LEED v4 Gold vs Passive House Comparison?

Kristen Fritsch

Sustainability Coordinator

Elkus Manfredi Architects

LEEDuser Premium Member

4 thumbs up

June 3, 2020

HI All,

I have been tasked with putting together a cost comparison of doing a LEED v4 Gold building vs. making that same building Passive House. Obviously they are two different systems, with two different outcomes, and it's not really intended as a total apples to apples cost comparison, but more a value comparison for a developer. Comparing the value of the energy savings, embodied carbon benefit, and the indoor air quality. I have pulled together the usual selling points and pros and cons of each. But I am thinking I can not be the first person to do this?

Is anyone aware of a resource that looks at these two options for a multifamily 5 story residential project? Or any project type? Or is anyone aware of any PH cost comparisons? I am using the Cost of LEED v4 resource, as well as Boston's new guidebook for Zero Emission Buildings as well.

I will ask for permission from my firm to share what I come up with, with this group when it is completed.

Thanks in advance!

Kristen

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Alison Nash

Associate, Sustainabilty Coordinator

Sasaki

LEEDuser Premium Member

0 thumbs up

Fri, 06/05/2020 - 00:47

Hi Kristen, Steven Winters Associates did a detailed analysis for MIT when considering LEED v4 Multifamily Midrise vs. Passive House (PHI) for a dormitory project. My experience for 85%+ residential projects that LEED v4 New Construction BD+C isn't a very good fit- there are many credits that are not available to a majority residential project. It is quite easy without added cost to achieve LEED for Homes/ Multifamily Midrise Gold in the Boston/ Cambridge market. Passive House is new to the construction industry in our region, so has a price tag associated more with unfamiliarity and increased quality control. However, there is great overlap between PHIUS and Energy Star/ LEED for Homes. Passive House has a value for their asset in increased resiliency, thermal comfort, and durability. In my opinion, the LEED v4 multifamily project is so close to code now in MA, that there isn't really a cost difference, the only added cost would be to pay the Green Rater or LEED Admin. A comparison of the soft costs/ cost for designers - is that in your wheelhouse are you only looking at construction cost only? How does the developer value market differentiation? Do their prospective tenants value what PH can deliver? Is the building's insurance less for PH construction? Are there any mandatory resiliency requirements where the project is located that are easier to hit with PH? Which certification would yield a building with a lower carbon footprint in years 3-5 or when the develper might turn over the project? Also, don't forget to use the MA Save incentives in the mix. These generous incentives are above what is normal per unit for efficiency measures typical in a LEED project. $3,000 per unit is not unsubstantial! Good luck, Alison Nash