Podcasts about Passive house

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/registrationThank 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.

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/registrationThank 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.

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.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

Hi, I'm Granger Forson from www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk, or find me on LinkedIn, and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Tom Locke, co-founder of Habitat+ Architects, a Gloucestershire-based practice that's redefining how sustainability meets great design.   Tom's journey is one of courage and curiosity. He and his business partner stepped away from the comfort of employment during COVID to create a business that truly reflected their values. Their goal? To build spaces that not only look beautiful but also work in harmony with the environment and the people who use them.   Through Habitat+, Tom champions Passive House design, an internationally recognised energy standard that cuts carbon emissions and creates comfortable, efficient spaces. But what really shines through is his belief that sustainability isn't an add-on, it's a mindset. It's about how we think, design, source, and build for long-term impact.   We also dive into the realities of running a growing practice, learning to manage people, balancing client work with business building, and finding time for creative reflection. Tom's approach to leadership is rooted in continuous learning, both for himself and his team. He even teaches at university, sharing his passion for design and growth with the next generation.   This is an inspiring conversation for anyone building a purpose-driven business, one that proves that curiosity, integrity, and sustainability can drive both profit and progress. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes, do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.   So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of sustainability, creativity, and learning with Tom Locke.   Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.   If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin   Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl   You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Tom can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-locke-9b418529/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/habitatplus-architects/ https://www.habitatplus.co.uk/   Resources: Nudge by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/nudge-improving-decisions-about-health-wealth-and-happiness-richard-h-thaler/6727225?ean=9780141999937&next=t ToDo Ist - https://www.todoist.com/

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

In this thought-provoking episode with Nathan Kipnis, principal of Kipnis Architecture + Planning and founder of NextHaus Alliance, we dive into the promise of resilient and energy-conscious design. We discuss how the Passive House model is shaping the future of the built environment, the importance of thinking ahead to meet emerging climate challenges, and how Nathan's award-winning projects are setting new standards for endurance and adaptability in architecture. Nathan also shares his journey as a founding member of the AIA's 2030 Commitment Working Group, and how advocacy continues to shape national dialogue around climate action and design excellence.Mentioned in this episode:Kipnis Architecture + PlanningKipnis Architecture + Planning on IGNexthaus AllianceNexthaus Alliance on IGAIA National Committee for Resilience and Disaster Response CommitteeWebinar: Architecture as Environmental Art, Architectural Record x VectorworksHave thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

Send us a textIn Episode 49 of The Sustainable Builders Yak, we're joined by Joel Seagren, National Mechanical Ventilation Engineer at Fantech, to unpack the critical (and often overlooked) role of ventilation in high-performance homes.With a background in mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and a Master's in building sustainability, Joel brings decades of experience to this conversation — from consulting on daylight modeling in the early 2000s to becoming a NatHERS assessor and championing heat recovery ventilation (HRV) in Australian homes.This episode covers:The science of air tightness, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor airWhy 6 air changes per hour is a benchmark for installing HRVsThe difference between NatHERS and Passive House modelingThe limitations of relying on window ventilation in Australia's energy codeThe evolving National Construction Code (NCC) requirements around mechanical ventilationThe need for a standardized testing method in high-performance constructionNew Zealand modeling data showing the energy-saving benefits of HRVsWhether you're a builder, architect, or energy consultant, this is a must-listen if you're working on airtight, efficient, and healthy homes in the Australian climate.

"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia." That's probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grown, more building professionals are actively exploring the concept, and even government is starting to take notice. We sat down with Clare to understand how this shift happened and what it means for Australian builders.For builders considering Passive House, the question isn't whether to adopt these standards but when. Early adopters gain competitive advantages as client awareness grows and regulations tighten. The industry is moving toward higher performance standards, whether individual builders choose to lead or follow.Clare's journey from "tin foil hat" advocate to government sustainability director demonstrates how persistence and proven results shift entire industries. The Passive House revolution isn't coming, it's already here. The only question is whether you'll be part of driving this change or catching up later.LINKS:Australian Passive Haus Association:https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpodConnect with Hamish:Instagram: @sanctumhomesWebsite: www.yoursanctum.com.au/Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructionsWebsite: www.carlandconstructions.com/

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 

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/phiusconThank 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!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.

