passive House school to address these issues. A unique feature of the Passive House School is that it started online in order to reach a truly international audience. Three years on and one global pandemic later, the Passive House School is proving a success.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Anton joins cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh to discuss his experience in launching Passive House School. The conversation also takes us through his journey of discovering Passive House, and how his father, who builds houses in Bulgaria, was an early adopter of building science technology.

Late in the episode, Matthew and cohost Zack Semke talk about upcoming Passive House events. Details can be found here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-feb-1

Dennis Wedlick – BarlisWedlick Architects

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 01:00:00 -0500

This week’s Passive House Podcast serves double-duty: first, as a fascinating conversation with the accomplished Passive House architect and deep thinker Dennis Wedlick; and second, as a preview to this Tuesday’s (January 26) webcast produced by Dennis on behalf of AIANY CRAN that will feature a “mini film festival” of residential Passive House practice from four teams, followed by a panel discussion moderated by the Accelerator’s Zack Semke.

Dennis is the founder of BarlisWedlick Architects, a firm he originally founded as Dennis Wedlick Architect in 1992. He began his architectural career with a 12-year apprenticeship to the master architect Philip Johnson. His architecture has been featured by the Smithsonian National Design Museum and has received numerous accolades. In honoring Dennis’ work, Habitat for Humanity in Columbia County, New York called him “a visionary, whose designs concern not only the health and welfare of his clients but the community at large.” He is the author of five books on residential design, most recently Classic & Modern: Signature Styles (2013), co-authored with Alan Barlis.

Dennis is a pioneer in Passive House design in the United States, harnessing its power to tackle energy poverty. In this episode, he and Zack talk about Dennis’ journey working with Philip Johnson, to his residential projects in New York, to his work advocating for equitable access to high-performance buildings and energy security, especially in rural communities. Enjoy!

Find links to events at: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-jan-25

Brett Seriani – Seriani Designs

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 01:00:00 -0500

While Brett Seriani began his career in Canada, he is now a Passive House pioneer in Australia. Before becoming a Certified Passive House Designer, Brett trained and qualified as both a structural engineer and an architect. With this powerhouse of experience and knowledge, he is well placed to offer a range of technical design services through his company, Seriani Designs.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Brett joins cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh to discuss his relatively recent discovery of Passive House and his current graduate work examining the interplay between the operational carbon emissions savings of Passive House and the embodied carbon emissions savings possible through smart structural engineering.

This conversation takes us through Brett’s history in sustainable design, and how he first discovered Passive House at a Builders Designers Association meeting in Victoria, Australia. He talks about his current work as a structural engineer, how he develops sustainable buildings for his clients, and how the demand for Passive House is increasing. He also mentions common tricky points in thermal bridging and thermal insulation, as well as other issues in building science. Listen to the full episode about Brett Seriani’s projects and his work in Australia.

For links to the events that Matthew and cohost Zack Semke discuss at the end of the episode, see our Week in Preview article for January 18, 2021.

Lois Arena – Steven Winter Associates

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0500

Lois Arena is one of North America’s top Passive House practitioners and has worked on many of the continent’s most significant Passive House buildings. In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Lois joins cohost Zack Semke to discuss her journey to Passive House as well as to offer a teaser for the Global Passive House Happy Hour presentation about VRF lessons learned on January 20.

The conversation takes us from her days as a remodeling contractor, her work as a building engineering researcher and trainer, to her practice of Passive House design on large-scale projects as director of Passive House Services with Steven Winter Associates. She talks about her current work on a historic retrofit of the Pirelli Tire building in Connecticut, a brutalist icon that will become a Passive House hotel. She also touches on her work on the glass high rise Passive House (and LEED Platinum) building in Boston, Winthrop Center. Listen to the full episode to hear about Louis’ Passive House projects and her trailblazing work across North America.

