FXFOWLE Awarded Passivhaus Grant

5642f06060edb98a203848b3632dbe15(Reposted from FXFOWLE.com)

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded FXFOWLE a research grant to determine the viability of implementing the Passivhaus standard for tall residential buildings in New York.

Working with an associated consultant team, and using an FXFOWLE residential project currently in design, the study investigates the detailed implications of adapting a typical sustainable tall residential building to meet the Passivhaus standard. The project is an approximately 500,000 square foot multifamily residential building with a mix of market rate and subsidized housing in Queens, targeting LEED Silver Certification, slated to begin construction in late 2015 . The study investigates the measures required to adapt the FXFOWLE residential building to meet requirements of the Passivhaus standard, and analyzes the impacts from architectural, structural, enclosure detailing, materials, mechanical, zoning, financial, marketability, and constructability perspectives. In addition to identifying and addressing market barriers and opportunities, the study looks at how applying the Standard to a tall multifamily residential building affects building resiliency and security issues.

The FXFOWLE study will conclude in January 2016. NYSERDA will use the results to enhance its ongoing efforts in supporting energy efficiency in general, and Passivhaus in particular.

To date, there are approximately 40,000 buildings globally that have been built to meet the Passivhaus Standard. Despite its name, the standard is applicable to residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings, and has been proven to be feasible in Europe. Municipalities in Germany, Belgium and Spain have mandated Passivhaus construction in various ways. In New York State, there are several single family homes and small multifamily residential projects that are Passivhaus certified or vying for certification.

For detailed information about Passivhaus (or Passive House) and Passivhaus standards, visit NY Passive House.