SIPS, or structural insulated panels are a fast and efficient way to achieve very high thermal performance. In today's episode, we continue exploring prefabricated panel solutions. We investigate the design of a passive house built from SIPS on a very challenging site in the oceanic temperate climate of Wellington, in New Zealand. Architect Murray Robertson, the director of Robertson Architects, shares the inside story of his Bell House project. Today we'll explore the process, benefits and costs of SIPs and when they're an ideal solution.Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts. MORE INFORMATIONFind everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website. www.renovationcollaborative.com.auPODCASTKey points summary, timestamps and resource linksFREE RESOURCESTranscript edited into clear Q&A.CPDAustralian architects can find more information on CPD, andCOURSESEleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process. KEY POINTS SUMMARY1. Structural insulated panels or SIPs are used in floors, walls and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings. The panels are made by sandwiching a core of rigid foam plastic insulation between two structural facings and in this case Murray used oriented strandboard (OSB). SIPS are manufactured off site and are custom designed for each project. 2. SIPs panels do have some timber framing in them, but much less than a standard timber stud wall. The reduced timber content plus the polyurethane insulation deliver better thermal performance than standard insulated timber frame construction. 3. The external wall composition of this project was as follows:The basic external shell was a 165 mm thick SIPS panel.Externally, the ProClima weathertight membrane was fixed directly to the SIPS board and a 45x45 timber structural cavity batten attached to the outside of the membrane for the external cladding, andInternally, 45 x 45 timber battens were fixed to the SIPs, creating space for services, additional insulation and attachment for internal plasterboard lining.4. Internally, the oriented strandboard lining can be exposed rather than covered with plasterboard to save costs, but this approach makes access to services much more challenging. Additionally, since the strandboard wall serves as the finished surface, it requires protection during construction. 5. SIPS are very airtight, making them very appealing for use in Passive House projects. Only the joints in the very large SIPS panels require taping. And finally, 6. Important design considerations when using SIPs include:Lintels above doors and windows cannot be concealed within the ceiling, meaning that floor to ceiling glazing is not possible, andSIPS roof panels stop at the wall line resulting in no eaves overhang. Therefore, a custom solution to attach eaves is...

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/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.

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/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.

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!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

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=2025-10-01https://collective.reimaginebuildings.com/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.

This is a crossover episode with the Spring Street Passive House education and advocacy series.How do Passive House enclosure decisions actually happen? There's a stubborn storyline that passive house designs go “too far” and result in a wholly different, and painful, design and construction process. The reality is that designing and building a Passive House is not all the different from building any project. In both cases you are working with a blend of the rigor of building science, the skill and craftsmanship of the construction team, the realities of project specifics like site, climate, budget, and schedule, and the personalities of the people involved. All of this then gets organized and systematized within the context of the Passive House standard of care which simply asks that we do all we can to ensure that a good design translates into long-lasting positive outcomes.Our guest today is Cameron Caja, CPHC. Hearing all he's doing in the industry/world and the level of expertise he brings is an good reminder of the many intelligent caring people working tirelessly and with great resolve in the AEC today. Hearing his intelligence, wisdom and warmth is encouragement not lose sight of the goal of better buildings, and to not lose heart - we can do this.Links from the Episode:Spring Street Passive HouseEarth AdvantagePHIUSPHICameron CajaCameron Caja is the Business Development Manager at Positive Energy, a role that utilizes the skills he gained through diverse cultural landscapes and his passion for sustainable building practices. His story began as a builder's apprentice in high school, laying the foundation for a career marked by a deep appreciation for construction and design.Cameron studied at National Central University in Jhongli, Taiwan, and Soonchoonhyang University in South Korea, to understand how culture, language, and policy can guide development of the built environment. His studies continued in Japan, Thailand, and Russia, delving into the intersections of politics, housing, and food systems. Cameron earned his Masters degree in Education from the University of Arkansas, where he later managed specialized international education programs for the Graduate School.Sustainability, human and environmental health have always been at the heart of Cameron's endeavors. As a licensed residential builder and the owner of Polaris High Performance Homes, he committed that 100% of his projects would at least meet Energy Star, EPA Indoor airPlus, and WaterSense certifications. As one of the first Certified Passive House Consultants in the state of Arkansas, he actively contributes to advancing building standards in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri as the Central Region Representative of the Phius Alliance Council. Cameron's commitment to community service is evident in his roles with the Habitat for Humanity of Washington County Construction Committee, Tri Cycle Farms Food Recovery Program, and the Omni Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology. These organizations allow him to extend his impact beyond the realm of building science, addressing crucial social issues like homelessness and food insecurity.TeamHosted by Kristof IrwinEdited by Nico MignardiProduced by M. Walker

