JOSIE COSTANTINI, MBSc
Phius Vs. Phi Through The Lens Of Multi-unit Residential Buildings Across Canadian Climates
Read the full Master Research Paper HERE.
Energy efficient construction in Canada is where the built environment is heading in order to achieve the carbon budget targets set for the country. Standards such as Passive House are just one way that this can be achieved. There are two main standards in North America, PHIUS (Passive House Institute United States) and PHI (Passive House Institute). The goal of the study was to determine differences between the two standards and through two building designs, model them across the 7 climate zones selected, in order to determine which standard might be more adaptable to our varying climates in Canada. Two case studies were used from Hamilton, Ontario, and were modeled in both PHIUS and PHI in this climate. All 4 models were then modeled in 6 additional climate zones all over the country to determine how adaptable the standard is to each location, and what is required to get these buildings to meet the requirements if they were failing. Through this analysis the study uncovered what changes were required for colder climates like Saskatoon and milder climates like Vancouver, in order for the original building designs to pass in their new climate. This analysis not only pointed out the differences and flaws in the standards, but also provided an understanding of which standard can produce the most efficient building for a particular location. Milder climates adapted to both PHI and PHIUS, whereas climates with a lot of variability excelled in the PHIUS standard. The study provided encouraging and informative data to home builders and developers that are considering contributing to the energy efficient built environment, and what is required to get there.
Phius Vs. Phi Through The Lens Of Multi-unit Residential Buildings Across Canadian Climates
Read the full Master Research Paper HERE.
Energy efficient construction in Canada is where the built environment is heading in order to achieve the carbon budget targets set for the country. Standards such as Passive House are just one way that this can be achieved. There are two main standards in North America, PHIUS (Passive House Institute United States) and PHI (Passive House Institute). The goal of the study was to determine differences between the two standards and through two building designs, model them across the 7 climate zones selected, in order to determine which standard might be more adaptable to our varying climates in Canada. Two case studies were used from Hamilton, Ontario, and were modeled in both PHIUS and PHI in this climate. All 4 models were then modeled in 6 additional climate zones all over the country to determine how adaptable the standard is to each location, and what is required to get these buildings to meet the requirements if they were failing. Through this analysis the study uncovered what changes were required for colder climates like Saskatoon and milder climates like Vancouver, in order for the original building designs to pass in their new climate. This analysis not only pointed out the differences and flaws in the standards, but also provided an understanding of which standard can produce the most efficient building for a particular location. Milder climates adapted to both PHI and PHIUS, whereas climates with a lot of variability excelled in the PHIUS standard. The study provided encouraging and informative data to home builders and developers that are considering contributing to the energy efficient built environment, and what is required to get there.
