There’s a lot happening across the high-performance building community this month.

From buildings being tested by extreme heat and wildfire smoke, to new partnerships expanding access to Passive House education, opportunities to contribute to the international conversation, and upcoming events bringing the community together—here’s what’s happening and what’s worth keeping on your radar.

“When the air outside is dangerous, your building is either protecting you or it isn’t” — The Architect’s Newspaper

Wildfire smoke and poor outdoor air quality are becoming building-performance issues, not just outdoor environmental problems. What happens inside when opening a window is no longer the safe option?

The article explores how buildings can protect occupants during hazardous outdoor-air events, bringing attention to airtightness, ventilation, filtration, and enclosure performance. It’s a strong building-science reminder that a high-performance envelope isn’t only about reducing energy consumption—it can help create a controlled indoor environment when conditions outside become unhealthy.
Read the article — The Architect’s Newspaper

“Le Corbusier’s social housing was meant to be the dream. In a summer of extreme heat, it is a nightmare” — The Guardian

An icon of modern architecture is confronting a problem it was never designed for: today’s extreme heat. Residents report indoor temperatures reaching 35–40°C (95–104°F) during heat waves.

Designed around the climate of the 1960s, Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation in Firminy raises a very current building-science question: how do we adapt existing buildings to conditions their original designs never anticipated? Overheating, solar control, envelope performance, passive cooling, occupant comfort, and retrofit constraints are increasingly central to what “high performance” means in a changing climate.

Read the article — The Guardian

“NOMA & PHN Announce New Partnership” — The Passive House Network

NOMA and The Passive House Network are joining forces to expand education, professional development, equity, and high-performance building practices across the architecture and construction industries.

The partnership is another sign that Passive House knowledge is reaching beyond the traditional Passive House community. As energy codes and performance expectations evolve, broader access to building-science education can help architects, designers, and construction professionals translate high-performance principles into everyday practice.
Read the announcement — The Passive House Network

“Call for Papers” — 29th International Passive House Conference

The 29th International Passive House Conference is inviting professionals to share project experiences, research results, new tools, and innovations ahead of its 2027 gathering in Innsbruck, Austria. Abstracts are due August 31.

Under the theme “Energy Efficiency Unites,” the conference will bring together international experts working at the forefront of energy-efficient and Passive House design. The open call offers a useful glimpse at where the industry is heading next—from emerging research and technologies to lessons learned from real high-performance projects.
View the official Call for Papers

Upcoming Industry Events

Passive House Network – FULL CALENDAR HERE

August 26 | 12:00–2:00 PM – Wildfire Resilience & Passive House – Live Online

New York Passive House – FULL CALENDAR HERE

August 27 | 6:00–8:30 PM – NYPH Book Club Meetup: Regenerative Economics Part II

PG&E – FULL TRAINING CALENDAR HERE

Various Dates | Live + On Demand – Upcoming Building & Energy Webinars/Courses

If these stories point to anything, it’s that high-performance building is becoming more relevant—and more connected.

As our buildings face new challenges, the knowledge, research, and community around Passive House continue to grow with them. From healthier indoor environments and climate-ready design to new collaborations and ideas being shared across the industry, there’s plenty to learn from—and plenty to look forward to.

Keep the conversation going, and we hope to see you at one of the upcoming events. Explore the Emu Full Calendar HERE.

Main Featured Image © Themis Haralabides