Building Codes, Efficiency & Passive House Principles On Existing Homes

On the Passive House in the Real World (with Mike Duclos) discussion board… 
Takeaways:

Homeowners looking to incorporate Passive House principles in existing buildings should consider getting a home energy audit. Still, after a home is built, serious energy reductions (say 50% to 90%) become very expensive.
Attic insulation adjustments and window treatments offer more immediate fixes toward energy efficiency.
Electricity is typically our dirtiest fuel, […]

3 Reasons to Rethink Crawlspaces in Passive House Design

On NESEA’S BuildingEnergy course Passive House Design course discussion board…
Takeaways:

Typically, Passive Houses do not feature crawlspaces (a foundation that is five feet or less, and fully enclosed — or, not vented to outside) because:

If the thermal boundary is at the home’s foundation walls, there is the added cost of the foundation wall and slab insulation.
At a minimum TFA […]