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/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.

In this episode, we are joined by Attzaz Rashid (Barratt London) and Joel Callow (Beyond Carbon) to talk about Barratt London's move into Passive House.It was a chance to get into what attracted Barratt to developing this Lo-E homes proposition and how they came to feel confident about committing to deliver certified Passive House apartments, the team effort that's been employed to make it work, and the way this change has brought about a renewed enthusiasm for the job in some of the project's participants.It's a really interesting exploration of how the rigour and challenges of Passive House has affected Barratt's approach to high-density building, and how the Passive House approach has come to be recognised as advantageous to Barratt, in all sorts of ways. Finally, the critique of M&E design that's made late on in the episode is not a Barratt critique—as Az makes abundantly clear—this is one founded in Joel's experience of inheriting issues that require Beyond Carbon's expertise for their resolution.Notes from the showAttzaz Rashid on LinkedInJoel Callow on LinkedIn The Barratt London websiteThe Beyond Carbon websiteDistrict heating and passive house - are they compatible? from the pages of Passive House PlusBarratt launches record passive house scheme also from the pages of Passive House Plus**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

We'll discuss the approach and talk with the architect who built Cincinnati's first passive house.

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/registrationhttps://ukphc.org.uk/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.

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.

Is there a collaboration problem in retrofit within the social housing sector? That was the premise for this conversation with Rafe Bertram, an architect and retrofit expert—appearing in a personal capacity—who was very surprised when I posed the question because he's found collaboration to be a strength in the sector, at least in London.In the end it led to a conversation about what he's learned from the experiences he's had working on retrofits in the social housing sector, in his community, and even doing big flashy Apple stores.The most interesting bit though is the strategy he's using to reduce the cost of retrofit, with his theory of reactive planning. It's an approach that takes a systematic integrated asset management approach and adds strategic opportunism into the mix in a way that enables him to piggyback essential works, like roof replacement, and use them as a catalyst for getting into a building to do the sustainability stuff that's usually a lower priority.Notes from the showRafe Bertram on LinkedinRetrofit Kentish Town The Good Homes Alliance websiteRafe's finance report for the Good Homes Alliance — “The Green Shift – The existing financial incentives for higher environmental performance of new homes” (October 2023) More links to articles about green building, favourable finance, and better valuations:Homebuyers pay a ‘green premium' of up to £40,000 for the most energy efficient properties (September 2021)—Lloyds Banking GroupHalifax includes EPC ratings in maximum lending calculationsHalifax to use EPC rating in affordability calculationsOctopus reducing interest rates for finance capital: 4 criteria = 1.25% discount, 6+ criteria = 2.00% discount**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

