Feasibility of Implementing Passivhaus Standard for Tall Residential Buildings

Highly energy-efficient and resilient buildings are crucial to the success of cities. As populations grow and cities become larger and denser, problems related to energy inefficiency are magnified and threaten urban sustainability. Passivhaus is a standard for energy efficient buildings that results in energy reductions for heating and cooling of approximately 70%-90% compared to typical buildings (BEEX, 2015). FXFOWLE led research to evaluate the applicability of the Passivhaus standard to tall residential buildings in one of the densest cities in North America, New York City. The goal of the study was to investigate cutting-edge, energy-efficiency practices to translate the Passivhaus standard from its European origins to the New York market, and to influence local housing policy towards more ambitious energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets. In 2015, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded FXFOWLE a research grant to determine the viability of implementing the Passivhaus standard for tall residential buildings in New York. This paper describes the research study in an abbreviated form. The full report will be available soon on FXFOWLE's website. To read the report, please visit: http://www.fxfowle.com/activity/publications/10/feasibility-of-implementing-passivhaus-standard-for-tall-residential-buildings/