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phb
passive house
buildings
Climate-Conscious Building
from Coast to Coast
Alberta Car Showroom
Chicago Brownstone Retrofit
Pittsburgh Library
Manhattan Mid-Rise
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d Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // BUILDING SCIENCE
EDITORIAL
W
hen national politics go low, a good response is to go
local, as Congressman Jimmy Panetta, from Cali- — passivehousebuildings.com
fornia’s 20th district, suggested recently. As Trump
continues to gut environmental policies and Trudeau supports Copyright © 2018 Low Carbon Productions.
massive new oil pipelines to carry tar sands crude, at least All rights reserved.
we can take heart from the locales that are incentivizing or No part of this publication may be
requiring Passive House performance. British Columbia, and reproduced without written permission.
particularly Vancouver, have instituted policies that encourage
Passive House construction. (See “B.C.’s Energy Step Code:
Driving Market Transformation,” p. 6.) So has New York City.
And which cities in North America are hotbeds of Passive
House construction? You guessed it.
These areas’ relatively fast-paced adoption of Passive Published by Low Carbon Productions
House not only serves as an exemplary model, but also creates
a demand for products that ultimately help Passive House Editor and Publisher: Mary James
designers throughout North America. Our ventilation product
update (“Ventilation Options Expanding,” p. 16) is clear proof Senior Editor: Steve Mann
of this demand-response cycle.
Marketing Director: Tad Everhart
Another bright star in the Passive House firmament is
affordable housing. I’ve just returned from the inspiring Art Director: Leanne Maxwell
second New Gravity Housing Conference in Philadelphia.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has Production Assistant: Sarah Grierson-Dale
helped fund 25 Passive House apartment buildings, each
averaging 50 units. Over 1,000 Passive House dwelling units Contributing Writers:
in just one state! And PHFA is walking its talk by stipulating Bronwyn Barry, Sarah Brewer, Jordan Dentz,
that its expanded headquarters—a new seven-story tower Alicia Dolce, Tom-Pierre Frappé-Sénéclauze,
and an adjacent retrofitted three-story building—be Passive Rolf Jacobson, Dylan Martello, John
House buildings. Thanks to persistent advocacy efforts, 13 Sarter, Zack Semke, Christa Waring, Guido
Wimmers
other states have adopted similar incentives for affordable
housing developers to create Passive House buildings. (See
“Connecticut Reaffirms Passive Affordable Housing,” p. 8.)
Of course, the PHI didn’t open its doors in 1996 and PHIUS
didn’t incorporate in 2009 just to create efficient, healthy, and
Printed in Canada on FSC-mix paper
comfortable buildings. Their raison d’etre is driving down
carbon emissions to ensure Earth’s livability.
Elusive as this goal can feel at times, especially when Disclaimer: All Passive House project information
many locations in the Northern Hemisphere are in flames, and technical data in this publication is based on
there is some good news from my home state. Check out information provided by the respective architects,
designers, builders, consultants, and certifiers. Low
“Electrification, Decarbonization, and the Leapfrogging of Carbon Productions, publication sponsors, and any
Zero Net Energy: California’s New Path to a Low-Carbon persons working on their behalf, are excluded from any
Future,” p. 88. Here’s hoping the upcoming Global Climate liability, particularly for possible damages, that might
Action Summit in San Francisco brings carbon-reducing news result from the use of any information herein.
from hundreds of locales, big and small.
Thank you all for creating the world’s most carbon-sipping, Cover images: Blackstone Apartments, photo courtesy
healthy, and comfortable Passive House buildings. And please of Kaplan Thompson Architects (top right); Nanaimo
Aboriginal Center Passive Housing, photo by Lance
thank our sponsors and contributing writers who make Passive Sullivan (lower right); Mixed-Use in Manhattan,
House Buildings possible. rendering by Stasis 3D (lower left)
—Mary James
Editor and Publisher
www.passivehousebuildings.com e
phb passive house
buildings
phb passive house
buildings
CONTENTS
2 Editorial
4 Index of Sponsors
6 NEWS
6 B.C.’s Energy Step Code: Driving Market Transformation
8 Connecticut Reaffirms Passive Affordable Housing
12 North American Passive House Window Study
16 Ventilation Options Expanding
20 Scalable, Efficient Retrofit Solutions Under Development
24 BEACONS
24 Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Passive Housing
30 Chicago’s (and Illinois’) First EnerPHIT
36 Sol Lux Alpha—Carbon-Neutral Nanogrid Living
42 Waynflete Lower School
46 Cold Climate Passive Auto Dealership
52 The Carrick Library
58 Wood Innovation Research Lab
64 Passive House Under the Radar
70 Affordable Multifamily Housing in Cambridge
74 Mixed-Use Building Rises in Midtown Manhattan
78 Nuthatch Hollow
84 BUILDING SCIENCE
84 Multifamily Moisture Control
88 Electrification, Decarbonization, and the Leapfrogging of Zero Net Energy:
California’s New Path to a Low-Carbon Future
92 Flixo: A Learning Curve Worth Navigating
f Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // BUILDING SCIENCE
Index of SPONSORS
475 High Performance, 33 Makrowin, 10 Retrotec, 69
Alpen High Performance, 51 Minotair, 15 Rockwool, 34
Apogee Passive House, 4 Mitsubishi, 56 Sanden, 35
Armatherm, 49 New England Sustainable Energy Schöck inside back cover
CertiPHIers Cooperative, 22 Association, 96 Schuco, 10
CompaCFoam, 28 North American Certifiers Circle, Siga, 87
91
EuroLine Windows, 28 Small Planet Supply, 5
North American Passive House
European Architectural Supply, 10 Network, 82 Stiebel Eltron, 45
Fenster Tek, 49 Passive House Canada, 62 Sto Corp., 39
Flixo, 95 Passive House Details book, 94 Swegon, 19
GreenFiber, 67 Passive House Institute, 61 Tempeff, 45
Halfen, 1 Passivhaus Maine, 90 UltimateAir, 22
Hohmann & Barnard, 23 Peak Building Products, 57 Ventacity Systems, 67
Home Performance Coalition, 68 Peel Passive House Consulting Water Furnace, 61
Huber LLC, back cover Ltd., 50 Winona, 49
Innotech, 14 Pro Clima, 32 Zehnder America, 29
Klearwall, 40 Rehau, 12 ZIP System Sheathing & Tape,
Lamilux, 32 Renewaire, 83 back cover
Zola, 61
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6 Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // NEWS
B.C.’s ENERGY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS STEP UP
As of July 2018, 28 municipalities in B.C. have signaled
STEP CODE:
their intent to use the Energy Step Code—together
accounting for over half of the province’s population.
