Prairie Passive: The evolution of Passive House in Manitoba

High-performance buildings are often associated with high-tech design features including solar panels, energy monitoring, digital feedback systems and similar strategies that rely on sophisticated manufacturing systems and global delivery networks. But advocates for low-tech design argue that living and designing sustainably ultimately requires refocusing on simple, straightforward solutions that disincentivize waste and energy use.

Passive House is one of the leading design standards with such priorities. While frequently associated with European buildings, it also has roots in—and a continued resonance with—Canada’s Prairie provinces. Design innovations from here have contributed to the development of the Passive House standard.  It’s energizing to see Passive House construction, and buildings closely shadowing the standard, gaining a foothold in Manitoba, including the Stantec-designed FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Visitor Centre.