About the Pirelli Tire building: https://www.swinter.com/party-walls/pirelli-historic-retrofit-part-1/

About Winthrop Center: https://handelarchitects.com/project/winthrop-center

Passive House Accelerator's "Passive House Week in Preivew": https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-jan-11

Daniel Kress – Smart Plus Academy

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 01:00:00 -0500

Daniel Kress is a prolific Passive House educator, having trained over half of Australia’s certified Passive House professionals. In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, our first of 2021, Daniel joins cohost Matthew Cutler-Welsh to discuss his work at Smart Plus Academy, the educational consultancy that Daniel founded and directs, as well as his work promulgating Passive House in Australia and beyond.

The conversation takes us from his days as a carpenter in Germany, to his graduate work in Canada, to his career in Australia: first as a builder, then as a Certified Passive House Consultant, and now as a trainer. Daniel shares nugget after nugget of Passive House communications gold during the chat, imparting smart ways to explain the benefits of Passive House to homeowners and builders alike. Listen to the full episode to hear Daniel’s insights and lessons learned about both Passive House practice and movement-building Downunder.

For info about this week's Passive House Accelerator Construction Tech and Global Passive House Happy Hour, see our PH Week in Preview here: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-week-in-preview-jan-4

Sangeetha Sambandam - WRT

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Sangeetha Sambandam joins podcast co-host Zack Semke to talk about her journey to Passive House and the major projects she has underway. Sangeetha, a designer at WRT in Philadelphia, completed her architectural training in India with an undergraduate background in physics. After working in Sri Lanka and India she moved to Philadelphia where her interest in the sustainable side of architecture took off. Sangeetha is certified as a Passive House designer by both Passive House Institute and Passive House Institute US, and holds a myriad of other sustainable design certifications and accreditations.

Sangeetha talks with Zack about the completion of Phase 1 of the Park River multifamily low-income Passive House complex in Hartford, Connecticut. The complex will include 260 units of low-income housing across 4 phases using both PHI and PHIUS certifications.

Listen to the full episode to hear about the potential for more low-income Passive House housing in Connecticut, embodied carbon, and Sangeetha’s dream project: dual certified Passive House and Living Building.

For links to upcoming Passive House educational opportunities, see this week's Week in Preview.

Luc Plowman - Detail Green in Australia

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0500

In 2014, Luc Plowman’s consulting practice had just 2 Passive House projects on the books. Now, just over 6 years later, he has 40 underway. He’s witnessed Australia’s Passive House growth firsthand. Luc is the founder and director of Detail Green in Beechworth, Australia, and one of a small cadre of Passive House certifiers in the country. Before his work at Detail Green, Luc worked as a senior sustainability engineer and project engineer.

In this episode of Passive House Podcast, co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh talks with Luc about his perspectives on the Australia Passive House scene, the power of experiential learning in convincing builders and homeowners that Passive House is the way to go, and the “aha!” moments that he has witnessed as people engage in this learning.

Listen to the full episode to learn how Luc demystifies Passive House construction and hear tips from his eventful Passive House career.

Check out our Passive House Week in Preview article for links to the events and educational offerings that co-ho Zack Semke references at the end of the episode.

Julie Torres Moskowitz - Fete Nature Architecture

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Julie Torres Moskovitz, principal at Fete Nature Architecture, joins Passive House Podcast intern/producer Sydney Fishman and co-host Zack Semke on this week’s episod. Bringing refreshing perspectives to the table, Julie talks with the co-hosts about thermal imaging as a guide to practice, resilience and social justice, blower door testing during construction, and more.

Julies portfolio is expansive, including new construction to residential retrofits, FEMA flood resiliency and non-profit projects. In addition to being a practicing architect, Julie is the author of ‘The Greenest Home: Superinsulated and Passive House Design’, and an educator. Julie teaches the Eco Urban Systems seminar Syracuse University NYC and teaches at Pratt Institute of Design, where she is a Taconic Fellow.

