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Report-Back: AIA Western Region Conference

Submitted by katy on Sun, 10/13/2013 - 06:32

I returned home to California a few days ago after an incredible week in Jackson, Wyoming for the 2013 AIA Western Region Conference, which rotates between the six member states--Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico--each year. I presented on high-performance building envelope design and crammed in all that I could in two presentation slots (browse or download the presentation below).

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October 3: Building Carbon Zero Marin

Submitted by katy on Mon, 09/30/2013 - 12:10

Part II in Passive House California's Building Carbon Zero California series is scheduled for October 3rd at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin Civic Center. Randy Hayes (formerly Rainforest Action Network) and Peter Busby (Perkins + Will) are keynote speakers for this event. Attend to learn how we can drastically reduce our carbon emissions today, and build a better environment for future generations.

Category: 
News + Events

Rating System Bubble Chart

Submitted by lizzie on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 02:32

Here's my visual interpretation of common "green" rating systems.

Each rating system has been ranked according to Broad vs. Specific and Prescriptive vs. Performance. This shouldn't be interpreted as Good vs. Bad- different programs fit different projects. That being said, I definitely have my favorites.

The size of the bubble subjectively indicates market share and popularity.

Category: 
Technical

Passive House at AIA Western Region Conference

Submitted by katy on Mon, 09/16/2013 - 13:58

Katy Hollbacher is delivering Part I and II presentations, Passive House and Energy Modeling: The Foundation for True High-Performance Buildings, at the upcoming AIA Western Region Conference in Jackson, Wyoming. The Western Region comprises Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming--encompassing mountains and deserts along with their harsh conditions and extreme temperature ranges.

Category: 
News + Events

A “Top Five Wish List” for every building project

Submitted by lizzie on Mon, 09/16/2013 - 11:36

What if every project we worked on committed to five things? "

This is the question I asked Katy while BARTing back from a meeting recently. The discussion that ensued was very nerdy and distracted us to the point where we ended on the wrong line. But this is what we decided on:

Category: 
Technical

CanPHI's Passive House North 2013 Conference

Submitted by lizzie on Fri, 08/16/2013 - 15:24

Our flights are booked and hotel is reserved for Vancouver- we can't wait and hope to see you there! The Canadian Passive House Institute (CanPHI) will host the first North American Passive House conference dedicated to cost-effective strategies for reducing building energy in cool climates. PASSIVE HOUSE NORTH 2013: Affordable energy efficiency for a changing climate will convene Sept. 27 and 28 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, B.C.

Category: 
News + Events

2012 ACI California Home Performance Conference

Submitted by katy on Sun, 06/03/2012 - 12:32

High Performance Details For California Climates: Lessons Learned--Passive House advocates Katy Hollbacher, Bronwyn Barry and Mary James are delivering this presentation at the upcoming 2012 ACI California Home Performance Conference June 5-6 in Sacramento on Tuesday, June 5 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Category: 
News + Events

Avena Bella Affordable Multifamily Housing Groundbreaking

Submitted by katy on Sat, 03/31/2012 - 02:47

EAH Housing and the City of Turlock officially broke ground on Avena Bella, an 80 unit affordable housing property, on March 28. It is seeking both LEED for Homes (the first in Stanislaus County) and GreenPoint Rated certifications, which have been guided by green building consultant Beyond Efficiency. The project includes both innovative and tried-and-true green building measures including:

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Projects

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