Join BE-Ex for the publication of Pursuing Passive, an in-depth study of converting an existing, high-rise multifamily building to the Passive House standard while it remains fully occupied.  Working with the Passive House Institute and Steven Winter Associates, we have analyzed the most effective set of strategies to upgrade the envelope, mechanical and other systems to meet the demands of EnerPHit, the Passive House standard for retrofits.  The report, months in development, outlines the challenges of upgrading each system, recommends the ideal phasing of such work, and details the myriad benefits to both owners and occupants of such a deep, holistic retrofit.

New York City’s “80 x 50” climate action goal will require most buildings to undergo retrofits, and the 15 story, post-war building selected for the study represents an important building type with unique challenges.  The report carefully maps a pathway for even fully occupied buildings of this type to reduce their overall energy use by more than 60% and their heating energy by more than 80%. Such an effort represents a radical transformation of the building, with highly improved comfort and air quality, as well as a marked increase in asset value.

Join us for a presentation and discussion of the strategies proposed and the challenges discovered during this deep analysis of a critical building type.   Copies of the 40+ page report will be available.

SPEAKERS
Lois Arena, Steven Winter Associates
Yetsuh Frank, Building Energy Exchange
Jan Steiger, Passive House Institute