A deep energy retrofit is transforming a century-old home on a busy residential block in Johnson City, Tennessee. Built in 1910, this house had survived more than 100 years without any comprehensive overhaul save for minor electrical upgrades and surface-level remodeling. Remarkably, the structure remained in good condition, retaining original plaster walls, hardwood flooring, and […]
The clean energy revolution is reshaping how we generate, distribute, and consume power. While much of the conversation focuses on solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage, one of the most impactful strategies for reducing carbon emissions is hiding in plain sight: the way we design and construct our buildings. Passive House standards represent a
Passive House design has transformed how builders and architects approach high performance construction. The rigorous energy standards demand attention to details that conventional building methods often overlook. In a presentation for the global Passive House Happy Hour, architect Jesse Thompson of Kaplan Thompson Architects shared six critical lessons drawn from years of hands-on experience with
Is Cross Laminated Timber Sustainable? A Comprehensive Analysis for Building Professionals Cross laminated timber (CLT) has emerged as one of the most talked-about building materials in modern construction, praised for its strength, versatility, and renewable origins. Yet for architects, engineers, and building professionals asking whether cross laminated timber is genuinely sustainable, the answer requires a
The challenge of retrofitting existing multifamily buildings to achieve carbon-neutral performance has long seemed insurmountable. Yet the Contechtrio podcast discussions on construction technology highlight how innovative approaches are reshaping the industry. One of the most ambitious efforts comes from New York State, where James Geppner, the RetrofitNY project manager for the New York State Energy
Imagine a home that breathes clean, filtered air, stays comfortably warm or cool without a loud HVAC system, and shields you from the noise of the outside world. This is not a luxury concept reserved for high-end architecture. It is the reality of Passive House construction, a rigorous building standard that treats the building envelope
For years, a popular saying has guided sustainable building decisions: “The greenest house is the one that is already built.” The logic seems sound. Retrofitting an existing structure avoids the upfront carbon cost of demolition and new construction. But a detailed study by Waymark Architecture and Energy Code Solutions challenges this assumption with real data.
Why Energy Efficiency Outperforms Natural Gas as a Long-Term Investment For decades, natural gas was promoted as a low-cost bridge fuel for the transition away from coal and oil. Utilities and builders invested heavily in gas infrastructure, from pipelines to gas-fired heating systems. But growing evidence shows that investing in energy efficiency delivers better returns
The clean energy revolution is advancing at remarkable speed, with solar and wind prices dropping rapidly and deployment rates breaking records year after year. This progress has led some to ask a provocative question: if renewable energy keeps getting cheaper, do we still need to invest in building efficiency? The argument goes that it might
Cross laminated timber has emerged as one of the most discussed building materials in modern construction, praised for its strength, versatility, and potential environmental benefits. But the central question remains: is cross laminated timber sustainable? The answer demands a careful look at forest management, carbon accounting, biodiversity, and the entire lifecycle of the material. Understanding
