Passivhaus Design and Certification – What do these terms mean??

Here at WARM we love working on the design and certification of Passivhaus buildings which provide a benchmark for energy efficiency, and comfort. But if you aren't directly working in Passivhaus the terminology can be confusing.

What’s the difference between a designer, consultant and a certifier? What does “Passivhaus Certified” actually mean? And what about certified products?

WHAT IS PASSIVHAUS?

Passivhaus is a whole building approach with:

•Clear, measured targets

•High-quality construction

•Thorough QA

More Info from the Passivhaus Trust.

“The Passivhaus standard has consistently shown to deliver energy-efficient, comfortable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. It is applicable to all building types from homes, schools, offices and more”

Key Roles in Passivhaus Projects :: PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER

The professional responsible for

•planning and designing buildings to meet Passivhaus

•Use tools such as PHPP (Passive House Planning Package)

to model the energy performance and

•Ensure each decision supports the desired outcomes of the standard.

See training options from Coaction, and WARM’s role.

Key Roles in Passivhaus Projects :: PASSIVHAUS TRADESPERSON

Contractors, design managers, QS, Project managers

who have developed their Passivhaus building knowledge.

•Understand the importance of sequencing, tolerances,

material selection and airtightness

•Can Identify potential issues on site and develop appropriate solutions

•Understand Passivhaus certification, what their responsibilities are and can collaborate effectively on projects to deliver a quality low-energy build.

See training options from Coaction.

Key Roles in Passivhaus Projects :: PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIER

An independent expert who reviews the design and construction

process of the project to confirm it meets the Passivhaus criteria.

•Reviews the PHPP, checks drawings and product data

•Visits site to check that what is being built meets the standards and documentation.

•The impartial nature of the role is essential to ensuring the integrity of the standard.

See our website for more info.

Passivhaus Building :: PASSIVHAUS NEW BUILD

A building which has been built and verified by a certifier to meet the Passivhaus standard. There are standards for new build including the PHI Low Energy Building standard. The standard can be applied to all building types.

Passivhaus Building :: PASSIVHAUS RETROFIT

Enerphit is the Passivhaus standard for ret­ro­fit of ex­ist­ing build­ings.

There are a range of approaches to EnerPHit which allows for existing limitations including a ‘Stepwise’ process if the retrofit can’t be completed in a single stage.

PASSIVHAUS CERTIFIED PRODUCTS

Components like Windows, doors, ventilation systems that have been checked and verified to meet Passivhaus performance requirements. These make it easier for the building to be certified. Certified products are found on the database.

Common Misconceptions

Do I need a certified designer to get a certified building?

•No but it is the best way to ensure proper use of PHPP and the right design advice. Our sister company Coaction do a great designer course! A competent designer following the Passivhaus principles and working closely with the certifier can achieve building certification. We offer consultancy services to cover situations like this.

Can the designers certify their own project?

•No - Passivhaus certification requires certifiers to be independent.

•We are Passivhaus designers and certifiers, get in touch if you want to know more about how we can support your project.

Do I need to use certified products?

•No - Certified products make compliance easier because test data is already verified.

•Performance matters most – non certified products do need performance data to verify them.

Whether New Build or Retrofit we can help with:

•Design services

•Certification

•Consultancy

•Feasibility studies to help navigate Passivhaus requirements

Contact us