Event Description

NESEA returns to New York’s Capital District for a Pro Tour of a new, 3-phase Passive House development project. When complete, this development will total over 200,000 square feet and provide a total of 168 Passive House-certified units, making it one of the largest Phius-certified projects to date.

NESEA event, led by hosts Black Mountain Architects, gives the NESEA community the opportunity to see the project while it is under construction. The team behind this development set ambitious goals: meet the rigorous Phius Zero 2021 standard, achieve true Net Zero energy, minimize embodied carbon, and specify low-maintenance systems, all within the budget of a typical market-rate development. Pursuing Phius Zero certification for the first time, they meticulously addressed envelope thermal performance, air tightness, and component selection, all of which also contribute to co-benefits including occupant health and comfort and building resiliency. The project recently achieved Phius Design Certification for all buildings. Embodied carbon reduction was tackled through assembly and component analysis and the specification of low-carbon materials. HVAC systems were configured to maximize efficiency within Passive House parameters.

Event day will start with an opening presentation from the project team, including the developer and architect, where attendees will learn about the history and vision of the development, the building science to achieve project goals, and the financing strategies making this work possible. Attendees will then break into small groups to tour the building while hearing more from the interdisciplinary team of experts who made it possible. After the tour, They’ll then regroup for a reception and Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to chat with the day’s speakers and each other.