A passive house is a building in which a comfortable interior climate can be maintained without active heating and cooling systems (Adamson 1987 and Feist 1988).
It is interesting to note how popular both Passivhaus and LEED standards are elsewhere but do not seem nearly as popular or are not advertised to homebuyers in parts of Canada. One can only wonder why. Is it because it is assumed these homes are more expensive to build? Are buyers wary of new building techniques? Is it complacency? Is it lack of knowledge? Is it fear? We are curious and would love comment. Maybe there are builders who are using these techniques locally but just don't advertise them. If so we would like to know.
It is easy to find information on these building techniques which resemble other sustainable building techniques. Let’s hope they start catching on here soon.
These are some more links:
http://www.passivhaus.org.uk/
http://thetyee.ca/News/2011/01/26/HouseWithNoFurnace/
http://www.passiv.de/English/PassiveH.HTM
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/book/export/html/13439
At the Jeremy Sturgess presentation he indicated that in Calgary they can build a LEEDS standard building for $200/sq. ft., or the same as a conventional home. Not sure we are getting the same opportunities here, so it would be great to hear from local builders/developers. Hats off to Kimberley for hosting the Sustainable Building & Living Conference.
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