News & Articles

Advances Toward a Net-Zero Global Building Sector is a BIG tech paper, happily published with open access so people outside of academic institutions can actually read it. See below for...

Toward net-zero building: put this paper on your reading list

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

Rochelle Ade’s doctoral research findings have had quite a bit of media attention in recent weeks. Not surprising, given her claim that Homestar ratings aren’t delivering what they claim (and...

Small improvements are not enough

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Nov 2020

Fire rating of the building/windows is not something we usually need to worry about in new, detached single-family homes, as the clearance to the property boundaries is sufficient. But during...

Retrofit alert: know when fire-rated components are called for

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2020

We go to great lengths to maintain the certified level of MVHR efficiency in the high-performance building projects we consult on. We recommend or specify cross-counter flow heat exchangers with...

Local MVHR only 40% efficient, says BRANZ test

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2020

If Leaky Buildings 1.0 was about rain getting in where it shouldn’t, then Leaky Buildings 2.0 is all about the build-up of condensation, such that it feels like it’s raining...

Interior condensation should be expelled from school

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2020

Holy sh*t. Talk about a big shift in perspective. Let’s repeat that: “BRANZ now recommends that residential buildings are mechanically ventilated and are built to an airtightness target.” This comes...

BRANZ sees the light on mechanical ventilation

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2020

SIP manufacturer Formance has released a technical bulletin for designers focused on how to specify or calculate Formance panel performance for certified Passive House projects. The bulletin is based on...

Technical guidance for Formance SIP in Passive House projects

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2020

Great to see Tim Ross of Architype guiding James Shaw around the building site of the Dunedin co-housing project. When this project is completed next year, it will (if it...

Green co-leader backs Passive House and co-housing

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Oct 2020

Christchurch City Council’s urban design team has turned in a report that looked at 46 housing developments built since new rules were introduced in 2016 to allow for greater housing...

Focus on performance not just appearance in the Christchurch rebuild

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Sep 2020

Don’t already know about this? You’ve got some fun and learning to catch up on. This weekly gig is in its sixth month now, bringing Passive House experts together from...

Passive House happy hour: Fast, factual, fun

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Sep 2020

Fresh air is good for people but also the buildings I grumble about BRANZ, but the scientists working there are good people trying to fix problems with how we...

Mechnical ventilation is a no-brainer

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Aug 2020

We can’t solar panel our way out of climate change: energy demand must fall as well. And especially in the winter, when less solar energy is available! This alone is...

Even a ‘green grid’ has a carbon cost

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Nov 2023

This story about the American Gas Association promoting gas cooking via Instagram influencers makes me cringe. “Every time you ignite a gas stove, you’re filling your home with many of...

Cooking with gas is like idling a car in your kitchen

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Aug 2020

Finally, it’s been published. This company has been working on better buildings to address climate change since 2011 and MBIE’s announcement today is definitely causing celebration in our office. It’s...

Yes! MBIE action on climate change for building sector

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Aug 2020

And this year it is virtual. OK, it’s not the same as getting our grubby fingers on everything but there are significant benefits to seeing inside Passive Houses around the...

iPHA Passive House tour time!

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

Stuff ran an impressively long and well-researched story on Passive House and the need for net-zero buildings this week; it’s well worth a read in its entirety and a plug on...

Welcome media attention on improving NZ homes

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Aug 2020

I recommend against combustion devices in homes—all of them. Using gas to cook is particularly bad, with health impacts related to the indoor air pollution it causes. (American think tank...

Choose gas for cooking? Please don’t.

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Aug 2020