Ten years can transform a niche into a movement. We're back with a packed update that traces mass timber's surge from small conference rooms to global milestones, spotlighting the people, projects, and playbooks that make low‑carbon building practical. We kick off with the International Mass Timber Conference turning ten in 2026—an open call for submissions that signals how far the field has come and how much the community now drives the agenda with real‑world data and project outcomes.Research sits at the centre of this momentum. We share a decade‑wide literature review that charts progress in fire strategy, moisture management, acoustics, and connection design—areas that once felt like barriers and now read like solvable design choices. That research energy pairs with education on the ground: the first comprehensive textbook on managing mass timber projects arrives to help builders plan procurement, sequencing, and risk with confidence, while Kew's Saffron Learning Centre demonstrates net zero performance and Passive House targets through CLT, airtight envelopes, and simple, smart services.Design innovation is pushing the boundaries of scale and clarity. We dig into a hybrid glulam–steel truss spanning 85 metres, optimised with parametric tools so timber takes compression and steel takes tension, with visible connection craft that teaches as it impresses. We also head to Germany for Brainergy Hub—a circular timber‑hybrid landmark and social heart of a new innovation park focused on renewable energy, bioeconomy, and digitalisation—showing how civic projects can normalise timber at scale and set the tone for a greener urban identity.If you're building, studying, or simply curious about where architecture and carbon accountability meet, this conversation maps the latest proof points and the next steps. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a spark, and leave a review telling us which project or insight you want us to unpack next.Send us a textSupport the show

On this Design Hive episode, architect Derreck Travis joins us. The Vancouver-based designer talks about trends in career and technical education, designing the Vancouver Community College Centre for Clean Energy & Automotive Innovation, and lessons learned from a pioneering Passive House project. In this episode, you'll learn about:·        Career and Technical Education (CTE) trends·        The new CTE building at Vancouver Community College·        Weaving cultural influences into higher education design ·        Education on display in higher education design·        Lessons learned designing University of Northern British Columbia Wood Innovation Research Laboratory·        What inspires architect Derreck TravisMore Ideas from Stantec Buildings

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/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.

Architect Kirsty Maguire shares her experience of designing and building her own Passivhaus on a challenging sloping site in Newport-on-Tay, Scotland. Check out the show notes for more information.

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. Jessica is also the founder and co-host of the Build Insite podcast, where she explores building science, performance-based design, and practical strategies to deliver healthier, more efficient homes. Her expertise encompasses blower door testing, NHERS compliance, condensation risk modelling, and navigating NCC‑2022 regulations—all aimed at improving standards in residential and commercial construction.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=lfcmhttps://www.instagram.com/building.sciology/https://www.instagram.com/building.sciology/https://www.tiktok.com/@building.sociologyThank 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.

This episode is all about case study in circularity and a group of people turning waste into useful materials for the built environment. Daniel Dinizo and Charmaine Cu-Unjieng of NaturLoop are bringing a new bio-based product to market that transforms waste coconut husk into a material that's something between MDF and a particle board.For us, this presented a chance to talk about how sustainable materials are developed, the challenges of bringing them to market and how responsible businesses can approach supply chain development (the big challenge now). As professionals who work with LCAs, EPDs, and carbon calcs all the time it was refreshing to get into a product that will have an impact that can be accounted for in human terms, as well as the usual economic and environmental terms. They're also fundraising right now, so here's the pitch from Charmaine.NaturLoop at the Final Stage of Pre-Seed Funding"NaturLoop, the Swiss–Philippine climate-tech startup behind Cocoboard, is at the final stage of its pre-seed round. Cocoboard is the first industry-ready fibreboard made entirely from coconut husk waste and natural adhesives—a truly biocircular material. Featured at Interzum Cologne 2025, Cocoboard embodies the shift in construction and furniture toward biocircularity—no longer a trend but the future of materials. Europe's sustainable furniture market is set to more than double to $42.6 bn by 2032, with consumers paying around 10% more for sustainable products. NaturLoop is closing its round soon, inviting strategic investors to co-build a climate-positive business that reduces deforestation and uplifts poor coconut farmers—making the industry more future-proof."Notes from the showCharmaine Cu-Unjieng on LinkedinDaniel Dinizo on Linkedin NaturLoop on Linkedin The NaturLoop websiteA short film about Cocoboard®An investor CTA from CharmaineAn example of Cocoboard in use as a speaker box for a Schwab System**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

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/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.https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/passive-house-helping-shape-state-energy-codeshttps://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-ep-36-robyn-wark-bc-hydrohttps://passivehouseaccelerator.com/podcast/passive-house-podcast-encore-ep-robyn-wark-bc-hydro

