Podcast: Why Passive Building Interest is "Skyrocketing," with Phius Founder Kat Klingenberg

In this episode of Women at WIRC, we talk with passive house pioneer and founder of Phius Kat Klingenberg on why interest in the approach is "skyrocketing" and how resilience and air quality have become the primary benefits. Energy savings is just gravy.

Aug. 21, 2025

In this episode of Women at WIRC, Kat Klingenberg, founder of passive building nonprofit Phius, discusses the explosive growth in passive building interest. From building the first certified passive house in Champaign, Ill., to working on 53-story towers in Brooklyn, she explains how the movement has evolved beyond energy efficiency.

Secondary benefits like air quality and grid-resilience are now the primary selling points, "energy savings is just gravy," she says. Klingenberg addresses common misconceptions, shares practical advice for getting started, and delivers a clear message: "It's time to retool."

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