WHAT IS PASSIVE HOUSE?

Passive House is an international standard and certification for buildings that targets absolute values for energy efficiency - at about a 90% improvement over typcial buildings. This is acheived through 5 main principles:

• better insulation

• avoid all thermal bridges (insulation must be continuous)

• high quality windows

• air tighness

• ventilation with heat/energy recovery

Added benefits include better quality construction, high durability, simpler mechanical systems with low maintenance, a quiet and comfortable interior and a high degree of resiliency.

WHY CERTIFY?

Building to Passive House standards does not require certification but the process of certifying brings a higher level of expectation from all those involved, and quality control from design through construction. Certification also may add value to the property now or in the future.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Building better does not mean building more expensive. While some items will have a higher cost, there are also savings to be found.

While currently case studies have shown that building to Passive House standards costs about 5% more, costs continue to decrease as more trades and industries become familiar with the methodology.

There are many factors to consider:

• Capital cost vrs return on investment calculations for reduced energy needs from better envelope

• Life cycle cost analysis – durability of materials and componets can result in higher savings over the life of the building

• Rising energy costs – accelerating ROI

• Future proofing – investing early to avoid paying more to correct later

• Balancing costs – better envelope means simpler/smaller HVAC equipment

• Value added – can increase resale value

• Comfort/health – investment in quality of life (different type of value added)

• Resiliency – can weather extreme events and outages without expensive interventions, outside costs.