Every week we put our faith in action. This week we are writing our members of the California State Assembly in support of AB 368 to Advance Passive House Standards for single family and multi-family residential buildings and commercial buildings, which reduces the building’s ecological footprint. Conforming to these standards results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.

The Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee which will be hearing AB 368 on April 2^nd.

Los Angeles County Assembly Members who sit on that committee are:

• John Harabedian (41^st District, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, La Canada-Flintridge),
• Nick Schultz (44^th District, Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta),
• Pilar Schiavo (40^th District, Santa Clarita, northwestern San Fernando Valley),
• Mark Gonzalez (54^th District, Montebello, East Los Angeles, Silverlake),
• Lisa Calderon (56^th District, Whittier, Pico Rivera, Hacienda Heights),
• Rick Chavez Zbur (51^st District, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica).

Press Release on AB 368 from the Office of Assemblymember Christopher Ward, 78^th Assembly District:

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) introduced AB 368, a bill directing the California Energy Commission (CEC) to evaluate the adoption of certified Passive House (PH) energy efficiency standards as an alternative compliance pathway under Title 24 building regulations.

With California facing intensifying wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels, AB 368 aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by promoting energy-efficient construction. Buildings account for 31% of total GHG emissions, making sustainable design a key part of the state’s climate strategy.

“Passive House standards reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and create healthier, more resilient buildings,” said Assemblymember Ward. “By offering developers an alternative compliance pathway, we’re making it easier and more affordable to build sustainable homes and strengthen our communities.”

PH standards are increasingly recognized by environmental and design professionals as superior standards, which focus on airtight construction and efficient ventilation, cutting heating and cooling energy use by up to 50%. States like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have already integrated these standards, demonstrating their effectiveness in cutting emissions and improving indoor air quality. In addition to energy savings, PH buildings are more resistant to pollution, wildfire smoke, and extreme temperatures. Their design—fewer vents, better insulation, and air filtration—also enhances fire resilience by reducing ember intrusion.

“Passive House represents the next giant step forward in terms of how the built environment should be conceived and created,” said Rob Nicely of Climate Action California, the bill’s sponsor. “The current title 24 model misses key variables and does not predict actual performance.  Allowing the Passive House system as an alternative pathway would be an excellent advance.”

Currently, developers must navigate a costly dual compliance process under Title 24 to implement PH standards. AB 368 eliminates this hurdle, saving developers up to $20,000 per project and accelerating California’s clean energy goals.

Options to Take Action:

1. 1. 1. Sign a letter at the Action Table on Sunday.
      2. Click on the link to download an Action Letter you can mail.
      3. Click on this link to sign on to this action at Climate Action California.

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To find contact information for your California State Senator or California State Assemblymember check here: www.senate.ca.gov and www.assembly.ca.gov.