002 Passive Houses and Climate Change w/ James Geppner

Sustainability Now - exploring technologies and paradigms to shape a world that works

Zero Energy Buildings: Yes, they exist and your health depends on them!

James Geppner, Executive Director of Erase40.org, explains how you can save money, improve your health AND reduce carbon emissions by as much as 40% with a zero energy building/passive house. Passive houses cost dramatically less to heat/cool, provide a steady flow of clean air and reduce the amount of outside noise in our indoor environment to provide a profound positive impact on health and wellbeing. It’s a win-win, so why aren’t they more widely adopted?

James applies social science and competitive theory to determine what shapes a market, cause or behavior. The lack of adoption of passive housing inspired him to turn his talents to an extensive analysis of the market for zero energy buildings and the decision-making process of buyers, funders and end users. The goal was to find clues to reducing barriers to widespread adoption and expand market share.

James founded Erase40.org to use behavioral science to speed the adoption of zero energy buildings and has spearheaded market-based initiatives and outreach programs to forward the cause. By providing education on the high financial and health costs of fossil fuel dependent buildings, passive housing becomes a natural and easy choice. Learn what questions you should be asking when buying or renting a property. Find out what you can do to help make zero energy buildings be the go-to building choice for the future.

James Geppner is a graduate of NYU and of SGIB’s investment banking program.