Stay dry: how to prevent moisture-related problems in construction

This half-day workshop is offered on 30 July 2025, immediately prior to the PHINZ hui in Christchurch. It’s designed for architects, Passive House designers and tradespeople and its practical focus will...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2026

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NZ homes are still cold, damp and unhealthy

New Zealand homes are slightly less cold in winter compared to 20 years ago. More New Zealanders appear to be heating at least some bedrooms, some of the time, to...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2026

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Useful advice on avoiding household mould

The prevalence of mould in New Zealand houses is a disgrace but it’s also not unique, as this American paper in the latest ASHRAE journal makes clear. The author claims about a...

by ike saniel

Updated: Jan 2026

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Architects get hands on

I love it when architects are genuinely curious about construction, even more when they get hands on. Auckland architects Sophie Hermann and Julie Chrystall signed up for two days of...

by Rachel Rose

Updated: Jan 2026

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The underlay dilemma: getting it right under your metal roof

When it comes to constructing or renovating a roof with metal cladding in New Zealand, one crucial component often overlooked until problems arise is the underlay. An awesome overview document...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2026

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Air sealing with sealant and backing rod: yes, you need both

When it comes to keeping our buildings weathertight and preventing unwanted airflow, the humble air seal plays a vital role. The duo of sealant and backing rod are one option to achieving...

by ike saniel

Updated: Jan 2026

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The path to decarbonisation for the aged care sector

EECA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, launched a valuable resource in 2023 to support the aged care and retirement living sector on its decarbonisation journey. The suite of tools and resources,...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2026

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Understanding Our Energy Use: The RBS as a Foundation

When we talk about how much energy our homes in Australia and New Zealand consume, chances are the data underpinning those discussions comes from the Residential Baseline Study (RBS). As highlighted in...

by ike saniel

Updated: Jan 2026

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Canada tackles the massive task of greening its buildings

We often look to other countries for examples and lessons learned in the push towards sustainable buildings. A recent article in Canada’s National Observer (July 2024) highlights the significant challenge and opportunity...

by ike saniel

Updated: Mar 2026

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Mapping residential heat demand and resulting emissions

This is a new paper by Jack et al looking at how residential space heating and hot water varies across New Zealand regions with a focus on the amounts and carbon emissions....

by ike saniel

Updated: Jan 2026

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Palmerston North’s first Passive House

Heartland city Palmerston North now has its very first certified Passive House project, Hokowhitu Passivhaus....

by Rachel Rose

Updated: Jul 2025

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Electrification is the future (and the future is now)

While electrification will drive up electrical consumption, it will simultaneously lead to a vast decrease in overall energy demand. This is primarily because of the far greater efficiency of electric...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Apr 2025

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Replicable design for energy-efficient homes in India

It’s interesting to see how other nations tackle energy efficiency in buildings. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)’s Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings in India provides...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Apr 2025

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Assessing feasibility of commercial PV generation

EECA recently published guidance for businesses weighing up commercial PV generation. As always, the devil lies in the detail, and understanding the methodology used to assess the viability of solar...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Apr 2025

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Tech overview for ECCHO now available

The technical overview for the NZ Green Building Council Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes is now available. The guide was put together by me and NZGBC’s Sam Archer. It’s...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Mar 2025

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Primary Energy Renewable (PER) is misunderstood

There are many factors that impact the amount of energy generated by a specific renewable energy system on a day-to-day basis. But none of that matters for PH Plus or...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jul 2025

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Visiting The House, a giant NYC Passive House housing complex

There’s so much to see in New York City, including lots of certified Passive House buildings. Here’s another side trip I did during last year’s family holiday. The House is...

by Jason Quinn

Updated: Jan 2025

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Keep designPH up-to-date to avoid Passive House certification hitches

Passive House designers: do you know what version of designPH you are using? It’s important you are using, if not the latest version (2.2.24 at time of writing) then 2.1.15...

by Jessica Eyers

Updated: Jan 2025

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