Why Princeton is betting big on Passive House | Massive Passive

Princeton University has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions across all operations by 2046. However, meeting this goal becomes increasingly complex when campus expansion is also in the equation. Growth often comes with higher energy demands, but Princeton is proving that sustainability and development don’t have to be at odds. To align their climate action plan with their continued expansion, the university has committed to building new housing to Phius Core 2021 standards, a rigorous Passive House certification that prioritizes ultra-low energy use, high-performance insulation, and airtight construction to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. This decision ensures that as Princeton grows, it does so in a way that minimizes its environmental footprint while providing comfortable, resilient, and highly energy-efficient living spaces for students and faculty. By integrating Passive House principles into its building strategy, Princeton is not just reducing operational emissions—it is setting a new standard for sustainable campus development. This approach will significantly lower heating and cooling loads, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and future-proof the campus against rising energy costs and climate challenges. Learn more about Passive House: https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/