Friends of Passive House We Need Your Help ! A groundbreaking bill, AB 368
A groundbreaking bill, AB 368, has been introduced in the California State Legislature to establish Passive House certification as an alternative compliance pathway to Title 24. This marks a significant step toward advancing high-performance, energy-efficient buildings statewide. Climate Action California has been a huge support and we are here because of them!
The bill may be heard in committee on April 2nd—here’s how you can take action now:
Sign up for Tracking Alerts to see its progress.
Email Your Representatives showing your strong support (see sample below—personalized messages have the greatest impact).
Sign Up for Public Comment and Comment! Your voice can be the difference.
This legislation presents a crucial opportunity to expand Passive House standards across California. We are actively working to ensure that both PHI and Phius certifications are recognized in the final bill language. Thank you for helping remove barriers to Passive House for Californians.
LEAVE A COMMENT TO SUPPORT THE BILL
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Representative ________,
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.
[Use this space to personalize your letter by sharing your experience with a project, living or working in Passive House, or your thoughts on the benefits of this bill.]
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.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your name, city, and zip code]
If you're interested in learning more about Passive House and getting involved in the local Passive House community, whether as a member or supporter, we encourage you to visit the non-profit organization Passive House California (PHCA).
My Letter of Support | Please send your’s as well to pass this bill !
I am writing to express my strong support for AB368 and to urge you to do the same.
The International Passive House Standard is globally recognized as the gold standard for energy efficiency in buildings, achieving exceptional performance in both hot and cold climates. Thousands of structures worldwide have successfully met its rigorous criteria, proving its effectiveness and adaptability.
Passive House design significantly reduces a building’s operational carbon emissions over its entire lifespan. By also addressing embodied carbon—the emissions associated with materials and construction processes—Passive House buildings achieve an impressively low overall carbon footprint.
The benefits are numerous: unmatched energy efficiency, superior comfort, enhanced indoor air quality, long-term durability, and excellent acoustical performance.
Additionally, integrating fire-hardened, resilient design principles with Passive House standards can be especially effective. This includes high-quality insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, optimized ventilation, and comprehensive fresh air systems.
As a licensed architect, Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD/C), and LEED Accredited Professional, my firm has completed multiple Passive House-certified homes in Los Angeles, with six buildings currently under construction and many more in planning or permitting.
We believe it would be highly valuable—and cost-effective for both owners and developers—if energy performance compliance could be demonstrated through the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). Making Passive House certification more affordable would encourage broader adoption, further reducing carbon emissions and enhancing community resilience.
Supporting AB368 would be a critical step toward promoting this proven, cost-effective, and climate-friendly building standard. I respectfully urge you to support this important legislation.
Christian Kienapfel
Architect, Certified-Passive House Designer (CPHD/C), LEED-AP
