PASSIVE HOUSE tive design including high quality windows and doors, high efficiency heat recovery ventilation and robust air sealing. Passive House is not prescriptive but simply defines the energy budget on which the building must operate, while providing increased comfort and superior indoor air quality. The Passive House designation applies for proj- ects ranging from single-family residential to high-rise and from commercial to institu- tional. Bernhardt says certification is relatively affordable because the cost primarily re- flects the time of the certifier plus a minor fee to the Passive House Institute. The Passive House Institute in Germany accredits certifiers who operate as inde- Lost Lake Passive House (was Austria House) pendent professionals. public recreation centre, Whistler, BC As with LEED, Bernhardt says there is value in obtaining Passive House certifica- son across the country, and the 10 day course is designed tion. “The certification, having a project reviewed and vet- to enable designers and builders to undertake a Passive ted by an independent body, is important for both quality House project. assurance and marketability. How is a future buyer to “The greatest challenge in growing Passive House is not know what they are getting without a certificate?” technical or financial, it is a lack of experience and fear of For more information about the Canadian Passive House the unknown. The design of a Passive House may be more Institute West and its courses, visit www.canphi.ca. For challenging but the construction is relatively simple.” more information about the 2015 North American Passive He says the key to achieving Passive House is an effec- House Network Conference, visit http://naphn15.canphi.ca. LOW CARBON BY DESIGN 2015 CONFERENCE OCTOBER 1 - 2 VANCOUVER, BC HYATT REGENCY Talk North American Passive House Network conference and trade show. Learn Early bird rates end July 31st. Visit Plus: Photo credits: Alpine House (BC), Cornell Tech (NYC), NEEDBASED Inc. and Leitner Photography (NM) 20 – July-August 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report