An expert on building passive houses will be in Prince George next week.

On Tuesday, November 28, Marcel Studer, of Econ Group, along with Terry Dunn of the West Moberly First Nation, will share insights into emerging building codes trends in B.C., the benefits of buildings designed to the high-performance passive house standard, and opportunities to apply the standard in northern B.C. projects.

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That event will be held at the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, 1919-17th Ave., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Then, on Wednesday, November 29, Studer will present a full-day workshop on passive house design and construction. The workshop is being offered to Prince George-area residents at the special price of $50 (regularly $345).

The passive house standard is the world's most energy-efficient building design standard, according to Passive House Canada.

It requires up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy, and leaves buildings comfortable and healthy throughout the year. Because passive house buildings are built to last, their maintenance and operating costs remain low over the long term.

"High-performance buildings offer affordable, achievable solutions to building maintenance and energy costs, while maximizing occupant comfort," said Passive House Canada CEO Rob Bernhardt in a media release. "We invite Prince George-area residents and industry to join us to learn how these buildings can benefit them."

Dozens of passive house buildings are being designed or built in British Columbia. Projects in northeastern B.C. include one in Fort St. John, the Doig River Community Church, and the West Moberly First Nations Health Station. A number of affordable passive house projects are also being planned for the Fraser-Fort George region.

"With anticipated need for over 700 new rental and subsidized housing units in our region by 2021,

we are excited this course is being offered in Prince George," said Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George executive director Christos Vardacostas. "I encourage people from our communities and the construction industry to take advantage of these opportunities to help plan and build buildings that have a smaller environmental impact."

RSVP for the Tuesday event and registering for the Wednesday workshop can be done through the Passive House Canada website, www.passivehousecanada.com.