Event Description

Electrifying domestic hot water (DHW) in multifamily buildings is a tough nut to crack—and one of the most critical challenges on the path to low- and zero-carbon buildings.

Join James Petersen, P.E., Founder & Principal at Petersen Engineering and President of the PHMass Board, to explore the current landscape of electric DHW solutions for large multifamily projects, with a clear-eyed look at what works, what doesn’t, and where the real tradeoffs lie. Through real-world case studies, the presentation will examine system types, costs, sizing strategies, energy use, embodied carbon, mechanical space demands, metering approaches, and ongoing maintenance considerations.

Providing electric DHW at scale introduces significant technical and planning hurdles, particularly when transitioning away from fossil fuels in both new construction and existing buildings. This event is designed to help project teams better understand the options available today and evaluate whether central air-source heat pump DHW systems can realistically meet performance, space, and carbon goals. The discussion will also address how to design systems that allow for future electrification where full conversion may not yet be feasible.

Note - This is a hybrid in-person and virtual event.