8 Comments

1. 
   modernbird | Oct 22, 2012 05:25pm | #1

   Thanks for the shout out
   Regarding Adam's keynote, one of the reasons we selected him is because he convinces clients to build to a much higher energy standard than conventional construction. Because of this, his projects include Passive House dormitories, commercial, institutional, as well as residential.

   Virginia has extremely low fuel costs, yet he's able to show clients that the numbers work, even when clients only care about the bottom line green, not environmental green. If he can do it there, we can definitely make the same case here in New England, which has some of the highest fuel costs in the country. (FYI, the Virginia energy code is based on IECC 2009, the same as most New England states, so the same code baseline).

   5.5 AIA and BPI! CEUs are offered. Plus coffee and lunch!

   Other related events:
   Sunday 28 October: Passive House construction site visits: 9am and 11am (included in Symposium registration)

   Friday 26 October: Commercial Workshop with Adam Cohen: 1-4pm ($45 non-members) 3 AIA and BPI CEUs

2. 
   watercop | Oct 22, 2012 09:11pm | #2

   I'd really like to know...
   Whether and how PH can be made to work in the sunny humid south!?!?

   I've written before that the PH requirement (as I understand it...) to meet heating, sensible cooling and latent cooling loads entirely via conditioning only ventilation airflow is arbitrary, capricious, and without merit as to ultimate building energy and comfort performance.

3. 
   JamesGEvans | Oct 22, 2012 11:57pm | #3

   How better to showcase Klearwall's Passive House Windows
   We're looking forward to visiting Boston and introducing Klearwall's Passive House Institute Certified A-Rated windows to the attendees at Passive House New England's Fall Symposium!

4. 
   Paul Eldrenkamp | Oct 23, 2012 07:00am | #4

   bang for the buck
   Thanks to UMass Boston for providing a low-cost venue for this symposium, which allows Passive House New England to keep registration fees low -- especially the student rate.

   Kristen and Liz have put together an amazing line-up of speakers and content, but the best value and content of all will possibly happen during the pub session at the end of the day. That's what I'm really looking forward to.

5. 
   modernbird | Oct 23, 2012 09:17am | #5

   Response to Mr. Kinder
   Adam Cohen has significant experience building Passive House projects in the hot and humid climate of Virginia. If you are in the Boston area, I suggest that you come to the Symposium and learn more. We are also hoping to videotape sessions and post them on the PHNE website, with help from 360chestnut.com.

   As for the second point, the Passive House standard does not require that heating/cooling loads be met by the ventilation system. I don't know of any in the U.S. that do this, including my own currently in construction. The Passive House Standard is an energy use intensity and air-tightness standard. I think that it's fair to say that like a lot of "green" and energy efficiency standards, the thresholds are arbitrary (Passivhaus-Institute would reject that the standard is arbitrary). Like any other standard, it's important to review it by examining the standard's goals and whether or not they are achieved.

6. 
   LucyF | Oct 23, 2012 09:21am | #6

   Successfully signed up
   When I read about the conference, I'm thinking I am going to this thing. I talked my brother into going with me, I have the weekend off. I've got my hotel and flight booked, but I was unable to sign up. Will try again today.

   Update - signed in. I am so excited. See ya'll there.

7. 
   modernbird | Oct 23, 2012 09:22am | #7

   Response to Ms Foxworth
   So glad that you are coming! Try the link below, and if you still have problems, email me at info at passivehousenewengland dot org

   Registration link: http://bit.ly/SYdkyE

   Cheers,
   Kristen

8. 
   emccormi | Oct 25, 2012 10:01am | #8

   Empowerhouse
   I am also really excited to hear about the Parsons' Solar Decathlon entry, "Empowerhouse" presented by Laura Briggs from Parsons and Teresa Hamm from Habitat for Humanity. The project is actually expanding as affordable housing outside of Washington DC. I also like this project because it was developed by students. Many of these students are now deeply involved in the Passive House movement! It's great to hear that this type of building is working its way into the education system.