Passivhaus or Passive building is a scientifically founded building standard devised between two academic institutions in Germany & Sweden in 1991 and will celebrate it’s 30th anniversary in 2021.

With climate change high on the agenda and buildings accounting for 40% of emissions, we all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint. #Netzero targets will be accelerated by increased uptake of Passive building.

Passivhaus can be achieved for all new buildings and most full renovations of existing buildings, and is a relatively simple method. The standard is very energy efficient with reductions in heating and cooling costs of up to 90%. If you add sustainable energy sources, it is possible to achieve zero costs for heating, cooling and power. Building comfort is the main quality that is often not emphasised, and is the real benefit with year round thermal comfort - warm in winter, cool in summer

The 5 main areas of focus to deliver Passivhaus:

1. Insulation

2. Air-tightness

3. Triple-glazed highly efficient windows

4. Active ventilation with heat recovery

5. Avoidance of thermal bridging