New Construction Program Partner Training - Phius 101

Course Description

This training session introduces New Construction Program Partners to Phius, the Passive House Institute US, and how it relates to the New Construction Program. Isaac Elnecave and Josh Ruedin provide an in-depth explanation of Phius, Passive Building standards, building principles, and dynamics, optimization of Passive Measures, quality assurance requirements, resources, and training, as well as information on renewable energy, the Phius CORE approach, and the certification process.  

The session also includes an overview of the suite of New Jersey Clean Energy Programs, focusing on the New Construction Program in particular, including its incentives and pathways with focus on the High Performance Pathway and workforce development reimbursement.  

Recorded September 5, 2025

Learning Objectives:

• Apply Phius Passive Building standards and building principles.
• Discuss optimization of Passive Measures.
• Identify Phius quality assurance requirements.
• Recall the Phius certification process.

About the Instructor:

Isaac Elnecave: Isaac Elnecave joined the Phius Certification Team in 2019. He provides design review and energy modeling services to evaluate project qualifications for Phius+ Certification. Isaac works closely with the submitting CPHC® to provide feedback on questions pertaining to energy modeling and building plans. Prior to joining Phius, Isaac worked as a policy manager focused on promoting the development, adoption and implementation of the latest building energy codes and appliance efficiency standards. Isaac also worked as a civil engineer in Southern California where he designed seismic retrofits for older buildings susceptible to damage from earthquakes. Isaac has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Mechanics from the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science as well as a Masters in Public Policy from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Josh Ruedin: Josh Ruedin joined Phius in 2021 as the Professional Training and Education Programs Manager. He oversees live and on-demand training offerings and works closely with stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure that Phius’ certification trainings and continuing education offerings provide quality learning opportunities. He has worked as a high school English teacher, managed continuing education programs for radiologists, and directed online safety and health trainings for frontline construction and industry workers. Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Course Outline

• Introductions and Overview of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program

• New Construction Program (NCP) Overview
  • NCP Incentives
  • NCP Pathways
  • High Performance Pathway

• What is Phius?

• Passive Building Principles & Dynamics

• Optimizatiom of Passive Measures

• Other Quality-related Requirements

• Phius + Renewable Energy

• Phius CORE Prescriptive 2021

• Key Players and Tools

• Phius Certification Process

• Resources and Training

• Workforce Development