Dive into the full episode to hear about Julie’s first Passive House project in Brooklyn and the impact city-level action can have on the viability of Passive House as a driver of equitable climate solution-making.

The conversation references a striking therm image of a Passive House retrofit in Brooklyn taken by Sam McAfee.

At the end of show, Zack references several upcoming events. Details can be found in Passive House Accelerator's Week In Preview article. Note that the Happy Hour speaker for the Dec 16 will be Scott Kennedy and Gesa Zellermann (not Dan Nall), presenting the pioneering multifamily Passive House project, The Heights, in Vancouver, Canada.

Cillian Collins - Perkins+Will Architects in Vancouver

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In the run-up to this week’s Passive House Canada Summit (Dec 8-10), Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Vancouver-based Cillian Collins about his path to Passive House, the groundbreaking Passive House projects Cillian has in the works, and the Passive House educational programming on tap at the Summit. (Registration for the Summit is open until 12pm Pacific/3pm Eastern today, Monday, December 7.)

Cillian is a Senior Architect with Perkins&Will Architects and a Certified Passive House Designer with over 10 years of experience across a range of project types, including Passive House projects in Canada and Ireland. He’s also Chair of the Passive House Canada Education Committee, giving him an insider’s view of the upcoming Summit.

With Perkins&Will, Cillian is involved in a number of Passive House projects at varying scales, from a stunning off grid mass timber cabin to a large scale university student housing project, both of which he and Zack discuss in this episode. Cillian also spoke about the opportunities and challenges around address embodied carbon in high performance buildings, and shared takeaways from Perkins&Will’s primer, “Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment.”

At the end of the show, co-host Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack discuss several upcoming events, which can be found in Passive House Accelerator's Week in Preview article.

Andy Marlow - Passivhaus Design & Construct

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode of the Passive House Podcast, host Matthew Cutler Welsh interviews Andy Marlow. Andy is passionate about design, sustainability and affordability. He trained as an architect at the University of New South Wales in Australia and throughout his professional career, he’s been working to incorporate ideas about sustainability into his work. As a Director at Envirotecture, Andy has been influential in providing design and consulting services for people who want buildings that work well, feel good, and are culturally appropriate.

At the beginning of 2020, some of the team at Envirotecture created Passivhaus Design & Construct with the purpose of focusing solely on providing Passive Houses for the Australian market.

“…if you must be inside a building, it should make your life better; a passivhaus does that!”

The firm aims to create affordable, healthy, beautiful, comfortable, quality, quiet, future-ready buildings. They rely on skill, passion and relationships to continually improve and to deliver innovative design solutions tailored for Australia's climate.

Andy is also the Education and Training Director at the Australian Passive House Association.

At the end of the episode, co-host Zack Semke mentions several upcoming Passive House-related events. Find them in Passive House Accelerator's Week in Preview.

Tessa Bradley (Smith), Artisans Group

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 01:00:00 -0500

This week host of the Passive House Podcast Zack Semke interviews Tessa Bradley (previously Smith), a pioneer of Passive House in the Pacific Northwest. In her 20s Tessa became co-owner of the Artisans Group, at the time a design-build firm, now a design-only firm. Artisans Group quickly became a leading designer and builder of beautiful, modernist, yet financially accessible Passive House homes in the Northwest, winning many design awards in the process. Tessa has won multiple Best Project by a Young Professional Under 35 awards from PHIUS.

Beyond being a talented designer, Tessa is a great communicator about Passive House with clients and non-designers. Her entrepreneurial nature and hard work have paid off, with Artisans Group enjoying an expansive portfolio of work. Tessa talks with Zack about the presentation by Katrin Klingenberg at a Seattle library that launched Tessa into Passive House, her early days in Passive House design, and her sales pitch to clients (it’s just a good building wrapped in a big wooly sweater). Tessa also dives into her firm’s forays into prefab.

Visit the Accelerator's Week in Preview article for links to the events that Zack mentions near the end of the show.

