Kara’s last tradies course
It was the end of an era last week, when Kara Rosemeier taught her last CET (certified Passive House tradesperson) in Auckland . Knowing Kara, hers will be a very...
by Jessica Eyers
Updated: Nov 2024
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Wanted: Passive House champions
We want more Passive House champions! Resources will be released this summer to make it easier for select professionals to present the benefits and details of the Passive House standard....
by Jessica Eyers
Updated: Dec 2024
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Passive House buildings still need heating
Here in New Zealand climates, people living in certified Passive House homes need to turn the heater on sometimes. To me as a building scientist and Passive House certifier, this...
by Sara Wareing
Updated: Jan 2025
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H1 insulation requirements are not expensive
How much cost does upgraded insulation required under the revised H1 add to a new build? Much less than anecdotal figures bandied about in the media, according to some solid...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Nov 2024
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Wellington Passive House meet up
The Wellington chapter of PHINZ is hosting a social event on 3 December at the Southern Cross hotel. No presentations or talks, just a relaxed drink with friends and like-minded...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Nov 2024
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The independence of Passive House certifiers
Jessica Eyers was the architectural designer and Passive House designer for this month’s featured case study, a groundbreaking prefab straw home. Jessica ran her own architectural design company from 2012...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Nov 2024
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Climate data resource page
For Passive House calculations members of iPHA can use their tool to generate files for PHPP An indicative climate file can be generated here with this tool. Remember that the file is defined...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Mar 2026
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To advance Passive House, stop myth-busting and start reframing
Presentations by Jess Berentson-Shaw from The Workshop were a highlight of this and previous year’s PHINZ conferences. She offers science-based advice on how the Passive House community can most effectively...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Mar 2026
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ByggaF standard addresses moisture risks in a systematic process
I field questions often that go something like, what is the best way to build a CLT roof or an ICF window install or handle a three-way junction between heavy...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Oct 2024
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Temperature extremes impact personal productivity
This idea that productivity at work is linked to comfortable temperatures has been studied for many years. There’s plenty of data we can draw on to make the case for...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Oct 2024
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Ways to earn continuing education credits
Did you know your PHINZ/APA membership gives you access to leading international educational material from iPHA? And if you watch iPHA’s webinars live or very soon after, you’ll earn Passive...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Oct 2024
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Why new H1 requirements impact rammed earth construction
The improvements introduced in 2023 to the H1 Energy Efficiency requirements of the New Zealand Building Code have implications for those wishing to build their homes from some natural building...
by Rachel Rose
Updated: Oct 2024
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designPH course now available on-demand
You can supercharge your designPH skills and improve your Passive House energy modelling whenever it suits you: our short course is now available on-demand. This is particularly useful for anyone...
by Jessica Eyers
Updated: Dec 2024
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PHINZ conference highlights solutions to NZ winter energy problem
PHINZ’s annual conference has just finished in Wellington—it was a great weekend and a welcome opportunity to catch up with colleagues-friends. The programme dived deeply into carbon emissions and how...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Mar 2026
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Roofing detail provides for ventilation and adequate insulation
This detail is a good example of how to have a thin roofline but still sufficient insulation for an R6.6 roof. The advice may vary for a specific project, but...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Mar 2026
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Highlights from NZGBC Green Property Summit 2024
I attended the NZGBC Green Property Summit this month. Several presentations stood out. The first was by Sam Archer, who spoke immediately before the Minister of Climate Change—Sam sure put...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Aug 2024
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Off-grid PV systems are not carbon-friendly
It’s common for Passive House homes to have solar panels on their roofs. Every Passive House Plus or Passive House Premium project has to generate at least as much energy...
by Jason Quinn
Updated: Aug 2024
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Trickle vents cheap but not ideal
Trickle vents are making a comeback in New Zealand because in combination with small extract fans they are the lowest-cost way to meet Homestar v5 requirements for continuous ventilation. However...
by Rachel Rose
Updated: Aug 2024
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