Green ‘Net Zero’ Buildings Sound Great. What’s The Catch? segment by Chris Mossa, ran on WNYC Radio August, 13th. In it Passive House technology was compared favorably to a mild critique of Net Zero strategies and featuring architect Paul Castrucci, a NYPH member.
Listen to the radio segment here:
“When P.S. 62 opens in Staten Island a year from now, it may be the city’s largest science experiment. It will be the first school in the five boroughs, and maybe even the first building of any kind, that can claim to be “net zero” — meaning it produces as much energy as it consumes…
… “Net zero is an interesting concept when you’re dealing with low buildings— any building that’s three or four stories — you can put solar on the roof,” said Russell Unger, executive director of the Urban Green Council. “It gets a little strange when you have a conversation in a city so known for its high rises.”
A handful of architects and developers in the city share Unger’s perspective. They are focusing more on reducing the energy consumption of their buildings and less on producing energy on site. Some have become adherents of a movement called Passive House — a German design concept that maximizes energy savings, largely through intense insulation. A number of buildings constructed according to these standards have gone up or are underway, including 951 Pacific Street in Brooklyn, a row house that’s expected to come on the market this fall. “
Listen to the broadcast and read the full article here
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