Urban Decarbonization in Action: Passive House and the Future of Public Schools

Buildings account for approximately 30–40% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and in dense cities such as New York, operational emissions from buildings represent the largest share of municipal carbon output. As cities pursue aggressive climate targets, public infrastructure — particularly schools — presents a significant opportunity for measurable decarbonization. This course examines Passive House as a performance-based framework for reducing heating and cooling demand through envelope optimization, airtight construction, thermal bridge reduction, and balanced heat recovery ventilation. Participants will explore how these strategies contribute not only to energy reduction but also to improved indoor environmental quality, including ventilation stability, thermal comfort, and filtration. Drawing from research linking classroom ventilation and thermal conditions to cognitive performance and absenteeism, the course connects building science principles to educational outcomes. A case study of a Passive House public school in Downtown Brooklyn illustrates how high-performance standards can be integrated into dense urban contexts while aligning with policies such as New York City’s Local Law 31 and Local Law 97. The article provides architects, planners, and school district decision-makers with practical insights into designing civic infrastructure that supports climate resilience, public health, and long-term operational stability.