(The city of Vancouver has already taken measures to
Driving Market incentivize steps to net zero energy ready buildings—see
“Vancouver Strides Toward Zero Emissions.” The city has
Transformation committed to creating equivalencies between its building
bylaws and the Energy Step Code.) As each municipality
considers its options for incentivizing or requiring higher
building performance, the question arises, What step
I
n 2017, British Columbia introduced what might should be first?
be North America’s most innovative beyond-code An extensive costing study, completed in 2017, offers
standard for energy efficiency. The B.C. Energy Step some insight. It costed thousands of simulations for
Code is an opt-in regulation that enables local govern- ten archetypes, representing a range of possible design
ments to pursue improved levels of performance for new choices that could comply with each performance step in
homes and buildings. The code allows cities and towns in the six climate zones of B.C. A first of its kind in Canada,
B.C. to require or incentivize one of five levels of improved this study revealed that significant reductions in energy
building performance, from current code performance all use, carbon pollution, and utility costs already can be
the way to net zero energy ready. achieved at very moderate additional construction costs
The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and for the first three steps. For example, the lowest capital
Climate Change, Canada’s buildings strategy, and the cost designs meeting step 3 for homes and apartment
B.C. Climate Leadership Plan have set targets for all new buildings in most parts of the province result in at least
buildings to meet net zero energy ready standards by 2030 20% energy savings and 50% emissions reductions (in
or 2032. B.C.’s Energy Step Code is the first provincial road some cases up to 90%), for less than 2% incremental
map to achieving this goal, providing much-needed clarity construction costs. The designs needed to meet these
to the industry and to authorities having jurisdiction. The performance criteria are familiar to the industry, which
code is performance based, with compliance assessed already regularly builds to this level under a series of
through energy-modeling software and on-site testing, voluntary programs.
simplifying the permitting process while also ensuring Given the existence of low-cost solutions and the
design flexibility. market’s readiness, many local governments are opting
Vancouver Strides Toward Zero Emissions
In 2018 the city of Vancouver adopted a Zero Emissions 2030. The city has planned a phased approach with
Building Catalyst Tools policy for mixed-use and multiunit interim targets of 70% emissions reduction in newly
residential buildings. This policy is focused on advancing permitted buildings by 2020 and 90% by 2025. This
multifamily buildings designed to the Passive House or plan would make Passive House thermal performance
International Living Future Institute Zero Energy standard. a requirement for rezoning applications by 2020, and
To offset the costs of high performance construction, this for all low-rise residential development permits in
policy allows for up to a 5% floor area increase for buildings Vancouver by 2025.
developed under a district schedule. The policy also gives This 2016 plan also states that Passive House
the Director of Planning broad discretion to relax city certification will be required for all new city-owned
regulations and policies, such as frontage requirements buildings, unless it is deemed unviable. In response, a
and floor plate limits, in order to facilitate the construction new fire hall is being designed to achieve Passive House
of near zero emissions buildings. certification. The Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency
This policy is part of a larger Zero Emissions has also incorporated a requirement to assess projects
Buildings Plan established by Vancouver in 2016 to against the Passive House standards as part of its
achieve zero emissions in all new construction by request for proposal process.
www.passivehousebuildings.com 7
Photo by Stephen Hui, Pembina Institute
to adopt step 3, either as a requirement or as a minimum single-family homes, for example, the marginal cost
threshold for access to added density or other incentives. for builders and consumers of moving from step 2 to
Metro Vancouver’s three North Shore municipalities, for step 3 is about a 1% increase in capital costs. Going up
example, have been requiring step 3 for new low- and the step decreases emissions by another 20% to 25%
midrise residential buildings since last July. Burnaby, New below base code while maintaining energy costs at the
Westminster, and Surrey are also considering requiring or same level. If all of the major municipalities in Metro
incentivizing step 3 for residential buildings. Vancouver adopted step 3 for residential buildings,
The potential carbon pollution reductions from over one million tonnes of carbon pollution would be
adopting step 3 are significant— and make a strong case avoided cumulatively between 2018 and 2030.
for dispensing with the first two steps in many areas. For
STEPPING OUT BEYOND B.C.
