Summer is here, and I hope everyone has an opportunity to relax and enjoy some holidays. While the weather has warmed, Passive House Canada has kept the heat on the federal government, with our recommendations on the Wave 2 Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes. You can read our submission on developing and implementing greenhouse gas emissions provisions in the National Model Codes here.
I am also delighted to share with you a follow up story arising from our Annual Conference in Hamilton, where we were joined by a national news team from the CBC. After attending the Passive House tour, the CBC put together a series of great articles on how the Passive House standard is making waves in affordable housing. Our standard is the way of the future, and affordable housing providers like CityHousing Hamilton have become frontrunners in this area. Keep up the great work.
Announcing New Technical Services
This month, Passive House Canada proudly unveiled several new technical services that will aid in increasing the adoption of Passive House standard buildings and reduce barriers to bringing high performance and PHI projects to completion. More services in these areas – feasibility studies, component evaluation and thermal bridge modelling – address shortages we’ve seen in the community since its inception. We have known for some time, for instance, that an increase in Canadian-sourced high performance components are necessary. These specialized offerings are difficult to find, and will support the work of consultants, designers, manufacturers, and the Passive House community. The services will be led by our in-house technical services team who are experts in the field, Cameron Laidlaw and Chris Petit. More information about these services can be found on the Passive House Canada website.
Indoor Air Quality
The last couple of years has seen a sharp rise in extreme temperatures, resulting in massive forest fires around the world, from Australia to Europe to Canada. As these events become more frequent and widespread, the need for structures that can protect us from the pollution of forest fires is heightened. The combination of airtightness and mechanical filtration that Passive Houses provide, ensuring better air quality, is essential as we move into this unfortunate phase of climate change and extreme weather.
Passive House Canada continues to dialogue with government regarding the benefits of Passive Houses, and I urge our community to do the same. Raise your voice during upcoming government consultations. Extreme weather incidents and their impacts are only going to rise.
Departing faces and new responsibilities
With summer comes personnel changes here at Passive House Canada. We wish departing staff all the best as they take on new and exciting challenges. Going forward, Chris Petit, assisted by Hayden Morin, will run our Education department. Cameron Laidlaw is running Technical Services and Darlene Trimm is our Business Development and Membership lead. Please contact Chris, Hayden or Darlene for any questions about education. Cameron and Darlene can be contacted about technical services. Darlene will take your calls and emails about membership, sponsorship and Pulse events.
Enjoy your summer. We look forward to working closely with you in the months ahead to promote building better the passive house way!
Sincerely,