Peter Bielski, Ethos Homes in Canterbury, New Zealand

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Peter Bielski, owner of Ethos Homes in New Zealand, about his experience building single family Passive House projects in a construction industry landscape of bare minimum building energy code requirements. Peter cut his teeth in construction in Germany, where he built homes with a major prefabricated homes operation that delivered over 900 homes per year. When he returned to New Zealand, Peter initially experimented with prefab in New Zealand, always guided by Passive House principles. Hear his story about his journey back to custom stick-built construction, and his full commitment to Passive House performance—its challenges and its rewards as a homebuilder and small business owner.

Visit the Accelerator's Week in Preview article for links to the events that Zack mentions near the end of the show.

Dr. Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Dr. Diana Ürge-Vorsatz of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. They dive into the findings of Ürge-Vorsatz's recent paper, "Advances Toward a Net-Zero Global Building Sector", including implications for both new construction and deep energy retrofits as parts of the transition to zero emissions in buildings.

Visit the Accelerator's Week in Preview article for links to most of the events that Zack mentions near the end of the show. Here are the links to the Pattern Language from Passive House course and NAPHN's save the date announcement for its 2021 conference.

Ken Levenson, North American Passive House Network (NAPHN)

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 22:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Ken Levenson, Co-Founder of 475 High Performance Building Supply and Executive Director of the North American Passive House Network (NAPHN). The conversation explores Ken’s early architecture practice in New York in the 80s and 90s, his climate awakening after watching “An Inconvenient Truth,” and his later discovery of Passive House in 2009. This discovery fueled Ken’s drive to co-found 475 with Floris Keverling Buisman and later NAPHN with a group of other North American advocates.

Describing Passive House as “an approach to building and architecture that's actually proportionate with the crisis that we're facing,” Ken shares both his bullishness about the growth of Passive House as well as his deep alarm about the climate crisis. It’s both sobering and empowering, and well worth a listen.

Visit the Accelerator's Week in Preview article for links to the events that Zack mentions near the end of the show.

Kimberly Llewellyn, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast co-host Zack Semke interviews Kimberly Llewellyn of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, a founding sponsor of Passive House Accelerator. An engineer by training, Kimberly spent 5 years with Positive Energy, a highly regarded engineering and consulting firm that specializes in Passive House work as part of a broad portfolio. Zack and Kimberly discuss her journey to Passive House, the "in the dirt" training she received while in the field at Positive Energy, and her pivot to Mitsubishi Electric, where she works to accelerate a virtuous circle of Passive House-friendly product development, Passive House adoption in North America, and consequent increased demand for Passive House mechanical equipment by the marketplace. After the interview, Zack and Matthew reflect on the interview, attempt to explain the science behind heat pumps, and share upcoming Passive House events from around the world. For event details, reference last week's Week In Preview article on the Accelerator website.

Harley Weston, Solaire Properties in Brisbane

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Harley Weston of Solaire Properties. Harley spent twelve years drilling and exploring for minerals beneath the earth, mostly around the North Eastern part of Australia. When he wasn’t operating a drill himself, he was managing people who did. Mineral exploration is big business in Australia. It’s made a lot of people very wealthy, but doesn’t exactly conjure up images of sustainability, healthy and well being or even energy efficiency.

Harley has also spent time flying around in a helicopter. After gaining his license, he established a helicopter charter company and lived one of his dreams as a commercial pilot.

But in 2017, Harley teamed up with brother James and Paul McElhenny and together they formed Solaire Properties with a mission to disrupt and redefine the building industry. As Harley puts it, Solaire Properties is about buildings that are equal parts luxurious, eco-conscious and technologically advanced.

Their first project, Vanquish certainly embodies these aspects and has garnered a lot of attention, not just from the Passive House community.

Matthew starts the interview out by asking Harley a bit about his background and how he went from helicopters to housing.