Such innovation need not be limited to B.C. Developing
a multitiered framework in other Canadian provinces
would allow municipalities to start building the industry
capacity and experience required to smoothly transition
Other regulatory actions include requirements for to net zero energy ready construction.
rezoned large commercial and multiunit residential All around the country, energy-efficient buildings are
projects to meet strict thermal energy demand targets being built and recognized for the multiple benefits they
or the Passive House standard. This policy affects 60% provide, including better air quality, reduced mold and
of the square footage being developed in Vancouver. moisture, and lower energy costs. A national energy step
Previous actions had allowed, for all building types, code could help accelerate this market transformation.
the exclusion of the area used for insulation levels that Why wait?
exceed minimum code levels from floor space ratio —Tom-Pierre Frappé-Sénéclauze
calculations.
Tom-Pierre Frappé-Sénéclauze is the director
Vancouver also launched in 2018 a program of the Buildings and Urban Solutions Program at
providing homebuilders some incentives to document the Pembina Institute, and a cofounder of Three for
their near zero emissions projects and to offset some of All B.C., a coalition working to inspire and inform
the additional design costs. The city also offers discounts local government action on energy efficiency through
on Passive House training courses for trades active in its judicious use of the B.C. Energy Step Code.
jurisdiction.
8 Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // NEWS
Connecticut When CHFA designated six potential points for
Passive House design in its 2016 QAP, developers
REAFFIRMS took note; half of the total applications submitted in
the subsequent LITHC round set Passive House as a
Passive Affordable goal, and ultimately three Passive House projects were
approved. In the 2017 LITHC round, three more Passive
Housing
House projects were approved, and Connecticut seemed
poised for further growth in affordable Passive House
developments.
Other promising signs of Connecticut’s burgeoning
P
assive affordable housing might have been the Passive House movement in 2017 included the debut of
exception to the rule, except for a relentless outreach the newly minted Connecticut Passive House (CTPH),
campaign initiated by Tim McDonald, principal of which offers resources, education, and outreach to
Onion Flats. McDonald’s efforts, first in Pennsylvania and promote the awareness and adoption of Passive House
gradually in other states, included numerous phone calls principles. CTPH, along with other regional Passive
and in-person presentations to a slew of state housing House organizations, cosponsored the inaugural New
finance agencies on the way to successfully making the England Passive House Multi-Family conference in early
case for Passive House. At last report, 16 states now include spring 2018 to an at-capacity crowd. The day was filled
some type of incentive for Passive House in their low with dynamic presentations and speakers, including a
income housing finance process. compelling keynote address delivered by McDonald on
The Connecticut Housing Financing Authority affordable passive housing, entitled “Leverage Points.”
(CHFA) was one of the earlier state agencies to follow In his address, McDonald called the adoption of Passive
the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s lead in House points in the QAP the embodiment of the
incorporating points for Passive House design and phenomena described by Donella Meadows in Leverage
construction into its Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), Points: Places to Intervene in a System, “where a small shift
which defines how the 9% Low-Income Housing Tax in one thing can produce big changes in everything.”
Credits (LIHTC) can be earned. The LIHTC application is But soon after the widely acknowledged success of
a point-based system, and competition among developers the New England multifamily conference, the music
is fierce for these tax incentives, as they often determine stopped in Connecticut, as CTPH board members learned
whether an affordable housing project pencils out. the disappointing news that CHFA was considering
Photo by Caryn B. Daviswww.passivehousebuildings.com 9
a reduction in the number of overall points in the House in its QAP, and Connecticut was the only state
sustainable-design section of the QAP, plus revisions to from New England invited to present a case study of an
the text pertaining to Passive House. If adopted, these affordable Passive House project. To underscore the impact
revisions, would kill off the incentive for developers to of Passive House on Connecticut ’s clean-energy economy,
pursue this path. the fact that the three-member presentation team also
To prevent this potential setback, CTPH, alongside happen to live and work in the state was mentioned.
other organizations, including the Connecticut Green As the final component to make the case for Passive
Peer-to-Peer network, spurred a multipronged coalition House, CTPH’s statement included a section outlining
of various stakeholders to express their support for how Passive House inherently provides a unique
affordable Passive House, either in person at a public constellation of benefits to occupants, developers, and
hearing or in e-mails and letters submitted to the CHFA owners. For occupants, quality of life benefits, including
staff and board, or both. CTPH’s outreach campaign healthier indoor air quality and superior indoor comfort,
recognized that the majority of decision makers who were mentioned. The ability to comfortably shelter in
approve these tax incentives are individuals with expertise place when power has been lost—a level of resiliency that
in public policy, banking, and law. They are not design can bring deep emotional benefits—was also described.
and building professionals with specialized knowledge Yet another benefit is the confidence that, regardless of
about sustainability in the built environment, let alone how energy prices change, the building would be locked
Passive House. Bearing this in mind, an organizational in to the lowest levels of energy use. Since Connecticut
statement was drafted on behalf of CTPH to be delivered has the second-highest electricity rate in the country,
at the public hearing with the intention of presenting a this energy security is particularly relevant for affordable
narrative that would evoke the broad landscape of benefits housing’s vulnerable populations. Finally, owner benefits,
to the state delivered by Passive House. including less maintenance and increased durability of the
The narrative linked the state’s recent passage of S.B. building, were also mentioned.
