Event Description

Electrifying existing buildings is a crucial step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, but it introduces certain challenges. These include the risk of diminished resilience in the built environment during power outages and increased costs for backup power solutions.

This presentation explores how integrating Passive House standards into building retrofits can enhance both energy efficiency and resilience. It highlights the long-term benefits of these standards, not only in improving a building's ability to withstand power disruptions, but also in boosting occupant comfort, health, and overall quality of life.

Learning Objectives - 

1. Analyze how Passive House airtightness and mechanical ventilation improve occupant health by ensuring continuous fresh air and reducing indoor air pollutants.
2. Evaluate how the highly insulated Passive House envelope increases building safety by maintaining habitable temperatures and resilience during prolonged power outages.
3. Explain how Passive House super-insulation and thermal bridge mitigation contribute to occupant wellbeing by mitigating the risk of mold and condensation, and maximizing thermal comfort.
4. Describe strategies for integrating high-efficiency heat pumps into Passive House retrofits to achieve optimal energy performance and long-term cost savings.