February 2023

Passive House News Round-Up

By Sarah Johnson, Outreach and Student Services Manager

Passive house principles, hailing originally from the German passivhaus movement, are gaining popularity in the net zero design industry for their simple efficiency. Passive houses harness the energy from the sun using intentional design based on the seasons and path of light. Large windows are used to heat the space using low winter sun, and overhangs to provide shade and cooling. As passive houses gain traction in the US as a viable and versatile option, more and more cities and organizations are incorporating these principles to create affordable, green public and private housing. We've done the research for you - here's the latest from the world of passive house building: affordable senior living in Boston, housing for victims of wildfires in Colorado, and new standards being set in Scotland.

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Starting Seeds

By Ian Reid, Cook & Gardener
On likely the coldest day of the year, my mind is on spring. This past week I received a few orders of seeds for Yestermorrow’s small kitchen garden - we purchased from Fedco, True Love Seeds, and the Experimental Farm Network. These will join a battalion of seeds I’ve saved and bred for the past few years while working on the coast of...

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