Zero Net Carbon Training with Passive House Principles
Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) partnered with The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz and the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to deliver a series of 8 workshops for higher education facilities staff, academic faculty, students, designers, and contractors. The workshops focused on strategies to achieve zero net carbon construction goals using passive house principles. These workshops were created in response to SUNY System Chancellor Kristina Johnson’s 2018 State of the SUNY System address. Johnson called for all new SUNY buildings to achieve zero-net-carbon emissions and for existing buildings to invest in deep-energy retrofits and energy efficiency while performing critical maintenance.
Module topics covered are as follows:
- Overview of PH/Net Zero Building Concepts, Techniques and Benefits
- Deep Dive into Construction Methods and High-Performance Products and Details
- Deep Dive into Air Barrier Development & Implementation
- Net Zero HVAC Strategies and Controls + DHW
- Contracting for Passive House: Construction Documents and Bidding
- Deep Energy Retrofits: Strategies for Gut Rehab or Full Occupancy Retrofits
- Beyond Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Refrigerant Management in Design, Construction, and Operations
- Construction Manager/Subcontractor/Tradesperson Training: Classroom and Field Training
All workshops were free, and although intended for individuals living and working in New York State, were open to anyone. The trainings began in February 2020 as both in-person and live-online events, however due to COVID-19, turned online-only with recordings available, and wrapped up in October 2020. All modules were approved for AIA, PHIUS, and NYS PE credits. All modules besides #8 were approved for PHI credits.
Moving forward, modules are being consolidated for digital courses, and will be offered on SWA’s Learning Management System.