7, An Act Concerning Climate Change Planning and The statement delivered by CTPH also included a
Resiliency, and the United Nations’ endorsement of request for desired action relative to the QAP: Increase the
Passive House as the best way to achieve the 2015 Paris maximum points for sustainable construction in the 2018
Accord targets. The rationale of support was simple. QAP from the six allowed in the 2017 QAP to seven, by
By incentivizing Passive House affordable housing, retaining the additive structure in the 2017 QAP as is and
Connecticut will ensure that buildings contribute to including one additional point to be awarded to the two
meeting the state’s reduced greenhouse emissions and most cost-effective Passive House projects.
decarbonization targets: 80% below 2001 levels by 2050. CTPH encouraged other stakeholders to weigh in
Evidence for the impact of the growing Passive by drafting a template of turnkey letters that contained
House community on the states’ clean-energy economy a synopsis of the case for Passive House and providing
was provided with both quantitative and qualitative contact information and deadline dates for responses.
data. CTPH has attracted more than 60 members in The net impact of this multipronged outreach
less than a year and experienced attendance of over 300 campaign was wildly successful. During the period
participants at informational events, including a recent allotted for public comment, a total of 44 comments
one that featured case studies of award-winning zero- were submitted, which in and of itself is noteworthy.
energy passive homes in Connecticut. To showcase the Of that pool, a staggering 80% of respondents opposed
fact that Passive House activity in the state is established, the reduced incentives for sustainable design, while the
multiple copies of the Low Carbon Productions publication support for Passive House was overwhelming. As a result,
Passive House Buildings: New England Forges Ahead were the CHFA board voted unanimously to adopt a QAP for
distributed at the hearing, bookmarked to the introductory 2018 that increases the total number of available points
page of Connecticut’s section. This assured the CHFA for sustainability to seven and preserves the pathway for
board that embracing Passive House places Connecticut in Passive House as a tool to earn those points.
good company with its neighbors.
—Alicia Dolce
To acknowledge the leadership already on display in the
state, CTPH’s statement captured two highlights from the Alicia Dolce is a Climate Reality Leader and
New England multifamily conference: CHFA was hailed the communications director for Celebration
at the conference for its visionary embracing of Passive Green Design & Build.WINDOWS AND DOORS
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ARCHITECT
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multi-unit Passive House project in Manhattan. The company managed the project
from design through manufacturing, delivery and installation.
Completed in 2018, Perch Harlem is among the largest Passive
House projects in the US. Chris Benedict, the project architect,
brought EAS on board to explore the possibility of using Schuco
thermally-broken aluminum windows for this seven story multi-
unit PH project. The design called for floor-to-ceiling windows,
with the largest reaching 8x8ft. The architect selected Schuco
AWS75.SI+ aluminum window system for its thermal
performance and cost per square foot.Full-Service Passive House Windows Procurement, Delivery and Installation EAS differentiates itself among window suppliers by offering full service procurement of windows from design through delivery, installation and after-sale service. This project involved 21 tons of triple-pane windows with largest window units weighing 620lbs each. The EAS staff coordinated the delivery and unloading of windows before the building was enclosed to enable easy placement of 6,000lbs pallets on the individual floors. The OSHA-certified EAS installation staff worked with the General Contractor to stage the window installation in a manner to provide maximum weather protection as the building’s walls were erected during the winter months. European Architectural Supply, LLC sales@eas-usa.com www.eas-usa.com (781) 647-4432
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Peel Passive House Consulting
North American rated according to the U-factor and the solar heat gain
coefficient (SHGC) of the whole window assembly, not the
Passive House individual components. A PHI-certified window requires
individual values for the U-factor and the SHGC of just
WINDOW STUDY
the glazing, the U-factor of the frame, the thermal bridge
of the window spacer (Psi-spacer), and the thermal bridge
of the installation (Psi-install). The heart of the project
P
assive House consultants in North America have involves evaluating commonly available North American
long faced a shortage of domestically manufactured modeling software to determine its fit for producing PHI-
Passive House-certified windows. A significant bar- compliant window specifications.
rier is the fact that North American windows are typically The guide delves into the details of various
rated using methods developed by the National Fenestra- international standards and popular North American
tion Rating Council (NFRC). The resulting specifications software tools that, despite not being officially validated to
do not align with the performance parameters needed the appropriate international standards, might be used to
by the Passive House Planning Package from the PHI. In comply with those standards. It concludes that WINDOW
addition, generating the data to meet both rating methods and THERM Version 7 software, both developed by
is expensive and time consuming for manufacturers. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, can be used
In 2017, the Fenestration Association of British to calculate glazing and frame U-factors, glazing SHGC
Columbia decided to fund a project to help Canadian numbers, and Psi-spacer and Psi-install values that adhere
window manufacturers increase their share of the to PHI’s official calculation methodologies.
growing demand for Passive House windows. The goals The guide, which should be released by the end of
of the project are (1) to provide a comprehensive guide 2018, will include background information on the related
and supporting tools to derive Passive House window data Canadian policies and Passive House window parameters,
from existing NFRC simulation data; (2) to support North step-by-step modeling instructions, specific software
American manufacturers in developing PHI-compliant pointers, climate-specific requirements, modeling
windows; and (3) to validate the use of existing tools reference sheets, and a reporting template. Armed with
familiar to North American window modelers for PHI the details in the guide, Passive House consultants will be
modeling. The guide is being developed as a collaborative able to derive PHI-acceptable values for windows that are
effort between RDH Building Science, Peel Passive House not officially certified. In addition, window manufacturers
Consulting, and PHI. will be able to design products that more closely meet
The major difference between NFRC and PHI Passive House requirements.
windows is one of detail. A NFRC window is typically —Steve Mann14
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lab per per excellence in the
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industry, Exova
Exova LabLab
in in Toronto,ON.
