Passive House Design Leads to Housing Affordability
When we think about affordable housing, we generally think about subsidized rent. But utility cost is also a factor in affordability. Cutting the tenant's utility cost by 2/3 would make a significant contribution to affordability. If you were to roll the electric cost into the rent, eliminating one more monthly bill, you'd also reduce the tenant's financial stress and make the building more livable.
In a recent Bloomberg article, John Woelfling of Dattner Architects says,
"Thanks to its Passive House features, Chestnut Commons enjoys a 70% reduction in energy costs. An energy recovery ventilation system in each apartment raises efficiency, while highly insulated units prevent outside temperatures from intruding. These lower costs drive down utility bills for residents and make the building more environmentally friendly.”
ICF Construction is a fast and easy way to achieve super energy efficiency called for in Passive House design. In fact, Polycrete engineers have developed a suite of products geared directly to Passive House, including R-Stack supplemental insulation, insulated window bucks, and non-thermal bridging starter bases.
Contact us today to learn about our commitments to affordable housing and energy efficiency in multi-family construction.