Passive House Western Pennsylvania

Overview
Passive House Western Pennsylvania (PHWPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency in building design and construction within the region. Established as a membership organization, its primary objective is to lower energy use in buildings through the implementation of the Passive House Standard, which emphasizes sustainable building practices that dramatically reduce energy consumption while enhancing indoor comfort and air quality.

Mission and Goals
The mission of PHWPA revolves around addressing climate change by transforming the built environment. This involves fostering a collaborative community of professionals—architects, builders, developers, and energy consultants—who are committed to adopting high-performance building standards. The organization aims to improve energy efficiency both locally and nationally by advocating for educational initiatives, training programs, and the sharing of best practices in sustainable building.

Background
Founded in 2015, PHWPA initially served as a local chapter of the North American Passive House Network (NAPHN). The chapter was established to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry stakeholders in Western Pennsylvania. In February 2021, the organization was rebranded as Passive House Pennsylvania to reflect a broader focus across the state, allowing for increased outreach and impact.

Partnerships
PHWPA collaborates with various organizations and institutions, including the Green Building Alliance and Penn State University. These partnerships help to enhance educational efforts and promote the adoption of the Passive House principles within the state. By engaging with local stakeholders, PHWPA seeks to create a network of advocates for high-performance building methodologies.

The Passive House Standard
The Passive House Standard is an international building standard designed to provide a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy usage. It incorporates a set of rigorous energy performance criteria, including:

• High levels of insulation
• Airtight construction
• High-performance windows and doors
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

Buildings that meet these criteria can significantly reduce energy consumption—by up to 90% compared to traditional building methods—while also promoting improved indoor air quality and comfort.

Conclusion
Passive House Western Pennsylvania continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable building practices in the region. Through education, community engagement, and partnerships, the organization aims to drive the adoption of the Passive House Standard in order to foster a healthier, more environmentally responsible built environment.