Toronto, ON.Exova
Exovatested
tested the
the PentaCare
PentaCare V12
V12
successfully
successfully in full in full compliance
compliance underunder the most
the most largely
largely usedused HRV/ERV
HRV/ERV standard
standard inin America:CAN/CSA
America: CAN/CSAC439-09.
C439-09.
Theand
The first firstonly
and HRV
only in
HRV in North
North America
America toNet
to be be Net Zero
Zero Positive
Positive in in certain
certain conditions:with
conditions: withthe
thebest
best verified
verified heat
heat
recovery performances in America as tested by Exova, one of the results is the PentaCare
ecovery performances in America as tested by Exova, one of the results is the PentaCare V12 can provide 100 V12 can provide 100 CFM
CFM
of air
of fresh fresh air entering
entering the building
the building around
around 102˚F
102˚F when
when it’s it’s
32˚F32˚F outside
outside andand 72˚Finside.
72˚F inside.Here’s
Here’sthe
thetech
tech data
data for
for the
the
energyenergy scientists:
scientists: SRE ofSRE of 116%
116% whenwhen providing
providing 100100
CFMCFM @ 32˚F
@ 32˚F outdoor
outdoor airair with
with ananASE,
ASE,a.k.a.
a.k.a.the
the“thermal
“thermal efficiency”,
efficiency”,
of 178%. In plain English it means that it’s making more energy than it’s using. Minotair: no magic, just science.
of 178%. In plain English it means that it’s making more energy than it’s using. Minotair: no magic, just science.
Triple HEAT Recovery System©
Triple
The HEAT Recovery
PentaCare V12 achievesSystem
©
above 100% in heat recovery efficiency but
The how?
PentaCare
It usesV12 achieves
Minotair’s above
unique 100% in Triple
innovative heat recovery
HEAT Recoveryefficiency but
System ©
how?to Itrecover
uses Minotair’s
heat from unique
the staleinnovative Triple HEAT
air, heat contained Recoveryand
in moisture, System
heat©
to recover
generated heat
by from the stale air,
the compressor heat
work. contained
All that plus theinfact
moisture, and heat
that it’s using the
generated by the compressor
laws of thermodynamic work.
in the mix. All thatno
Again: plus the just
magic, fact science.
that it’s using the
“No magic, just science.”laws of thermodynamic in the mix. Again: no magic, just science.
“No magic, just science.”
OTHER USEFUL FEATURES TO KNOW: Commercial-grade VOC, CO2 and PM 2.5 pollutant
OTHERWorld-class
USEFUL FEATURES TO KNOW: sensors made by renown and2 and
specialized manufacturers
durable and commercial-grade product Commercial-grade availablemade
in helping
VOC, CO
precise location
PM 2.5 pollutant
IAQmanufacturers
sensing like
installed indoor resulting in longer-lasting equipment sensors by renown and specialized
World-class durable and commercial-grade product monitoring
available in ahelping
newbornprecise
bedroomlocation
in priorityIAQ
(option).
sensing like
nstalled indoor resulting
Installation in longer-lasting
is faster, easier and equipment
less expensive with monitoring a newborn bedroom in priority (option)
It can control some other products like heat pumps, .
NO roof curb to install, NO refrigerant line sets from the roof to humidifiers, duct heaters, motorized dampers and forced
nstallation is faster, easier and less expensive with
each apartment and NO more long inefficient ductwork. It can control some other products like heat pumps,
NO roof curb to install, NO refrigerant line sets from the roof to air systems (option).
humidifiers, duct heaters, motorized dampers and forced
each apartment and NO&
With BACnet™ more long inefficient
Modbus® ductwork.
connectivity air managers
multifamily building systems (option) . to remotely monitor and control up to 207
are able
units through BMS software (option) . Plus the included “Tenant Mode” provides control to the subset of features of your choice.
With BACnet™ & Modbus® connectivity multifamily building managers are able to remotely monitor and control up to 207
units through BMS software (option) . Plus the included “Tenant Mode” provides control to the subset of features of your choice.
COMPLIANCES:
Heat Pump: ANSI/UL STD 1995 and
STD CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 326
COMPLIANCES:
HRV and
Heat Pump: Ventilation:
ANSI/UL STD ASHRAE 62.1,
1995 and www.minotair.com
62.2 versions
STD CAN/CSA 2010,
22.2 No. 3262013 and 2016,
CAN/CSA C439-09 info@minotair.com
HRV and Ventilation: ASHRAE 62.1, www.minotair.com
1.855.888.2292
62.2 versions 2010, 2013 and 2016, info@minotair.com
CAN/CSA C439-09 1.855.888.229216 Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // NEWS
!"#$%&'()"*+,"#$('&$(-#+.($/+%--0$-1+2345,
Centralized ventilation with rooftop H/ERV
Ventilation
OPTIONS
Expanding
Courtesy of NK
!"#$%&'()"*)+,-."/'"0)1"23/-.,-4)5$-.,%&-%')6)043$-.7-"8 Architects
H
igh-performance ventilation choices expanded The centralized approach relies on a single large HRV or
rapidly in 2018 with several new products that ERV with sufficient capacity for all of the units.