After the interview Zack Semke and Matthew discuss a number of upcoming Passive House events. Find details in Passive House Accelerator's Week in Preview article.

Bronwyn Barry, North American Passive House Network

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Bronwyn Barry, board chair of North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) and the “International Keynote” speaker for the upcoming South Pacific Passive House Conference. Bronwyn recounts how she first discovered Passive House, her stint (post-Great Recession) selling European high performance windows to architects by educating them first about Passive House design, and her leadership in the North Passive House movement, including tireless policy advocacy work.

Matthew and co-host Zack Semke discussed upcoming events and trainings:

This Wednesday (Oct 14), Amy Egerter and Martha Campbell from the Rocky Mountain Institute's REALIZE initiative present at the Happy Hour. REALIZE has the goal of standardizing retrofits that are affordable and convenient using semi-industrial approaches. Come drink in Passive House knowledge at our weekly Happy Hour. Learn more.
PHIUS 6th Annual Design Competition: This juried competition recognizes fully certified passive building projects of all types and climate zones. This is your chance to showcase your work and celebrate the great strides being made in the field of passive building! Submissions are due by Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 11:59pm ET. Learn more here.
South Pacific Passive House Conference (Oct 12 - 16)
passivhausMAINE Fall Forum (Oct 21- 23)
Platforma PEP Conference (Oct 21, 22, 28, 29)
PHIUS Hootenannies + Design Competition (Oct 26-30)

Questions or comments? Email us at podcast@passivehouseaccelerator.com.

Giorgia Tzar, International Passive House Association

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Giorgia Tzar from the International Passive House Association (iPHA). Giorgia and Matthew catch up on the world-class content at the (ongoing) 24th International Passive House Conference and virtual “matchmaking” networking opportunities. Giorgia reflects on recent conferences in China and Germany, and talks about the ups and downs of going virtual. Hear about iPHA’s “global and local” approach to information and knowledge sharing, as well as the virtual Open Days Passive House project tours coming up in November.

Matthew and co-host Zack Semke discussed upcoming events and trainings, which can be found in the Accelerator's "Passive House Week In Preview" for October 6, 2020. Included in those announcements were a couple upcoming Passive House Accelerator events this week:

Global Passive House Happy Hour with James Geppner of NYSERDA's RetrofitNY program on Wednesday, October 7; and
a special Roundtable Event: Passive House on the Frontlines—Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality on Thursday, October 8.

We hope you'll join us at one or both!
Questions or comments? Email us at podcast@passivehouseaccelerator.com.

Simone Schenkel, Grün Eco in Australia

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Simone Schenkel, director and Certified Passive House Designer at Grün Eco Design in Victoria, Australia. Schenkel is the Victorian Chapter lead of Australia Passive House Association and an advocate for moving the building industry toward energy efficient, high performance buildings. Matthew and Simone touch on the importance of production builders in this transformation and the role of regulation to help spread high performance building to all segments of the housing market.

podcast@passivehouseaccelerator.com

Matthew and co-host Zack Semke discussed upcoming events and trainings, which can be found in the Accelerator's "Passive House Week In Preview" for September 28, 2020.

Andrew Peel, Peel Passive House Consulting in Toronto

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast's Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Andrew Peel, Passive House innovator, educator, certifier, consultant, and owner of Peel Passive House Consulting in Toronto. Check out:

Video of Andrew's Global Passive House Happy Hour presentation about his work on the world's first Passive House certified car dealership.
Our Q&A interview with Andrew in February 2020.

Matthew and co-host Zack Semke discussed a bunch of upcoming events and trainings, which can be found in the Accelerator's "Passive House Week In Preview" for September 21, 2020.

Chris Benedict and Henry Gifford in NYC

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast's Sydney Fishman and Zack Semke interview Chris Benedict and Henry Gifford, the pioneering pair of practitioners behind some of New York City's most exciting high performance buildings, Passive House projects, and deep energy retrofits. Check out:

Henry's book, Buildings Don't Lie.
Chris' "Singing Into Darkness" article .
Video Chris and Henry's play, "The Perfect Energy Code."

