New York Passive House Announces Leadership Transition

Carmel Pratt Appointed Executive Director

New York, NY – December 15, 2025 — The Board of Directors of New York Passive House (NYPH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Carmel Pratt as Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Carmel succeeds Andreas M. Benzing, NYPH Co-Founder, has been part of the organization's leadership team for the past 15 years and helped establish it as the leading Passive House trade organization in New York State and North America.

“Since co-founding NYPH, Andreas has been instrumental in shaping the organization into a trusted voice for high-performance and Passive House practice,” said Buck Moorhead, Chair of the NYPH Board of Directors. “His leadership helped grow NYPH into a strong professional community that has influenced policy, education, and best practices across the region. We are deeply grateful for his vision, dedication, and lasting impact.”

During Andreas' tenure, NYPH has played a central role in advancing Passive House adoption throughout New York, supporting professionals across design, construction, manufacturing, and development, and helping position Passive House as a cornerstone of the state's climate and building-performance goals.

Carmel Pratt brings more than 12 years of experience in the Passive House and high-performance building sector, with a background spanning architecture, affordable housing, building science, strategic development, community building, education, and executive leadership. She has worked closely with practitioners, policymakers, and industry partners to scale impact and foster collaboration across the building ecosystem.

“The Board selected Carmel for her deep alignment with NYPH’s mission, her proven leadership within the Passive House community, and her clear vision for the organization’s next phase of growth,” Moorhead added.

“I am honored to step into this role at such an exciting moment for NYPH and for the collective Passive House movement in New York,” said Carmel Pratt. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, Board, and members to strengthen our community, broaden our reach, expand professional opportunities, improve access and awareness to Passive House, and accelerate the adoption of high-performance buildings that support a resilient, low-carbon future for all.”

Reflecting on the transition, Andreas M. Benzing said, “Co-founding and leading NYPH has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. What began as a small, committed group advocating for better buildings has grown into a powerful community shaping the future of the built environment in New York. I am proud of what we have built together and excited to see Carmel lead NYPH into its next phase with clarity, collaboration, and ambition.”

The Board is confident that Carmel’s leadership will guide NYPH through its next chapter of growth and impact. A comprehensive transition plan is in place to ensure continuity, with Andreas continuing to support the organization during the transition as a strategic advisor.

Buck Moorhead,  Chair

NYPH Board of Directors