are targeted specifically for supplying continu- These different approaches tend to blur the traditional
ous fresh, filtered air to airtight, efficient Passive House distinction between small and large capacity HRVs
buildings. Many of the ventilation products now avail- and ERVs, allowing for more choices when specifying
able have undergone independent performance testing ventilation equipment for even large buildings. Regardless
regimens, ensuring comparable predictions of energy use of capacity, the equipment’s thermal and electrical
intensity and quality. Apples-to-apples testing also cuts efficiency are essential facts for Passive House design and
through manufacturers’ performance claims, which can construction professionals.
be challenging to parse.
In North America there are a variety of options for CERTIFIED FOR PASSIVE HOUSES
manufacturers considering ventilation equipment testing Last winter, Ontario-based Green Giant Design Build
and certification. The Home Ventilation Institute (HVI) began importing the Futura whole-house ERV for cold
and the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration climates for distribution throughout Canada. Futura is
Institute (AHRI) have established third-party industry- produced by Jablotron, the Czech Republic home
led performance testing programs. Since 1998 the Passive security system giant.
House Institute (PHI) has run its own independent Adam Cronk, owner of Green Giant, explains that the
performance testing and certification program tailored Futura can operate continuously without frosting up at
to the requirements of ventilators for high-performance temperatures as low as -12°C. And, with a glycol ground
Passive House buildings. And, now the Passive House loop, pump, and air handler prewarming air entering the
Institute U.S. (PHIUS) is in the pilot phase of developing a ERV, it can operate at even lower temperatures without
similar program. costly electric preheating. For night flush cooling during
The Passive House multifamily market, which has hot, humid summer conditions, the Futura can operate
seen strong growth in both affordable and market-rate in bypass mode. The Futura comes with a complete
housing, is especially benefitting from this spate of ventilation system package including proprietary
ventilation product developments. Three approaches insulated pipe to the building exterior and a flexible
predominate: distributed, semi-distributed, and polyethylene interior ducting system.
centralized. Distributed ventilation relies on one or Although Cronk will remain Jablotron’s sole Canadian
more small-volume ventilators to bring fresh air to distributor, he is building a dealer and installer network
each individual apartment. The equipment may be to handle sales, installation, and commissioning the
through-wall HRVs, traditional ducted HRVs or ERVs, Futura in much the same way as Zehnder America
or ventilators integrating air heating and cooling. The operates. This service is particularly important, because
semi-distributed approach assigns an HRV or ERV of in Canada’s harsher climates only a trained installer can
sufficient capacity to service a cluster of multiple units optimize the Futura’s operation for a given climate and
that are in sufficient proximity to minimize duct lengths. building.www.passivehousebuildings.com 17
Semi-distributed ventilation—
horizontal (floor-by-floor) Distributed ventilation with through-wall H/ERV
%&'( )*(+,-(./,&01"&2,(34,(521 )
!5-(652,43178355- ).9 )8355-:
!"#$% &'"
Courtesy of NK Architects Courtesy of NK Architects
PHI has certified the Futura ERV, expanding the as a system with an integrated, wireless electronic
choices for independently tested ventilators with validated monitoring, reporting, and control system that is
performance for Passive House buildings. typically found only in buildings larger than 100,000
Cronk is not sitting still; he hopes to begin importing square feet.
additional Jablotron ventilation products in 2019. And these integrated units are ready out of the
Stay tuned! box. Without add-ons or expensive programming. For
Zehnder America offers a number of PHI-certified Jonathan Moscatello of Ventacity, the partnership with
HRVs and ERVs for single-family homes, small Fujitsu is simple. They are “ready to rock.” "Smarter
buildings, and semidistributed ventilation systems for controls for occupancy, schedules, thermal settings, and
larger buildings. CO2 will optimally leverage their high HRV and ERV
In 2018, Zehnder America introduced its new core efficiency."
ComfoValve Luna S125 supply air diffuser, which adjusts Swegon also offers a range of choices for medium and
airflow and can distribute it from 240 to 360 degrees with large Passive House buildings. Eleven models of Swegon’s
airflow parallel to walls and ceilings. Gold RX HRVs manufactured in North America are PHI-
Ventacity Systems of Portland, Oregon now offers certified and bear North American safety listings. Swegon’s
rooftop-capable 1,000 and 3,000 CFM HRVs and ERVs for largest PHI-certified HRVs have a ventilation capacity of
medium and larger Passive House buildings. Ventacity’s up to 5,297 CFM. Swegon also offers its REACT line of
ERVs are the first PHI has certified for large buildings. dampers which include actuators and controls and operate
Sal D'Auria, CEO of Ventacity Systems, notes their without a building management system (BMS).
