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LEED buildings are found to use 25 to 30 percent less energy than non-LEED buildings. But buildings can slash the heating energy consumption of a building by up to 90 percent, and overall energy consumption by 60 to 70 percent. In fact, consumption is cut by 80 to 100 percent when compared to conventional buildings. In a climate like Portland’s, a Passive House home can be fully heated all winter long with a heater the size of a hair dryer.

The Passive House concept represents today’s highest energy standard. Widespread application of the Passive House design would have a dramatic impact on energy conservation. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that buildings are responsible for 48 percent of greenhouse gas emissions annually, and 76 percent of all electricity generated by U.S. power plants goes to supply the building sector.

Only a small niche of architects and builders is knowledgeable enough to design and construct a building to achieve the Passive House designation. has teamed up with to target construction of the first Passive House apartment complex in the United States.

The Payne Apartment Project is a five-story mixed-use project slated to be built in Northeast Portland at North Williams Avenue and Northeast Beech Street. Construction should begin in late summer of 2012. Plans call for 19 units with retail space on the first floor. Some Passive-specific features include 12-inch exterior walls, triple pane windows, hydronic heating and hot water solar panels.

A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small efficient source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90 percent of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.

Jeannie Horton is the marketing director at . Contact her at [email protected].