The Future of Green Construction: Passive house

[Thomas Musser]

In the heart of central Pennsylvania I am overseeing a 60 unit, multi-family, town home flats project that sets the standard for energy efficient construction 70% higher than a LEED certification.  The simplest way to describe a Passive House home is to imagine a balloon inside a Yeti cooler.  We will pressure test the entire structure 3 times during construction and once at final turnover to ensure our air sealing measures were successful.  The theory is that each unit (all of which are wrapped in extensive insulation on all six sides and contain ERV HVAC system) should be able to stay warm with just the heat given off by the residents, their stove, tv, lights, etc.  

It is exciting to be part of this new building system that some think will be building code eventually (for better or worse).

I'd love to hear from the Bigger Pockets community on their experience with and opinion on Green Construction projects.

[Scott Skinger]

I love the concept and would love to be involved in the development of a project like this in the future. Some thoughts and random questions.

Construction costs are high for typical builds, I have to think that they are through the roof for a highly energy efficient build. I know prices for solar, wind, batteries, etc. have come down tremendously over the last year, what about a green construction project like this? How do you manage up front build costs versus overall benefit?

Everybody wants to "go green" until it comes to the price tag, whether that be the home price or rent. Whats the sales pitch to your customers (i.e. "in X number of years you will break even on your investment")? Who are you marketing to?

Thanks!