ERVs are both UL and CSA-certified as well. By adding MORE HIGH PERFORMANCE CHOICES
ERVs to their existing line of HRVs, they now have high- Among the large number of North American
efficiency ventilators for every North American climate. manufacturers of ventilation systems of all shapes and
Ventacity’s ERVs have permeable polymer counter- sizes, there are several manufacturers and distributors
flow cores instead of the HRV’s aluminum core. A simple that specifically market their systems for Passive House
difference; however, the development process was not buildings—but do not have either PHI or PHIUS
so simple. It took over a year of design and engineering component certification.
of both mechanical components and electronic sensors
and controls. 475 High Performance Building Supply is
Networked sensors and smart controls are other expanding the line of Lunos ventilation equipment it
major 2018 innovations. Ventacity collaborates with imports from Germany and distributes in the U.S. to meet
Fujitsu General to optimize HVAC systems by combining the demands of the growing Passive House market. With
Ventacity’s HRV or ERV and Fujitsu’s Airstage line of this additional Lunos equipment, 475 can offer Lunos-
variable refrigerant flow (VRF) commercial heat pump based distributed HRV systems for multifamily projects in
air heating and cooling systems. They operate together various climates zones.18 Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // NEWS
475 calls these systems hybrids, because they combine SYSTEMS INCORPORATING HEAT PUMPS
Lunos e2 and eGo regenerative thermal core ductless North America is home to two companies—Build
ventilators with heat transfer and demand-controlled Equinox and Minotair—that incorporate heat pumps in
intake and exhaust ventilators without heat transfer. their ventilation equipment instead of using other means
Together they supply sufficient fresh air and exhaust to transfer heat and moisture between air streams. Heat
sufficient stale air even though some of the air bypasses pump-based ventilators have the potential to reduce both
heat recovery. Floris Keverling Buisman, CEO and equipment and installation costs, but for some projects,
technical director explains, “This compartmentalized especially those with smaller living units, the space
solution avoids issues normally seen with continuously savings alone make this equipment highly prized.
run rooftop fan systems.”
Build Equinox, based in Illinois, celebrated its 10th
Although the Lunos e2 does not have HVI or PHI
anniversary by shipping its first CERV2 units, which
certification, 475 reports the German federal agency DIBt
integrate both the ventilator and heat pump heating and
testing established an average heat recovery efficiency
cooling equipment within the same box. CO2 and VOC
of 90.6%. Additionally, 475 provides performance data
monitors are built into the CERV2.
for use in the ventilation sheet of the PHPP energy
Ben Newell, president and mechanical engineer,
balance software.
explains that the CERV1 system ventilator was in one box
Tempeff North America, now operationally separate with the heat pump in another, but the CERV2 integrates
from its Swedish parent, expanded its line in 2018 with its them in a single box for easier installation. While the
new RGN configuration for installation within a confined CERV’s operation is unchanged, the new model’s heat
space where both exhaust and supply ducts must be pump is more efficient. The CERV1 was UL-listed, and
connected to the same side of its ERV. Newell reports the CERV2 is currently in review for
Tempeff ’s field mechanical engineer Andy Kebernik UL listing.
explains that Tempeff has supplied ventilators for both
Minotair, based in Quebec, expanded the capabilities
PHI and PHIUS-certified buildings in Canada. Tempeff
of its PentaCare ventilator in 2018 so that now it can
met with PHI in Germany in 2017 to discuss plans for
both ventilate as well as cool, dehumidify, heat, and/
testing and certification, which Kebernik hopes will
or humidify the ventilation air. Minotair co-owner
lead to an agreement with PHI this winter on in-house
testing protocols.
UltimateAir of Athens, Ohio continues its 20-year run
and VP Alex De Gagné, announced that with an
optional, compact humidifier atop the fresh air port 1
controlled by its integrated humidity management
of leading North American ventilation innovation after system, the PentaCare is “even more valuable in the
pioneering electronically controlled DC motors (ECM) cold climates where winter outdoor air is so dry that it
within HRVs and ERVs and water-to-air coils for post- is difficult to maintain optimum indoor air humidity
and pre-conditioning ventilation air. without humidification.”
2018 has brought plenty of innovation. UltimateAir For multifamily buildings, Minotair developed a
developed optional integrated, pulse-modulated electric decentralized ventilation and conditioning system
preheat technology within their ERVs. Jason Morosko, VP, combining a remote whole-building control system and its
Engineering, explains, “For years, installers were forced PentaCare units. Each PentaCare unit provides complete
to purchase and install these pre-heaters as a separate HVAC for one apartment, but the building manager has
item for continuous winter ventilation. Integrating the the option to remotely monitor and control the PentaCare
pre-heater within the ERV allows for easier installation in units in separate apartments.
the field, less expensive upfront cost, reduces the chance De Gagné is in discussions with both PHI and PHIUS
of condensation, and saves much needed space.” about PentaCare certification.
UltimateAir launched its ER80M as a prototype All of these innovations—from new ventilators to new
in 2016, but with modification of its 200DX, in 2018, systems combining new and existing equipment—are
UltimateAir retested and submitted both models for facilitating multifamily Passive House building ventilation,
UL certification under new criteria and received full UL while continuing to meet the ventilation needs of single-
certification for both. family homes. As this market grows, watch this space for
Luke Langhals, director of Business Development further updates on the whole range of ventilation options.
promises 2019 will offer continued improvements from
—Tad Everhart
the engineering department’s wizardry. “We have begun
the R&D for integrating an optional dehumidification Tad Everhart, marketing manager for Passive House
accessory into our system.” Stay tuned! Buildings, is married to Maria Everhart, Ventacity Systems’
market analyst.PROJECT
SNAPSHOTS
Sponsored by
Swegon North America is proud to
have been selected to provide Certified
Passive House Air Handing Units for
these energy efficient projects: GOLD RX NA Certified Passive House Air Handling Unit
1 2 3 4
1. 211 E 29th St. 3. Clayton Community Center
New York, NY Surrey, BC
This project included a PHI-Certified GOLD RX 35 AHU in Community center job which commissioned a PHI-Certified
a mixed use, mixed income rental housing building. The GOLD RX 14 and 20, two GOLD RX 25s, GOLD RX 35 and
project was an outdoor installation. GOLD RX 50.
