I am writing to express my support for AB 368 and its recognition of certified Passive House standards as a key tool in reducing California’s building-related carbon emissions.

Buildings generate 25% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Without stronger efficiency measures, we risk locking in high emissions for decades. Incorporating Passive House as an alternative compliance pathway to Title 24 will accelerate California’s shift to clean, all-electric buildings while easing grid strain.

Passive House standards cut heating and cooling energy use by up to 90%, reducing fossil fuel reliance and ensuring long-term affordability. They also improve air quality, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and lower fire risk—critical benefits for vulnerable communities and economies statewide.

We have the expertise to build safer, healthier, and more efficient buildings. AB 368 will make high-performance buildings more affordable and accessible while helping California meet climate goals faster.

Assemblymember Ward Introduces AB 368 to Advance Passive House Standards for More Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency

Growing wildfire devastation demands better-protected buildings – better protected by building design and better design of their surrounding landscape. Yet, after fire events, like in Los Angeles, there is a need to rebuild quickly. Just build it back, the thinking goes, but we can do better. Let’s build forward with fire-safe strategies integrated with Passive House building design to drive down our dependence on fossil fuels, protect people’s health, and adapt to the ever-growing threats of extreme weather. Join us as we investigate integrated approaches with Passive House, how they’ve been implemented following other wildfires, and the possibilities they demonstrate for building forward.