Upcoming events and trainings:

WED: Global Passive House Happy Hour with Marine Sanchez
Featuring University of Toronto's latest student housing project. Join us.
SAVE THE DATE: PHIUS Hootenannies in October
Oct 26: Builders
Oct 27: Educators
Oct 28: Architects
Oct 29: Policymakers/Developers
Oct 30: Design Competition
FALL: International Passive House Events (PHI + iPHA)
Don't miss!: 24th International Passive House Conference (Sep 20 — Oct 8).
Prepare for the conference: PHI Passive House Fundamentals Course.
Join Passive House Open Days (Nov 6–8).
SOCIALS: Passive House/Building Science Gatherings
Passive House Canada’s Building Conversations (Wed, Sep 16)
Global Passive House Happy Hour
NAPHN Lunchtime Special with Ken Levenson (Thu, Sep 17)
Fine Home Building’s BS+Beer Show (Thu, Sep 17)
Dave Cooper & Mark Wille #BS Fridays (Fri, Sep 18)
EDUCATION: Upcoming Passive House Trainings
Passive House Canada Online 101:
Intro to PH High Performance Buildings (Tue, Sep 15)
Passivhaus Trust:
PH for Educational Buildings: Universities (Wed, Sep 16)
New York Passive House
Window Modeling, Components, Mullions and Reveals (Tue, Sep 22)
Passive House Alliance US
PHIUS Certification Process Q&A with Lisa White (Tue, Sep 22)

Graeme Verhulst and a Passive House HQ for BC Tech Firm

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews Graeme Verhulst, principal of Waymark Architecture. Graeme was one of the earliest adopters of Passive House design in Canada. In his conversation with Matthew, Graeme shares the story of striking out on his own, early in his architectural career, to build a Passive House practice when larger firms were still slow to embrace it. He also discusses the recent Passive House headquarters that Waymark designed for the technology firm Charter Telecom, in Victoria, British Columbia. That striking project won the 2020 Canadian Green Building Commercial/Industrial (Small) award.

After the interview, Matthew and co-host Zack Semke reflect on the interview and share upcoming Passive House events and trainings:

International Passive House Open Days (Nov. 6-8)
Prepare a video tour of your project, participate in panel discussions, and spread the word about Passive House with your network.
https://bit.ly/328McL3
Upcoming PHIUS Trainings:
September 14: PHIUS CPHC Training Phase II
November 2: PHIUS+ Rater Online Training
November 9: PHIUS+ Verifier Online Training
https://bit.ly/2R5bgfo
Level Up with the PHI Passive House Fundamentals Course:
Receive 6 months access to the PHI Passive House Fundamentals Course (a 20-hour course of study online) for € 95 if you register by October 8. Plus, apply your registration fee as credit to registration at the 24th International Passive House Conference (September 20 through October 8).
https://cms.passivehouse.com/en/training/courses/e-learning/
Carbon Positive RESET! 1.5°C Global Teach-In.
September 8, 2020 - North & South America
September 17, 2020 - Europe, Middle East & Africa
September 22, 2020 - Asia, Asia Pacific & Oceania
https://carbon-positive.org/register-now/
PH Simplicity IS Affordability: Sept 9 Global Passive House Happy Hour.
Todd Rothstein of Avesta Housing will present the data that proves out the Passive House story of simplicity over complexity, and its implications for affordable housing.
https://bit.ly/3bxe3Yk

Questions or interview suggestions? Please contact podcast@passivehouseaccelerator.com. And don't forget to visit us at passivehouseaccelerator.com.

Our work at Passive House Accelerator is made possible by support from our Founding Sponsors: Baxt Ingui Architects, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, RDH Building Science, Sto Corp, and Zola Windows. Thanks, too, to support from our Stakeholder Partner: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

John Beurle and his PHI Low Energy Building made of pre-fab straw bale panels.

