Passive Low-Energy Architecture (PLEA) is an international community of academics, professionals and industry leaders dedicated to the undertaking of ecological and environmental responsibility in architecture and planning. It is committed since 1982 to the development, documentation and diffusion of the principles of bioclimatic design and the application of natural and innovative techniques. PLEA aims to establish the highest standards of research and professionalism in building science and architecture in the interests of sustainable human settlements. PLEA pursues its objectives through conferences and workshops; expert group meetings; scientific and technical publications; architectural competitions and exhibitions.

The PLEA2009 conference took place at Laval University School of Architecture (Quebec City, Canada) from June 21st-24th 2009 on the theme « Architecture, Energy and the Occupant’s Perspective » followed by the annual retreat of the Society for Building Science Educators (SBSE) from June 25th-27th. At a time of major advances in active energy systems, the occupants’ behaviour and their interaction with building systems remain a determining factor in the success of passive low-energy strategies to reach Zero Carbon architecture and communities.