Winthrop Center office building in downtown Boston is one of the largest buildings in the world to use passive house design.
The passive house design concept starts with the façade, which has to be well-insulated and air-tight, said Brad Mahoney, director of sustainable development at Millennium Partners Boston, which owns the building. Because of the building’s air-tight design, it also has a ventilation system that brings in fresh air. The developer said Winthrop Center provides 30% to 50% more fresh air than comparable buildings.
In Boston, buildings are responsible for nearly 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing their energy consumption could make a significant impact. Typical comparable office buildings use 150% more energy than Winthrop Center, while LEED certified buildings use about 60% more, according to the developer.in Germany. It was also awarded The Passive House Trailblazer award.