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews John Beurle, board member of Australian Passive House Association and principal of Passive House Services, about his unique PHI Low Energy Building home made of a straw panel system. Also, view John's video tour of his home at https://youtu.be/WAQ0uyakJH8.

In the interview, John mentions Stuart Lee of Craftsmen Quality Builders and Andreas Luzzi of Laros Technologies as among the key players in the project. The pre-fab straw bale panels, or SITUPS (super insulated tilt-up panel system), come from Huff 'n' Puff Strawbale Constructions.

After the interview, Matthew and co-host Zack Semke reflect on the interview and share upcoming Passive House events and trainings:

Partel Becomes Patron Sponsor of Passive House Accelerator
Partel is a manufacturer of tapes, membranes, adhesives, and thermal breaks for high performance buildings.
https://www.partel.com/
PHIUS Certified Passive House Builder Training:
August 31 through September 11
ow.ly/7AEa50B3Q0j
PHI Passive House Fundamentals Course — 6 months access for € 95 (Must purchase by October 8):
Credit to registration at 24th International Passive House Conference (September 20 through October 8)
https://cms.passivehouse.com/en/training/courses/e-learning/
Lois Arena of Steven Winter Associates to Headline September 2 Global Passive House Happy Hour.
https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/global-happy-hour

James Goodlet, Altereco Design in Melbourne, Australia

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 01:00:00 -0400

Passive House Podcast host Matthew Cutler-Welsh interviews James Goodlet of Altereco Design about his mission-driven architectural practice and the role of Passive House design in delivering on that mission.

After the interview, Matthew and co-host Zack Semke reflect on the interview and share upcoming Passive House events and trainings:

NAPHN Lunchtime Special: an Introduction to Passive House
Ken Levenson: Every Thursday, alternating between 12:30pm EST and Noon PST https://www.naphnetwork.org
PHIUS Certified Passive House Builders Training
Starts August 31
https://www.phius.org/become-a-professional/phius-certified-builders-training/overview-and-registration
24th International Passive House Conference
September 20 through October 8
https://passivehouseconference.org
Carbon Positive RESET! 1.5°C Global Teach-In
September 8 for North & South America (9/17 Europe, Middle East, Africa —and— 9/22 Asia, Asia Pacific)
https://carbon-positive.org/register-now/

Introducing the Passive House Podcast

Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Join hosts Matthew Cutler-Welsh and Zack Semke, as well as Passive House Accelerator founder Michael Ingui, for a conversation about the Passive House community, the Passive House Accelerator, and this new podcast exploring high performance, low carbon building design and construction.

Questions or interview ideas? Email podcast@passivehouseaccelerator.com.

Passive House Podcast

285: Exploring Design and Community with Filmmaker Allie Rood

284: Breaking Down Barriers to High-Performance Buildings with Nidhi Shah

283: Wunderbar Passive House with Andreas Goetz

282: BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Part 2

281: BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Part 1

TRE 16: Beyond Building Science

280: Scaling Passive House in Massachusetts with Nick Nigro

279: Beyond Aesthetics: Kia Weatherspoon on Design Equity

278: Exploring Insulation and Overheating Risks with Tavis Creswell-Wells

277: Transforming Multifamily Housing: Lessons from Cycle Architecture + Planning

276: Edie Dillman and Karen Ramsey on Fort Collins' Designed to 2030

275: Sustainable Practices in New York City with Shefali Sanghvi and Heather McKinstry

274: Regenerative Building Practices with Lindsey Love

TRE 15: Are You Experienced?

