Insulation Thermal Capacity: A Better Metric for Thermal Insulation in Summer
Thermal capacity is the ability of an material to delay and reduce a heat wave as it moves through a building assembly. It works alongside thermal resistance, and it measures a complementary property. R-value quantifies how much an assembly resists……
The Passive House Hotel Amenities You Can’t Photograph
What staying at America’s only Passive House hotel taught me about comfort. From Interstate 95, a massive concrete block quietly emerges above the New Haven skyline. For many people, it probably goes unnoticed. Others might glance at it and wonder……
Wildfire Smoke Filter Isn’t Enough: How to Really Protect Indoor Air
Wildfire smoke is back in the headlines, and it’s not going away. Smoke drifting down from Canadian wildfires has blanketed New York City, New Jersey, Boston, and much of the East Coast, affecting millions of people. Out West, builders in……
Title 24 Multifamily Compartmentalization: What It Means, Who’s at Risk, and How to Pass
California just changed the rules for multifamily construction—and most of the industry hasn’t caught up yet. For the first time, Title 24 requires compartmentalized blower door testing on attached dwelling units. Every unit now has to prove, with a physical……
Passive House, Warm, Hot, and Humid Climates, and Multi-Family Study.
Passive House strategies are gaining ground across the United States, though adoption remains slower in warm, hot, and humid regions. A significant factor is the persistent misconception that Passive House does not perform well in high-temperature or high-humidity conditions. The……
Passive House Retrofitting Strategies: Longevity and Efficiency
High Performance and Passive House Retrofitting Strategies for Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Buildings. How long should a building last? This question has shifted over time. Do we build for the length of a 30-year mortgage, 50 years, or a century?……
Emu Passive House Training is Now AIA Accredited
We are thrilled to announce that Emu’s comprehensive training programs are now officially accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This milestone means that design professionals can now earn valuable Passive House AIA CEU credits while mastering high-performance construction.……
Passive House Training Funding for Architects and Builders in Massachusetts
If you are running an architecture firm or construction company, you likely need Massachusetts Specialized Energy Code training now that Passive House standards are a mandate for many buildings within the state. With the new rules requiring Passive House for……
California Moves Toward Passive House Compliance with AB 368
California AB 368 Passive House Compliance Could Transform Building Efficiency Standards On May 30, the passing of California AB368 Bill marks a significant milestone for the adoption of Passive House in the State, and across the Country. In a major……
Get Ready: Summer Building Science Presentations Are Here!
Emu’s Summer Presentations Calendar Join us this Summer for a great series of free in-depth webinars and in-person social events. Deepen your knowledge of building science and Passive House and building science, and network with other professionals across the U.S.……