Achieving a carbon-neutral built environment is going to require deep energy retrofits of somewhere around 3% of the building stock annually—a big step up in most areas. How do we get there? This retrofit special issue delivers a constellation of answers, from multiple programs that are designed to industrialize retrofit processes to architectural firms honing retrofit practices to individually tailored retrofit solutions. Dive in to find a wide array of key retrofit expertise, resources, and featured projects from all over North America to even Innsbruck, Austria.
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Articles in this Issue
6/14/21
The Retrofit Issue: Revitalizing Communities
Discover how retrofitting buildings revitalizes communities, improves energy efficiency, and supports sustainable living. Explore expert insights and trends shaping the future of urban transformation.
6/14/21
Innovation in an Era of Mission
Explore how innovative solutions are transforming sustainable architecture in the era of climate-driven missions. Discover trends, strategies, and technologies shaping the future of passive house design.
6/14/21
Case Study: Hawthorne Youth and Community Center
Discover how the Hawthorne Youth and Community Center achieved Passive House certification. Explore sustainable design strategies, energy efficiency, and community impact in this detailed case study.
6/15/21
Ultra-Low-Carbon Hot Water and Space Conditioning
Discover cutting-edge solutions for ultra-low-carbon hot water and space conditioning. Learn about sustainable technologies, energy efficiency, and best practices for eco-friendly building systems.
6/15/21
Practical Retrofit Support in New York
Discover practical retrofit support for Passive House projects in New York. Explore guidance, incentives, and resources to make sustainable building upgrades simple and cost-effective.
6/15/21
Passive Rowhouse Manual: Summer 2021 Release!
Discover the latest Passive Rowhouse Manual Summer 2021 release, featuring sustainable design strategies, energy-efficient building techniques, and insights for passive house enthusiasts and professionals.
6/15/21
Transform Your Building into a Negawatt Power Plant Through MEETS
Discover how MEETS can help you transform your building into a negawatt power plant, reducing energy use and costs with innovative passive house strategies for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
6/15/21
Green Mortgage Pilot in Vermont, and Beyond
Discover how the Green Mortgage Pilot in Vermont supports energy-efficient homes and sustainable building. Learn about options, benefits, and the future of green mortgages in the US.
6/15/21
Hotel Marcel Opening Its Passive House Doors
Discover how Hotel Marcel sets new standards in sustainable hospitality as it opens its doors as a certified Passive House hotel, prioritizing energy efficiency and eco-friendly design.
6/15/21
The Many-Armed Reach of REALIZE
Explore how the REALIZE initiative accelerates building decarbonization with modular energy retrofits, supporting Passive House standards and sustainable architecture for healthier, energy-efficient communities.
6/15/21
REALIZE-CA: Retrofit Solutions in California
Discover innovative retrofit solutions for California buildings with REALIZE-CA. Learn how energy-efficient upgrades are transforming homes and supporting sustainable construction statewide.
6/15/21
RetrofitMAINE
Discover how a Maine home achieved energy efficiency and comfort through Passive House retrofit strategies. Learn practical retrofit tips and benefits for sustainable living in colder climates.
6/15/21
The Reframed Initiative
Discover how The Reframed Initiative drives sustainable building solutions with Passive House strategies, innovative energy efficiency, and climate resilience in Canada's construction sector.
6/16/21
Delivering Model Solutions
Discover effective strategies for delivering Passive House model solutions. Learn about sustainable building practices, energy-efficient design, and expert insights for green construction projects.
6/16/21
Financing for Bundled Home Upgrades
Discover financing options for bundled home upgrades that boost energy efficiency and sustainability. Learn how to fund green renovations and maximize savings with modern home improvement loans.
6/16/21
Experiences in Large-Scale Retrofits
Discover practical insights and expert strategies for large-scale passive house retrofits. Learn how to enhance building energy efficiency and sustainability with proven retrofit experiences and modern solutions.
6/16/21
A Cooperative Retrofit
Discover how cooperative retrofitting transforms existing buildings into energy-efficient homes using Passive House principles. Explore sustainable renovation strategies and benefits for communities.
6/22/21
Northeast Multifamily Retrofit
Discover how multifamily buildings in the Northeast can achieve energy efficiency through Passive House retrofit strategies. Explore proven solutions for sustainable housing and lower energy costs.
6/22/21
Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofits
Discover how prefabricated exterior energy retrofits enhance building efficiency, reduce energy costs, and support sustainable design. Learn about modern retrofit solutions and their environmental benefits.
6/22/21
The Back Stack: MassCEC Case Study
Discover how MassCEC supports sustainable housing in this Passive House case study. Explore strategies for energy efficiency, green building design, and the benefits of passive construction.
6/22/21
TDC Passive House Retrofit Toolkit: MassCEC Case Study
Discover how TDC's Retrofit Toolkit enhances energy efficiency in buildings with insights from a MassCEC case study. Learn about sustainable retrofitting solutions and real-world project results.
6/22/21
Making Cents of Carbon: MassCEC Case Study
Discover how carbon accounting impacts building projects in this MassCEC case study. Learn practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions and boost sustainability for passive house construction.
6/23/21
ReCOVER Gains Momentum
Discover how energy recovery ventilation systems are gaining momentum in sustainable building design. Learn about benefits, recent innovations, and why recovery is trending in passive house standards.
6/23/21
Update on an Ambitious Pittsburgh Passive House Development
Discover the latest on an ambitious Passive House development in Pittsburgh, featuring innovative sustainable building techniques, green design trends, and updates on eco-friendly urban living projects.
6/23/21
PA Wilds Passive House Retrofit Nears the Finish Line
Discover how a historic home in the Pennsylvania Wilds is being transformed through a Passive House retrofit, featuring sustainable design, energy efficiency, and modern green building practices.
6/23/21
High School to Affordable Housing
Discover how transforming unused high schools into affordable housing supports sustainable communities. Learn about adaptive reuse, urban revitalization, and innovative housing solutions.
6/23/21
Grow House Benefits
Discover the key benefits of growing your own food in a passive house. Learn how a grow house supports sustainability, energy efficiency, and healthy living in modern eco-friendly homes.
6/23/21
Horseshoe Shop to Cozy Office
Discover how a historic horseshoe shop was transformed into a cozy, energy-efficient office using Passive House principles. See innovative design ideas for sustainable workspace renovations.
6/23/21
Carroll Center Passive House Retrofit
Discover how the Carroll Center achieved a high-performance Passive House retrofit, enhancing energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort. Explore innovative building retrofit solutions.
6/23/21
An Historic Renovation: ReBuilding Inward
Discover how a historic building was transformed with modern passive house techniques. Explore sustainable renovation, energy efficiency, and heritage preservation in this inspiring case study.