The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) v. 9, or newer, has been formally approved for use under the 2018 Building Code for the Canadian Province of British Columbia. This announcement follows the recent confirmation of the PHPP as a reliable modeling tool, validated by Standard 140-2011 – an ASHRAE protocol designed to verify the outputs of building energy modeling software programs.

Specific code language now included in several sections of the 2018 BCBC states:

“Buildings designed and constructed …to the Passive House Planning Package, version 9 or newer, are deemed to comply … if the energy model according to which the building is designed and constructed is prepared by a Certified Passive House Designer, or Certified Passive House Consultant, who is approved by the Passive House Institute.” (9.36.6.3 (3) and elsewhere.

“Passive House Canada sees the allowance by British Columbia, for use of the PHPP under various regulations, as another step in market transformation toward supporting outcome based goals like the Passive House approach.” said Rob Bernhardt, CEO of Passive House Canada.

This successful Canadian precedent will provide a focus for policy discussions at the NAPHN19 Conference in New York City, June 27th.

Bronwyn Barry, Chair of NAPHN, shared that “The conference Policy Track Organizing committee has reached out to policymakers from British Columbia to ensure their leadership will be present at NAPHN19. We’ve curated three dynamic sessions to encourage an active dialog and exchange of ideas for jurisdictions to hone their policies to optimize effective implementation. Our theme is: ‘Build the World We Want’ so we’re showcasing leading policies and policymakers already doing this.”

NAPHN Conference attendees include the full spectrum of building industry professionals, including architects, engineers, owners, labor groups, educators, policymakers, students and high performance building enthusiasts. This national conference is noted for attracting global practitioners pushing the boundaries of Passive House building development, particularly in tall and large buildings.

Workshops, Tours & Expo: In addition to the regular program, a series of pre-conference workshops will offer a deeper dive for practitioners seeking to master select specialty topics. The conference program is further enhanced by a curated expo featuring vendors of products suitable for Passive House buildings. Participants may also choose from a selection of tours, where they may visit completed and in progress projects by those already Building the World We Want.

Early Bird ticket sales end on April 30th. (Book early as our venue has limited capacity and we expect to sell out.)

Join us at NAPHN19 to learn more about these codes and policy developments.