· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Passive houses, which are highly energy-efficient and tightly sealed for reduced energy consumption, are gaining popularity in the U.S. thanks to new state incentives and building codes
• These homes offer strong insulation, air quality control, and protection from pollution, making them desirable as awareness of sustainable housing grows
🔭 The context: While passive house construction began 15 years ago in the U.S., it was initially cost-prohibitive and niche
• Today, larger, multi-family passive houses are increasingly affordable as policies in states like Massachusetts, New York, and California encourage developers to adopt these standards
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Passive houses contribute to lower emissions by drastically cutting energy requirements for heating and cooling, crucial in reducing the overall environmental footprint of housing
• They also provide a healthy, stable indoor environment, protecting occupants from pollution and extreme weather
⏭️ What's next: Further price reductions and expanded incentives could make passive houses accessible for more income levels
• Growing demand is driving innovation in materials like triple-pane windows, which now approach price parity with standard options
💬 One quote: “People are searching for the healthiest house, and that’s a passive house” – Michael Ingui, founder of the Passive House Accelerator
📈 One stat: Certified passive house projects in the U.S. grew from 1.82 million square feet in 2021 to over 3 million square feet in 2024
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