In our September/October issue. Sierra introduced readers to the concept of a "passive house," a super-efficient home that cuts energy use up to 90 percent compared to a conventional newly constructed residence. A more stringent regimen than the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification program for homes, the passive house concept is common in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavian countries, and is only now gaining attention in the United States. On Sunday, the New York Times ran a comprehensive article on passive homes, along with a very nifty graphic explaining how all those energy efficiencies come together.
--Reed McManus