273: Buildings as Habitat: Biodiversity-Informed Investments in Public Health

272: Beyond the Bubble: Carmel Pratt and the Future of Passive House in NY

271: Decarbonizing Domestic Hot Water with James Petersen

270: Building Resilience: Maggie Ullman on Asheville's Path Forward

269: High-Performance Building with Ben Bogie

TRE 14: Making the Hard Stuff Fun

268: Building the Future: Insights from the 2025 Passivhaus Conference

267: Ecological Building Systems at the 2025 Passivhaus Conference

TRE 13: Starting Out and Rethinking Retrofits

266: From Retrofits to New Builds: River Architects

265: Best of Retrofit with Emily Mottram

264: Navigating Local Law 97 with Katie Schwamb

263: Best of Retrofit with Andrea Michael

TRE 12: Changing the Conversation on High-Performance Practice

262: Deep Dive into Deep Energy Retrofits with Kara Haggerty Wilson

261: The ARKATA Way with Ben Walsham

260: Recapping PhiusCon 2025

259: Inside Stonewater's Push for Sustainable Housing

258: Demystifying Passive House Certifications with Tony Lisanti

TRE 11: Global Perspectives, Practical Insights

257: The Future of Passive House in the Northwest with Greta Tjeltveit

256: Collective Impact: The RBC Summer Labs

255: Designing London’s Passive Future: Az Rashid of Barratt London

254: Green Building United Revive Panel

253: Gaelen McKee on Brooklyn SolarWorks

252: Building Beyond Compliance with Jessica Allen

251: Future Vision: Michael Quast on Leading Passive House Canada

250: Enhancing Lives and Cutting Carbon in Ireland

TRE 10: From Dehumidifiers to De-carbonization

249: Transforming Community Housing with Arthur Lee

248: Insights from THRIVE 25, Melbourne Australia

247: Natural Materials and Collective Power

246: ﻿Scaling Retrofit with Kore: Passive House in Practice in Ireland

TRE 09: Building Better Together Everywhere

245: NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Round Five Awards

244: Hot, Humid, and High Performance

243: Scaling Small: ADUs and the Future of Housing

242: Heritage Meets Sustainability: Inside the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Plaza

TRE 08: Reimagining Design, Construction, and Materials

241: Sarah Lewis on Scotland’s Bold Housing Future

240: Smart Living Spaces with Sharon Robinson

239: Campus Firsts: Mass Timber and Carbon Goals in Maine

238: Designing The Monarch with Vincent Bergeron

TRE 07: Resilience, Retrofits and More

237: Committing to Performance with Mark Anderson

236: Insights from the International Builder Show with Shannon Pendleton of Source 2050

235: Passive House Pools with Jessica Grove Smith

TRE 06: From Resilience to Prefab to Building the Future

234: Building Passive Schools with ﻿Architype

233: Reconstruct: The Next Generation

232: Making Passive Possible with ﻿﻿Joseph Lyth

231: Building the Movement: BuildingEnergy Boston '25

TRE 05: Paradigms, Retrofits, and How To Sell Passive House

230: Designing for Fire Resilience with Tonje Wold-Switzer

229: Building Airtight Homes with Barry Cope

228: Kirstie Wulf on Hempcrete & Resilient Homes

TRE 04: Fire Hardening, Circularity, and Healthy Interiors

227: Electrifying Kitchens with Chef Chris Galarza

226: Fire-Resistant Design with Michael Marsh

TRE 03: Modeling, Consulting, and Fire Resilience

225: Transforming Sydney’s Heritage Houses with Nick Sowden

224: Designing for Deconstruction Pt.2

TRE 02: Harnessing Passion and Mission with Dan Whitmore and Sara Bayer

TRE 01: Tools and Techniques of PH Pioneers with Ed May and Lois Arena

223: Designing for Deconstruction Pt.1

246: Scaling Retrofit with Kore: Passive House in Practice in Ireland

234: Building Passive Schools with Architype

232: Making Passive Possible with Joseph Lyth

220: World’s Largest Passive House Museum with Raphael Vibert

Special Component Episode with Partel: Smart Membranes Make Climate Solutions

209: How To Develop Your Own Passive House with Jesse Hunt