‘Passivhaus’, is a high quality building standard originating in Germany, that delivers a range of proven benefits for all building types including:
- Great comfort – warm and draught free, with good daylight, solar orientation and fresh air throughout with good indoor air quality.
- Exceptional energy efficiency – a maximum of 15 kWh/m2.annum or around 90% saving on heating bills compared to a standard house, and a maximum of 120 kWh/m2.annum for all energy use in the building.
- High quality build – high levels of insulation and high performance components.
This standard focusses on new build but there is also a retrofit passivhaus standard for existing buildings, for those achieving 25kWh/m2.annum or less.