The Phius Passive Projects Design Competition is Back!

After a one-year hiatus, the Phius Passive Projects Design Competition has returned! For the last decade, the competition has recognized trailblazing passive building projects from across North America, shining a spotlight on the best work in the field. And we can’t wait to see what this year’s competition brings.

The entry deadline is Aug. 29, so if you are ready to go, submit your project today!

This year’s winners will be announced during the opening plenary of PhiusCon 2025 on Oct. 7 in Milwaukee, offering a national stage to the Phius Certified projects that are selected as the best of the best. The competition is a unique opportunity to showcase your cutting-edge Phius passive building designs, and we’re excited to share more information about it below!

Why Enter?

The Phius Passive Projects Design Competition recognizes innovative building design across all climate zones and building typologies. Entering is an opportunity for your firm to earn national recognition and for your work to be elevated in the passive building community.

Winners receive:

• A one-year Phius Alliance membership (or extension)
• Featured case studies on the Phius website
• Coverage in Green Building & Design magazine
• Social media and press promotion
• Image of Best Overall Project displayed on the Phius homepage

Award Categories

One winner and one honorable mention will be selected for each of the categories listed below. Projects that fit multiple criteria are eligible for recognition in multiple categories.

Categories are:

• Single-Family
• High-Rise Multifamily (5+ stories)
• Low-Rise Multifamily
• Affordable
• Commercial/Institutional
• Source Zero
• Retrofit

Meet the Jurors

As we do for each iteration of the Phius Passive Projects Design Competition, we have assembled a panel of expert jurors with wide-ranging expertise in the field of passive building. 

This year’s jurors are:

• Katrin Klingenberg – Visionary Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Phius and passive building pioneer
• Sean Meyers – Wisconsin-based architect and Phius Certified Consultant (CPHC®) overseeing sustainable real estate development at Threshold Development Group
• Jonathan Bean – Phius Board Member, University of Arizona professor and design-marketing researcher advancing passive building strategies in desert climates
• John Woelfing – Past design competition winner and mixed-use design specialist with a focus on affordable housing as Principal of Dattner Architects
• Laura Briggs – Co-Founder of BriggsKnowles Studio and architecture educator focused on super efficient buildings and solar integration

Get Your Project Recognized

If you have completed a Phius Certified project in the last couple of years, the Phius Passive Projects Design Competition is your opportunity to share it with the world. Enter your project to find out how it stacks up against the most forward-thinking Phius buildings in North America!

The deadline to enter is Aug. 29. View a sample entry form to make sure you have all the necessary information before entering.

Good luck!