Natural Crossovers: Combining Passive House Building Science and Biogenic Materials to deliver exceptionally healthy, resilient buildings

1 PHI and 1 AIA HSW CEU approved, 1 Phius CE pending

This presentation explores the integration of biogenic building materials, non-mainstream construction techniques, and Passive House building science to create healthier, more resilient, and durable buildings. It examines the shortcomings of mainstream American construction, including outdated building codes, insufficient regulations for health and comfort, and reliance on materials and methods that compromise moisture management, durability, and thermal resilience.
Participants will learn how Passive House principles, combined with biogenic materials, offer a powerful alternative to address these challenges, resulting in buildings that prioritize occupant health, structural safety, and long-term performance. The session highlights innovative yet practical solutions for achieving superior indoor air quality, moisture control, and energy efficiency, even during power outages, while reducing environmental impact.

Learning Objectives

• Identify specific shortcomings in building codes and mainstream construction practices that compromise occupant health and building durability, such as inadequate moisture management and reliance on harmful materials.
• Evaluate metrics used to measure resilience, comfort, and indoor environmental quality, and understand their impact on occupant health and wellbeing.
• Analyze how Passive House building science improves resilience and durability through climate-specific, performance-based methodologies that address moisture dynamics, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency.
• Assess how to integrate Passive House principles with non-mainstream construction techniques and biogenic materials to create healthier, more sustainable, and resilient buildings.