Mass timber and Passive House are reshaping what high-performance construction can look like in practice. This Community Spotlight brings together leaders from the International Mass Timber Conference and practitioners working at the intersection of low-carbon materials, high-performance envelopes, and scalable delivery models.
The International Mass Timber Conference, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is the world’s largest gathering focused on the full mass timber supply chain, bringing together professionals across forestry, manufacturing, design, development, and construction. In this session, attendees will receive an inside look at the conference’s mission and emerging themes, along with a deep dive into how mass timber is advancing climate-ready, healthy, and affordable buildings.
Grounded in real project experience, the program will explore how reducing embodied carbon, supporting healthy forest management, and addressing the global housing shortage are interconnected challenges and opportunities. A featured case study of 340+ Dixwell, an award-winning mixed-income Low-Income Housing Tax Credit development in New Haven, CT, will illustrate how mass timber and Passive House principles can work together to deliver equitable, resilient, and low-carbon housing.
What You’ll Learn
How mass timber contributes to lower embodied carbon and climate-positive construction strategies
The relationship between healthy forests, climate action, and housing affordability
Why combining Passive House and mass timber can improve performance, health, and long-term value
Lessons from the design, development, and delivery of 340+ Dixwell
Key trends and takeaways from the International Mass Timber Conference
Presenters
Shelby Cherry
Show Director, International Mass Timber Conference
Shelby oversees all aspects of the premier event connecting mass timber innovators, designers, and builders. With more than 20 years of experience in the tradeshow industry, including her tenure with Informa, she brings deep expertise in creating platforms that advance sustainable building practices.
Jeff Spiritos
Principal, Spiritos Properties LLC
Jeff is a commercial and residential developer specializing in mass timber projects that integrate Passive House practices and rooftop solar to achieve low-carbon outcomes. His work includes Acme Timber Lofts and the award-winning 340+ Dixwell development in New Haven, CT, both recipients of USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation Grants. He serves as chair of the CTBUH Tall Timber and Steel-Timber Hybrid Committees.
This free presentation will take place on Wednesday, February 25th at 9am PT / 12pm ET and will be followed by a lively Q+A session. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and engage with the PHA community. See you there!