PassivHaus

aka

Passive House


is definitely the newest "green" thing to hit the US.

"The term passive house (Passivhaus in German) refers to the rigorous, voluntary, Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency in buildings. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.[1] A similar standard, MINERGIE-P, is used in Switzerland [2]. The standard is not confined only to residential properties; several office buildings, schools, kindergartens and a supermarket have also been constructed to the standard. Passive design is not the attachment or supplement of architectural design, but an integrated design process with the architectural design.[3] Although it is mostly applied to new buildings, it has also been used for refurbishments.

Estimates on the number of passive houses around the world range from 15,000 to 20,000.[4] [5] The vast majority have been built in German-speaking countries or Scandinavia.[4] - wiki




How do I fit into the equation?

I am about to become a U.S. Passive House Consultant. My first class starts tomorrow! Wish me luck!