Joining the PHC Board: Why It Matters More Than Ever
In the world of buildings and the built environment, it’s no longer enough to aim for “less harm.” We need to push toward positive impact.
We’ve all seen the numbers: buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global energy use and up to 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That makes them a significant contributor to the climate crisis, but also a powerful part of the solution.
That’s why I’m very excited to have been elected to the Board of Directors of Passive House Canada | Maison Passive Canada. It’s a privilege to join an organization that’s grounded in building science and human well-being, and that is championing one of the most rigorous energy-efficiency standards in the world: Passive House.
Why Passive House?
Passive House buildings use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings. That alone is a game changer. But the benefits go even further:
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Significantly reduced energy costs
• Consistently comfortable indoor temperatures year-round (which, since moving to Canada, I’ve come to especially appreciate 😅)
• Better indoor air quality
• Acoustic comfort and resilience in the face of climate extremes
It’s a privilege to join an organization that’s grounded in building science and human well-being, and that is championing one of the most rigorous energy-efficiency standards in the world: Passive House.
Sustainability and Housing Go Hand in Hand
As we grapple with a growing housing crisis, it’s become clear: we can’t separate environmental sustainability from affordability and livability. We need to build more housing, but how we build it is just as important.
If we ignore the environmental dimension, we risk solving one crisis while accelerating another. Passive House offers a practical, proven path forward. It’s definitely part of the solution as it enables us to deliver energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and comfortable homes without compromising long-term affordability.
If we ignore the environmental dimension of the housing crisis, we risk solving one crisis while accelerating another. Passive House offers a practical, proven path forward. It’s definitely part of the solution as it enables us to deliver energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and comfortable homes without compromising long-term affordability.
Meet Passive House Canada’s Newest Directors
I’ve joined the board alongside a group of inspiring professionals who bring diverse perspectives to this work. While our backgrounds vary, from engineering and construction to sustainable design, we’re united by a shared commitment to building a better future.
Newly elected Board Members are Michael Faustini, Katerina Larson and me.
Michael Faustini brings construction and supply-chain insight from his work delivering complex, sustainable building projects, including Passive House and Zero Carbon buildings. Katerina Larson is a leader in high-performance modular construction, with deep expertise in sustainable building practices and project delivery.
Together with the rest of the board and the dedicated Passive House Canada community, we’re focused on scaling solutions that address both climate change and housing needs—solutions that are science-backed, people-centered, and grounded in real-world experience.
About Passive House Canada
Passive House Canada is a national non-profit that supports climate action through better buildings. PHC promotes the Passive House standard, an internationally recognized approach to designing and retrofitting energy-efficient, healthy, and climate-resilient buildings.
PHC works with industry, governments, and building owners in Canada and beyond to provide training, resources, and advocacy. Using a whole-building approach, we aim to reduce carbon emissions, improve building performance and help communities adapt to climate change.