Nonresidential projects shall use the eligibility criteria for the EPA ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program (MFNCP), EPA Indoor airPLUS, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home and follow the checklist requirements for those programs. These well-respected programs provide a baseline quality framework for design and construction inspection to ensure the projects are not only energy efficient but also durable, comfortable, healthy buildings.
The Phius standard sets performance thresholds to regulate investment in passive conservation strategies. Targets vary based on climate, building size, and occupant density and are set on for annual loads both peak and annual loads. Reduced peak loads provide comfort, thermal resilience during power outages, and reduced mechanical system sizes. Reduced annual loads provide lower annual operating costs for the building. Project-specific targets can be calculated using the Phius 2021 Performance Criteria Calculator.
Calculate Project Specific Targets
Source Energy is Phius' metric used to assess the total energy use of the building. Source energy takes into account the amount of energy required to provide energy to a building site including losses in extraction, production, and transmission. Source energy use can be 'net' out on an annual basis with renewable energy. The Phius ZERO COMM net source energy limit is 0. On-site and off-site renewable energy offsets qualify to meet this target, though some options are weighted higher than others. See Certification Guidebook Appendix A for more details.
Superinsulation, high performance windows and efficient mechanical systems create a comfortable, quiet building
Phius projects require minimal to no additional upfront costs, while guaranteeing substantial energy cost savings in the future for building owners and tenants.
Phius projects require minimal to no additional upfront costs, while guaranteeing substantial energy cost savings in the future.
Phius buildings have been proven to be more resilient in the event of natural disasters, such as wildfires, extreme heat and cold events and sustained power outages - providing a place of shelter when needed.
The holistic design of Phius buildings and attention to detail in the enclosure make them uniquely built for the long haul.
Superb indoor air quality is a prerequisite for Phius certification – you can count on a healthy environment. Healthy indoor air improves working conditions and cognitive performance.