Buildings are a significant culprit of carbon emissions – accountable for 35% of
total global energy consumption. Backed with over 30 years of international
evidence, Passivhaus is a tried & tested solution that gives us a range of proven
approaches to deliver net-zero-ready new and existing buildings optimised for a
decarbonised grid and augmented for occupant health and wellbeing. Passivhaus
buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort using very little energy for
heating and cooling.
Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets,
focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality
assurance process.
To achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK the accurate design model needs
to use the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) This includes:
- very high levels of insulation
- extremely high performance windows with insulated frames
- airtight building fabric
- 'thermal bridge free' construction
- a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery
To achieve the Passive House standard, you must meet the 5 main standards.
1 – High quality insulation.
2 – Heat control and robust windows.
3 – Airtight construction.
4 – Heat recovery ventilation.
5 – Thermal bridge free design.
Passivhaus buildings are so well constructed, insulated and ventilated that they
retain heat from the sun and the activities of their occupants, requiring very little
additional heating or cooling.
As an industry, we need to explore all potential options that will help minimise
the environmental impact of the structures we design and build. The reality is
that the UK needs more housing and better infrastructure, but we need to find a
more sustainable way of delivering this.