Hello! This is Episode 368, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, who are currently building a passive house home for themselves in Sydney’s north. In this episode, we’re diving into a few key updates, starting with their Granny Flat and how its design and construction are coming together. We also discuss interior design selections, and some challenging stormwater issues they’re needing to resolve. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Jan and Landon in the last episode, head back to Episode 367 to hear more. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/367 Jan and Landon first appeared on the podcast in Episodes 338 and 339 to introduce us to their project, so those episodes are there for you to hear more about their journey and where it all began. In this episode, we also chat through a few specific things they’re navigating right now, and I share some suggestions on what their next best steps might be. You’ll hear us talk about how they’re working with their hydrologist and builder to figure out a stormwater solution for a pretty tricky site. We discuss the process of choosing an Interior Designer and building confidence around making selections, especially for kitchen and bathroom finishes. Jan’s been feeling a bit unsure here, so we spent some time talking it through and helping her move forward with more ease. And we also talk about their Granny Flat in terms of airtightness, blower door testing, and what might be possible even though the intention is not to get it certified at Passive House standards. We also talk about white paint, and ALL.THE.CHOICES. there … and which one is my preferred. It’s another great episode if you’re wondering what it looks like to move forward with clarity, even when there are still lots of decisions to make. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/368 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/ Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally Godber, a Director at WARM consultancy explains why reducing the risks on her own Passivhaus project was so important, what that entailed and how it enabled her to deliver a healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient home on budget. Check out the show notes for more information.

In this episode we are exploring the relationship between financial institutions and the built environment in relation to sustainability, building performance and mitigating climate change with Ian Bhullar and Ronnell Reffell from UK Finance, the UK financial sector's membership organisation.The episode itself was prompted by a report that UK Finance published in relation to the incoming UK Government's own Warm Homes Plan: Greening Homes, Creating Growth: Unlocking demand for green home finance. Its recommendations will be familiar to anyone who has been working in the green building sector but it's notable because these arguments and demands are being presented by the banks and lenders.For us this presented an opportunity to find out what the finance sector is actually thinking about how to address the demands of the built environment in relation to climate change and the financial risk that comes with it. Most importantly, they're serious about the matter—this is not ESG-style fluff, they know they need to draw in expertise from built environment professional and they want to know what people like you think.Notes from the showIan Bhullar on LinkedinRonnell Reffell on Linkedin The UK Finance website The report itself—Greening Homes, Creating Growth: Unlocking demand for green home finance**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

Hello! This is Episode 367, and in it, I’m speaking with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, about their new home and granny flat that they’re building as a Passive House in Sydney’s north. Jan and Landon have specific goals for their project. They’re both in their 70s, so they’re considering how they can age in place well, as well as create a home that’s in alignment with their sustainability and lifestyle goals. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/367] Jan and Landon were first on the podcast back in Episodes 338 and 339, where we learned about them selling their home of 39 years, to move to a different part of Sydney, and to a site that’s been in Landon’s family for over 70 years. They’re retired teachers so they’re amazing learners and have really embraced their project preparation and management with a fantastic, proactive methodology using the content of HOME Method. This is their first project of this scale, and it’s incredibly exciting they’ve moved to the house on the neighbouring lot to where they are building, and work has started on site for their project. The last time we caught up, we discussed how they found their team, and how they set up a collaborative process with their architect and builder, and got going on their design process. We discussed the priorities for their design, and the qualities of the site, and we also talked about how their builder uses a particular pre-fab panel method to construct a passive house. If you haven’t heard the first part of Jan and Landon’s project journey in those episodes, I’d highly recommend checking them out. You can find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/338 and www.undercoverarchtiect.com/339. In this episode, we catch up on how they’ve travelled with their design, their budget, and how the collaboration has continued on their project. You’ll get to hear how their team has worked together, what their role has been, and what’s surprised and what’s challenged them along the way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear about their project progress as we go into all the details in this update. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/367. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/367 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/ Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/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.

