For Immediate Release
November 20, 2017
VICTORIA – Passive House Canada, the Real Estate Foundation of B.C., the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George and the West Moberly First Nation invite area residents and construction-industry members to Passive House Café, from 5:30–7:30 pm, November 28, at the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, 1919 – 17 Avenue, Prince George.
At this informal event, high-performance building expert Marcel Studer, of Econ Group, and Terry Dunn, of the West Moberly First Nation, share insights into emerging building codes trends in B.C., the benefits of buildings designed to the high-performance Passive House Standard, and opportunities to apply the standard in northern B.C. projects.
On November 29, Studer also presents a full-day workshop on Passive House design and construction. Recommended for anyone wishing to learn about Passive House high-performance buildings, the workshop is being offered to Prince George-area residents at the special price of $50 (regularly $345).
The Passive House Standard is the world’s most energy-efficient building design standard. It requires up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy, and leaves buildings comfortable and healthy throughout the year. Because Passive House buildings are built to last, their maintenance and operating costs remain low over the long term.
“High-performance buildings offer affordable, achievable solutions to building maintenance and energy costs, while maximizing occupant comfort,” says Passive House Canada CEO Rob Bernhardt. “We invite Prince George-area residents and industry to join us to learn how these buildings can benefit them.”
Dozens of Passive House buildings are being designed or built in British Columbia. Projects in northeastern B.C. include the Fort St. John Passive House, the Doig River Community Church, and the West Moberly First Nations Health Station. A number of affordable housing Passive House projects are also being planned for the Fraser–Fort George Region.
“With anticipated need for over 700 new rental and subsidized housing units in our region by 2021, we are excited this course is being offered in Prince George,” says Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George Executive Director Christos Vardacostas. “I encourage people from our communities and the construction industry to take advantage of these opportunities to help plan and build buildings that have a smaller environmental impact.”
British Columbia’s new Energy Step Code and Canada’s new national buildings strategy aim to make high-performance, energy-efficient buildings the norm by 2030.
About Passive House Canada
Passive House Canada is a national non-profit professional association that advocates for the Passive House high-performance building standard and provides training for building-industry professionals.
The Passive House Standard is recognized internationally as the proven best way to build for comfort, affordability and energy efficiency of residential, institutional and commercial buildings through all stages of design, construction and liveability.
About the Real Estate Foundation of B.C.
The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. is a philanthropic organization based in British Columbia, Canada. Its work supports land use and real estate practices that contribute to resilient, healthy communities and natural environments.
Event info at a glance:
Café Passive House
November 28, 2017, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Light refreshments to be served.
Location: Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, 1919 – 17 Avenue, Prince George
Introduction to Passive House High-Performance Buildings – Prince George
November 29, 2017, 9:00 am – 5:00pm PST
Fee: $50 (special pricing; normally $345)
Location: Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, 1919 – 17 Avenue, Prince George
