Austria is one of the leading countries in the world constructing passive houses which are ultra-low energy buildings that require up to 90% less energy than conventional biuldings. If onsite renewable energy technologies like photovoltaic panels are added, passive houses can even become zero energy buildings which are energy independent and have zero net energy consumption and zero net carbon emissions. As the building sector usually requires up to 40% of total energy consumption, low energy buildings can be an important strategy for reducing emissions. Thus, Austria will promote this technology at the Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver (February to March 2010).

The Austria House, which has been a traditional meetingplace for sportsmen and sportswomen, journalists and corporate guests at Olympic Games for 25 years, is built with passive house technology for the first time in its history. But it is not only the first passive house at the Olympic Games but also the first passive house in Canada. Apart from its presence during the Olympic Games, the Austria House should have a long-term impact as will be handed over to the Whistler Community after the Olympic Games to act as a showcase for low energy building technologies in North America.

Recently, the construction of the exterior of the Austria House was completed (visit the Austria House blog for photos and construction updates) and it won't last long until the whole building will be finalized. As the Winter Olympic Games will definitely be one of the most important events in 2010, I am sure that the Austria House will attract a lot of interest in the field of energy efficient buildings and promote Austria's know-how in this area. So, I hope that passive houses will also become popular in other regions of the world so that the passive house or zero energy buildings technology will become a standard for constructing private homes, office towers or other buildings.

Picture credits: Ira Nicolai (Österreichhaus)