Competent experts for energy-efficient construction
The Passive House Standard is a low-energy construction standard that is continuously being developed further. A Passive House is characterised by an especially high level of comfort with extremely low energy consumption. The energy savings for heating amount to over 80% in comparison with the legally prescribed standards for new buildings. The heating costs are extremely small – increasing energy prices do not bother Passive House occupants. The heating demand of the Passive House is less than 15kWh/(m²a); this is less than 1.5 litres of fuel oil or 1.5m³ of natural gas per square metre of living area.
The high level of energy efficiency is achieved mainly by means of passive components (e.g. thermal protection windows, insulation, heat recovery). The small remaining heating requirement can be met by means of the already existent ventilation system, for example. Each Passive House is an active contribution to climate protection.
From the outside, Passive Houses are no different from conventional houses, because the term “Passive House” refers to a standard and not a certain construction method. Good planning and careful implementation of details are decisive factors in the construction of Passive Houses.
The quality of the building envelope and building services is crucial for a Passive House. The Passive House Institute (PHI) provides various certificates which make it easier to ensure a high standard of implementation:
Certified Passive House certificate for buildings which match the PHI criteria.
EnerPHit Quality-Approved Modernisation with Passive House Components certificate.
Certified Passive House Component certificate for products which are suitable for use in Passive Houses.
Certified Passive House Designer certificate which can be attained by skilled architects and designers.
Certified Passive HouseTradesperson certificate for qualified construction professionals.
All the certificates provided by the PHI are based on published criteria and characteristics or qualifications that have been objectively verified. PHI certificates are acquired on a voluntary basis and assured by standardised contracts. The logos on the certificates are protected by copyright.
Certified Passive HouseTradespeople substantiate their sound basic knowledge of the construction of Passive Houses by passing an examination. After five years, they must provide evidence that they have maintained and advanced their existing knowledge by documenting their participation in a model Passive House project. Because knowledge is always personal in nature, only single individuals can be certified.
