NYC Enacts Legislation to Promote All-Electric Buildings

Posted by Andreas Benzing , March 16, 2022 - News, Policy

NYC is now the largest city in the U.S. to enact legislation relating to the electrification of buildings. On December 15, 2021, the NY City Council voted in support of Int. 2317A-2021, which effectively mandates the electrification of most new buildings by prohibiting the on-site “combustion of a substance that emits 25 kilograms or more of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units of energy.” Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, a…

New Acraline Roll Adhesive – Where Functionality and Performance of Flexible Airtight Connections Meet

Posted by Andreas Benzing , March 15, 2022 - Industry News

Partel upgrades the performance and functionality of the ACRALINE ROLL adhesive with new technical features, which offers a unique sealing solution of membranes for professionals in the construction of passive houses and low-energy buildings. ACRALINE ROLL is the innovative response by Partel to increased demands for adhesive solutions as an alternative to conventional air sealing technologies such as liquid adhesive. “It is a unique compound, because it combines the advantages…

The Double-Stud Wall Simplified: Low Cost, High Performance

Posted by Andreas Benzing , March 11, 2022 - Construction, Industry News

The double-stud wall is a well-established method for creating a very economical, durable, and high R-value assembly in new construction - and is one reason it’s included as one of the basic 475 Smart Enclosure System assembly types. We know pushing standard code-minimum construction toward high performance is complicated. So we're always looking for ways to simplify - to simultaneously reduce cost while optimizing efficiency and occupant comfort. Read More

‘It’s a sanctuary’: the magic of quiet, low-cost, allergy-free ‘passive’ homes

Posted by NYPH , March 4, 2022 - News

Energy-efficient passive design is catching on in New York and other cities as climate concerns rise by Aliya Uteuova with photographs by Danielle Amy   The first night Stephanie Silva spent at her new Brooklyn apartment was uncommonly quiet. So was the following morning and the next day. The 32-year-old native New Yorker had forgotten the last time she was able to mute the city of 8.8 million. Read More…

EIA: US Electricity Prices Increased by 4.3% During 2021

Posted by NYPH , March 3, 2022 - Industry News, Policy

Author : Michael Tobias March 1, 2022 4 Minutes Read KEY TAKEAWAYS The US Energy Information Administration reported an electricity price hike of 4.3% for 2021, the highest 12-month increase since 2008. Between December 2020 and 2021, the EIA Electric Power Monthly report shows a 7.6% increase in residential and commercial kilowatt-hour prices. Rising electricity prices affect building owners directly, but they also represent a greater opportunity to save with…

NYC Gas Ban (Local Law 154 of 2021)

Posted by NYPH , March 3, 2022 - Policy

Giovanni E. Melendez | Wednesday March 2, 2022 In December 2021, NYC signed into law a ban on natural gas and other combustion fuels in most new buildings. The natural gas ban (Local Law 154 of 2021) will take effect in December 2023 for buildings under seven stories and in 2027 for buildings greater than seven stories. Under the law, construction projects submitted for approval after 2027 must use sources…

Sendero Verde – Tour the Construction of This NYC Affordable Housing Development

Posted by NYPH , February 28, 2022 - Industry News, Projects

Watch as Dylan Martello, Senior Building Systems Consultant at Steven Winter Associates, Inc., gives a tour of Sendero Verde during its construction. The project is a 100% affordable housing development in East Harlem, New York, pursuing certification under the international Passive House Standard and the 2015 Enterprise Green Community Criteria. In this video, learn about two key aspects of the building's design and construction: its envelope systems and its mechanical…

Beach Green Dunes II is a Model for Sustainable Multifamily Housing Developments

Posted by NYPH , February 24, 2022 - Industry News, Projects

  As part of our annual Earth Day celebrations, we’re highlighting Beach Green Dunes II, one of the most energy-efficient and resilient projects in our portfolio. Beach Green officially opened in early 2020 and received its Passive House certification (PHUS) in mid-2020. It is one of the largest passive house projects in the U.S and a model for sustainable, affordable multifamily housing developments. The 127-unit, fully affordable building in Far…

Form for Signing on to Industry professionals letter to Governor Hochul

Posted by NYPH , February 24, 2022 - Industry News, Policy

Climate change is a profound threat to New York. As architects, engineers, building management staff, designers, and energy efficiency and construction industry professionals we are committed to practical solutions to this manifest threat. It is in that spirit that we applaud your proposal to end gas usage in new construction. However, deferring the start date of new all-electric requirements to as late as 2027 is too extended. We urge you…

The 2022 Community Board application is now open through Tuesday, March 1 at 5 pm

Posted by NYPH , February 24, 2022 - Industry News, Policy

Community Boards are the independent and representative voices of their communities—the most grass-roots form of local government. The Boards are pivotal in shaping their communities and work to enhance and preserve the character of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. Manhattan’s 12 Community Boards are composed of 50 volunteer members serving staggered two-year terms– thus, 25 members are appointed (or reappointed) each year. Manhattan Apply Here Brooklyn Apply Here Queens Apply…

How Passive Houses can improve Life and help the Planet

Posted by NYPH , February 22, 2022 - Industry News

TEDx Talks Jeff Colley is the publisher and editor of Passive House Plus, an award-winning sustainable building magazine. Jeff is an advocate for evidence-based approaches to sustainable building, who believes that buildings should protect, delight and enrich their occupants, while treading lightly on the earth. A former chair of the Green Party policy committee on buildings, Jeff's notable successes include driving the introduction of 60% energy and CO2 reductions and…

Congratulations to our new Officers!

Posted by NYPH , February 17, 2022 - Industry News

On behalf of the New York Passive House Board of Directors, it is a great pleasure to announce that Buck Moorhead has been elected the new Chair of New York Passive House. Amy Failla has been re-elected the Secretary, and José Sosa Rueda has been elected the new Treasurer.  They look forward to serving NYPH in the year ahead!   Buck Moorhead, Chair is a licensed architect in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and…