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 Kaja, Jacob Racusim, Josh Salinger, Jesse Thompson, and  Melissa Furukawa, and get inspired by a community working together to raise the bar for performance, resilience, and impact. 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

Kim and Juta Cinco are Baseline Design named after Baseline Road, a landmark road in Boulder County that marks the Earth's 40th parallel north. They took inspiration from this line of latitude for how rooted in place and foundational it is. The husband-and-wife team have recently designed and completed their first passive house in the Marshall Fire rebuild and are working on their second and third. I wanted to learn about the design process and how it may differ when striving to achieve passive house certification. Our conversation reconfirms that setting performance goals, developing design constraints, having integrated designmeetings with the construction team, and understanding the base building science are all key metrics to better ensure a successful project.Kim Cinco on LinkedInBaseline DesignHammerWell

Andy Mitchell, Managing Director of 21 Degrees, explains what factors influence human comfort and how we have tried to make our homes more comfortable through the years. Embracing building physics has been a turning point and while we have the knowledge and skills to create healthy and comfortable homes today, it's still not the default approach. So Andy outlines the options available to get yourself into a better home. Check out the show notes for more information.

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-architectshttps://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/threepwood-passive-house-sian-taylorThank 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.

We're joined by our new friends from Building Atlas, Nick Taylor and Olga Khroustaleva, who join us for a conversation about commercial retrofit—the non-residential kind. They've got a data driven business Building Atlas that helps commercial asset owners to plan pragmatic retrofit pathways for commercial real estate.This isn't just important because of how much energy the non-residential sector consumes, it's also because 70% of non-residential building assets are on course to become stranded assets because of their EPC rating and MEES regulation.They are simplifying a complex problem into something that's comprehensible—aggregating experience (and data) to give broad brush stroke direction that's useful. They've also published a paper about retrofit strategy for commercial buildings: The Beauty in Boring Buildings: The Business Case for Retrofit Beyond Flagship Assets.Notes from the showNick Taylor on LinkedIn Olga Khroustaleva on LinkedIn The Building Atlas website Their recent paper — The Beauty in Boring Buildings: The Business Case for Retrofit Beyond Flagship AssetsUK Government MEES guidance — Non-domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

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

In this episode, I continue my coverage of the THRIVE 25 Conference with a series of interviews from the trade show floor. I spoke with leading suppliers whose products and innovations are helping shape the future of Passive House construction in Australasia. From high-performance windows to advanced ventilation systems, each guest shares their unique contribution to better building. https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/ 1. Scott Hogan – DEHUM Scott discusses DEHUM's advanced humidity control systems and their role in maintaining optimal indoor environments for Passive House projects. https://dehum.com.au 2. Mark Ristevski – XTour3D Mark introduces XTour3D's cutting-edge 3D scanning solutions for construction, bringing ‘digital twin' technology to the residential market. https://xtour.com.au/ 3. Mike Ward – Australian Glass Group Mike shares insights into high-performance glazing solutions and the importance of energy-efficient glass in Passive House design. https://agg.com.au/ 4. Mark Heyman – Rotho Blaas Mark highlights Rotho Blaas' construction systems, including airtightness and waterproofing. https://www.rothoblaas.com/ 5. Ashley Griffs – BINQ Windows Ashley showcases BINQ's locally manufactured timber, alu-clad, and uPVC windows that meet Passive House standards for thermal performance and security. https://www.binq.com.au/ 6. Adam Socha – Kinzel Industries & Aluplast Adam talks about Kinzel's partnership with Aluplast, delivering innovative uPVC window systems with exceptional energy efficiency and design flexibility. https://www.aluplast.net/eng-int/company/ 7. James Hazelwood – Hygge Windows James presents Hygge Windows' approach to combining aesthetics and performance in window design, tailored for sustainable living. https://hyggewindows.com.au/ 8. Harley Truong – Logikhaus Harley explains Logikhaus' commitment to Passive House certified windows and doors, and their role in delivering high-performance building envelopes. Plus a summary of Harley's conference presentation, proposing how we might report and communicate better about Passive House benefits. https://www.logikhaus.com.au/ Once again, a big thank you to Andy Marlow and Taline Edwards at Envirotecture for making this possible.

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast Jay Fox talks with Ace McCarlton 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/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.

