Passive House Panel Discussion: Tackling Hot Topics for an Evolving Industry
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is rapidly adapting to increasingly stringent and complex building codes, most of which place heightened importance on building enclosures as a means to improve energy performance and carbon reduction. These design standards now mandate strict limits on total air leakage, elimination of thermal bridging, and increased insulation requirements. At the forefront of this evolution is Passive House (PH) design, which offers a highly effective way to meet and exceed these emerging requirements. Building codes in New York, Massachusetts, and Washington state—as well as their Canadian and European counterparts—now feature PH opt-in compliance pathways, and Massachusetts requires PH for certain building types.
In this panel discussion webinar, we will share real-world insights and experiences on PH design and construction, discussing the challenges and opportunities for the AEC industry. Our building enclosure design consultants will explore how PH can be applied to new and existing buildings and discuss how to create healthy and efficient buildings that are robust and future-proof.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify opportunities to incorporate PH design principles.
- Learn how to use PH to comply with energy code requirements.
- Understand how building enclosure performance drives efficiency and enhances occupant health and comfort.
- Discuss unique challenges of implementing PH in existing buildings.
Participants will earn 1.5 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the live webinar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register.
About the Speaker
Matthew Colturi has project experience in a range of building enclosure systems, including glass-and-metal curtain wall systems; window, roofing, plaza, and below-grade waterproofing; and cladding systems. He has taken part in investigation, design, rehabilitation, and new construction projects through all phases. Matthew uses multiple computer software packages to simulate whole-building energy analysis and conduct thermal analysis of building enclosure systems and details. He executes building enclosure performance testing, including air infiltration and water penetration of fenestration systems, infrared scanning, and whole- and partial-building air leakage tests. Matthew is a Certified Passive House Consultant and has presented and published papers on thermal bridging, enclosure performance derating, and advancing energy code requirements.
Anya LaRoche has experience in a range of building enclosure systems, including custom curtain walls, rainscreen facades, roofing, and waterproofing for contemporary and historic buildings. She has designed custom curtain wall and rainscreen systems using finite-element analysis to assess both structural and thermal performance. She has also led complex building investigations to assess both weather-tightness and structural performance issues and design corresponding repairs. She is a Certified Passive House Consultant with experience designing and executing multifamily Phius projects. She has presented and published papers on building enclosure continuity and airtightness, firesafing at enclosure systems, and Passive House verification.
Cheryl Saldanha leads SGH’s Building Science and Passive House practices and specializes in designing and evaluating building enclosures for new construction projects and existing building enclosure renovations. Her experience includes rainscreen facade, curtain wall, roofing, and waterproofing systems on a range of building types. Cheryl is adept at using multiple computer software packages to simulate building systems and details for thermal, condensation, and whole-building energy and daylighting analysis. Cheryl co-chairs the New York City Chapter of the International Building Performance Simulation Association and is a member of the NYC Commercial Energy Code Technical Advisory Committee.
Aris Tsiopoulos is a mechanical engineer with experience in both new construction and historic renovation projects, providing services from conceptual design through construction administration. He has designed, tested, and reviewed several Passive House projects, including a landmarked building seeking EnerPHit certification for its retrofit. Aris is proficient in using various computer software packages for building enclosure simulations, including structural, hygrothermal, and energy analyses. He actively contributes to building performance discussions, presenting at Passive House conferences and exploring suggestions to progress the Energy Conservation Codes.
Ali Yalaz is experienced in the investigation and remedial design of building enclosures and their subsequent construction administration. He focuses on contemporary building enclosure systems and forensic investigation of building enclosure systems, and specializes in two-dimensional conduction heat-transfer analysis based on the finite-element method. He is a certified On-Site Verifier with Phius and has worked on several Phius multifamily new construction projects as a Verifier, delivering on-site quality assurance and oversight to help project teams achieve high-performing enclosure systems and efficient mechanical systems. He has also presented and published papers on building physics, enclosure system design, and the Phius verification process.
View All Events