Access to the iPHA forum is one of the many benefits of an iPHA membership. It serves as a dynamic platform for exchange with hundreds of professionals worldwide. And recently, as of February 2020, it’s been given a facelift! As such, we thought that now would be the perfect time to highlight some ways to make the most out of the forum, by highlighting some interesting forum posts.
Currently, the forum consists of groups for iPHA members, Building Certifiers and designPH users. For this post, however, we will be focusing on the categories and topics available for iPHA members, of which there are quite a few! There are categories for Social topics, FAQs, International questions/contributions, and an Archive section where you can view past questions on outdated topics. Last but not least, we have the Technical category, which is perhaps the most active category on the iPHA forum.
Each category is then broken up into subcategories. On the Technical forum, for example, you can ask questions regarding PHPP and certification, component certification, building certification, and the building envelope and building services. Within each of these subcategories, you can browse through existing posts, or create one for yourself! Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can use the forum, with the help of some of our favourite posts. If you’re interested in seeing the answer to the questions featured here, you can click on the image to be taken directly to the question on the iPHA forum!
1. Get answers to software specific questions
Software can be tricky. So it can be helpful to have somewhere to turn if you are stuck. Whether it’s with PHPP, DesignPH, or others, there’s likley someone out there who has answers.
2. Ask for directions to existing literature
There’s a lot of existing literature out there on a wide range of Passive House topics. Sometimes, you may know what you are looking for exists, but difficult to find. In that case, you can head to the forum and ask for specific directions.
3. Dare to ask what’s never been asked before
Sometimes, when working on a project, you come into contact with a problem that few (or even potentially none) have before. In that case, asking for ideas on the forum is a great way to go. That was the case for Jens, who posed this question in Nov 2019.
4. Get tips on talking to clients
The forum also has many useful posts that revolve around talking to clients. Parry had an interesting conversation with one client, who was concerned about potentially suffocating in their new Passive House. While it may seem silly, knowing how to talk to your client, and educate them on all things Passive House, is absolutely crucial.
5. Shoot your shot and ask around about job opportunities
Although this aspect of the forum has not yet seen much use, this is also the possibility to network using the forum. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with other Passive House professionals worldwide.
Carl supports our international communication activities and is the point of contact for administrative enquiries.