I chatted with the wide range of exhibitors at the 2025 Australian Passivhaus Conference, THRIVE 25 in Melbourne. This year saw a growing contingent of panel suppliers along with a variety of window manufacturers, membrane suppliers and more. Special thanks to Environtecture and the Australian Passivhaus Association for supporting the Passive House Accelerator to be there and bring you these highlights.    Featured Guests and Exhibitors Peter Sullivan, Smart SIPsPeter introduces us to his structural insulated panel system designed to simplify construction while delivering high performance for Passive House and other energy-efficient builds. Annettee Braagaard, Nordic BlindsAnnettee shares how intelligent Danish blind systems support shading and comfort in Passive House projects across Australia. Ben Mitchell, SIP Solid and Solcraft Ben explains how their Solcraft panels can help deliver stronger, warmer homes in the Australian market. Rohan Madathanapalli, Bondor MetecnoAs Principal Sponsor of THRIVE 25, Rohan outlines Bondor's role in advanced panel technology and how one product can serve multiple functions, speeding up products and helping to reduce overall cost. Klaus Herrmann, Alpine Passive HouseKlaus highlights the benefits of Australian-made prefabricated panels design with European experience. Thomas Paarhammer, Paarhammer Windows & DoorsThomas shares insights from over 30 years of crafting high-quality windows and doors tailored for Australian conditions and Passive House requirements. Villy Yordanov, Pro Clima AustraliaVilly explains some of the new products available from long-time Passive House support, pro clima. Rachael Sparnon-Freeman, Pacific VentilationRachael discusses mechanical ventilation solutions, indoor air quality, and how Pacific Ventilation can support both commercial and residential projects. Joel Seagren, FantechJoel speaks about fan technologies and their application in Passive House ventilation systems and energy recovery solutions. Michael Drage, Reimagined Habitat, Net Zero Plus, Efficient HabitatMichael talks about communicating passive house in the language of clients, drawing on his experience from the financial sector.  

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/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.

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.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

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 Househttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Kissena-HouseProject featured in interview excerpt #2 with Forward Development and Line 42 Architecture: 1707 Hertel Ave – buffalohttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/1707-Hertel-AveProject featured in interview excerpt #3 with Alloy Development and Thornton Tomasetti: 475 State Streethttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/475-State-StreetProject featured in interview excerpt #4 with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects: Seneca West 110th Streethttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Seneca-West-110th-StreetProject featured in interview excerpt #5 with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects: 77 William Streethttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/77-William-StreetProject featured in interview excerpt #6 with Ettinger Engineering Associates: Powerhouse Apartmentshttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Powerhouse-ApartmentsProject featured in interview excerpt #7 with ZH Architects: Building 10 Bio-Based Passive Househttps://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Multifamily-Buildings-of-Excellence/Winners/Building-10-Bio-based-Passive-House

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/

Heather Johnson from AD Practice explains what Passivhaus Plus is, how it differs from Passivhaus Classic accreditation and what benefits achieving the standard will afford. She also reveals why most of her clients target 'Plus' and outlines the steps to achieve this on a project. Check out the show notes for more information.

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/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.

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Sean Ronnie Hill shares how his journey from a freezing, poorly built Belfast home to founding Rise Design Studio led to breakthrough insights on passive house principles, embodied carbon calculations, and the massive shift toward all-electric buildings—essential knowledge for green building professionals navigating today's sustainability landscape. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Sean Ronnie Hill is the Director and Architect at RISE Design Studio, a Sustainable & Regeneration Architect, Passivhaus Designer, Retrofit Expert, and Member of The Green Register, dedicated to creating better homes and spaces for a sustainable future. As the founding director of RISE Design Studio (established in 2011), Sean brings over 20 years of experience from award-winning UK practices, including John McAslan + Partners, Arca, and Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Based in London with expansion into Barcelona, RISE specializes in residential architecture, listed building consent, conservation area projects, and community buildings. Sean's design ethos centers on four key principles: design-led approach, commercial mindfulness, innovation, and sustainability. He's committed to nurturing the next generation of architects, having mentored at several UK universities, and believes in creating places that respond to contemporary challenges, including the climate crisis.