Event Description

This presentation offers a deep dive into the application of Passive House principles in commercial building design, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges that come with scaling high-performance strategies beyond residential contexts. Emu Passive will begin with an overview of Passive House standards—comparing PHI and Phius—and their shared performance-based methodology. Key requirements such as Heating and Cooling Demand, Site and Source Energy Demand, Air Changes per Hour, thermal comfort, and thermal bridge mitigation will be discussed in the context of non-residential projects.
Participants will explore the practical implications of Passive House in commercial typologies including offices, schools, hotels, data centers, and hospitality. Emu Passive will cover design considerations like form factor, thermal bridging, insulation strategies, glass performance (U-values vs. visible transmittance), and interior heat gains. Special attention will be given to nuanced systems like ERVs in commercial settings and air leakage targets.
Through the lens of case studies, we’ll examine how Passive House can meet and exceed regulatory benchmarks while delivering real-world benefits. 

Learning Objectives -

• Compare Passive House standards (PHI and Phius) and their performance-based methodologies, focusing on how they address energy use, air tightness, and occupant comfort in commercial buildings.
• Describe key Passive House performance requirements — including Heating and Cooling Demand, Air Changes per Hour, Site and Source Energy Demand, and thermal bridge mitigation — as they apply to non-residential typologies.
• Assess critical design strategies for commercial Passive House projects, including form factor optimization, insulation detailing, glazing performance, and indoor air quality management via heat recovery ventilation systems.
• Evaluate real-world case studies to understand how Passive House design can meet regulatory energy codes (e.g., NYC Local Law 97) while improving occupant health, comfort, and operational efficiency in commercial environments.