Project Highlights Airflow (CFM): 3880, Heat Recovery Project Highlights
Efficiency (%): 86.0, Electrical Efficiency: 0.71 W/CFM Airflow (CFM): 1420 – 4757, Heat Recovery Efficiency (%):
Contributors Architect: Zakrzewski + Hyde Architects, 85.5 – 86.5, Electrical Efficiency: 0.35 – 0.58 W/CFM
Engineer: EP Engineering Contributors
Architect: HCMA, Engineer: Integral Group
2. Williams College Dormitory
Willilamstown, MA 4. Halifax Hospice
Halifax, NS
Our GOLD RX 25 PHI-Certified AHU was used in this
dormitory with VRF integration. This project included a PHI-Certified GOLD RX 14 AHU in a
healthcare building. The project was an outdoor application.
Project Highlights
Airflow (CFM): 2340, Heat Recovery Efficiency (%): 81.0 Project Highlights
Electrical Efficiency: 0.57 W/CFM Airflow (CFM): 2000, Heat Recovery Efficiency (%): 86.0,
Electrical Efficiency: 0.58 W/CFM
Contributors
Architect: Spagnolo Gisness & Associates, Engineer: Contributors
Vanderwell Architect: Anne Sinclair Architect
swegonnorthamerica.com | info-na@swegon.com20 Passive House Buildings // Fall 2018 // NEWS
SCALABLE,
EFFICIENT
Retrofit Solutions
Under Development
T
he New York State Energy Research and Devel- affordable housing stock and low- and moderate-income
opment Authority (NYSERDA) recently awarded communities, and in particular the nonprofit community.
the first six Energiesprong-style retrofits. This As JOE NYC Assistant Director of Asset Management
announcement comes as an exciting new development Allison van Hee explains, “You can’t expect to maintain
to last year’s article in Passive House Buildings about New affordability without sustainability both in terms of the
York State’s planned implementation of the burgeoning well-being of building occupants and the environment
retrofit style that aims to create standardized, scalable, as a whole. As a result, the JOE is committed to pursuing
deep energy-efficient retrofit solutions. the net zero energy goals of RetrofitNY and helping to
NYSERDA has scheduled the design phase of these achieve New York City and New York State climate goals.”
projects to last about six months, from technical solution RetrofitNY supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s goal
concept development through schematic implementation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
plan. The finalized schematic implementation plan will TLP and JOE chose an infill site that is representative
include schematic architectural and mechanical designs, of so much of New York City’s contemporary low-income
projected budget and schedule, a life cycle cost analysis, urban fabric and the design challenges inherent in
energy analysis, renewable-energy plan, regulatory- renovating it. The midblock building consists of one floor
barrier analysis, and resiliency analysis. NYSERDA of community facility space and five stories of apartments.
then plans to issue a solicitation to provide funding for The façade is a minimally ornamented brick cavity wall
developing and installing the designs. with concrete masonry unit (CMU) backup masonry and
One of the New York City teams is led by The Levy a bearing-wall-and-concrete-plank structural system.
Partnership (TLP), a leader in the energy efficiency The team is currently looking at how to insulate the
consulting field. In addition to TLP, the core team exposed walls, given the limitations of the site and the
includes building owner Joint Ownership Entity (JOE) fact that the building is built flush to three of its four lot
NYC, award-winning architecture firm CTA Architects, lines. Added to that, the original building plans included
P.C., ecologically minded mechanical engineers Peterson vertical shafts that the team intended to use to run
Engineering Group, international structural engineers ventilation ducts and piping to new heating and cooling
MacLaren Engineering Group, and a construction firm systems. Unfortunately, the shafts don’t exist in the as-
experienced in Passive House design, M Square Builders. built conditions, so the group is busy working around
Solar One, Harvest Power, Sentient Buildings, Passive these obstacles.
Dwellings, and Rocky Mountain Institute are also Thus far, the plan is to provide a significant amount
providing support. Together, they are working to bring of additional envelope insulation from the cellar to the
an existing 20-year-old multifamily low-income building roof. The exterior framed walls already have 3 inches
in Harlem to near net zero energy use. The team will also of fiberglass batt insulation, and given the limited floor
address improving indoor environmental quality and the area, insulating more on the interior is not an option. The
resiliency of the building, all without displacing residents primary strategy is to use exterior insulation and finish
during construction. system (EIFS) panels over the existing brick veneer and
The building owner, JOE NYC, a new entity for 8 inches of EPS underneath a new bituminous roof. The
nonprofit-owned affordable housing assets in New York team is still grappling with code restrictions on expanding
City, was founded by a group of prominent New York past the lot line toward the street, so different strategies
City Community Development Corporations in response may be implemented on the front and back sides of the
to a set of challenges confronting New York City’s building. Also in consideration as an alternative to EIFS isYou can also read
