BRE IP12/08 PDF

This Information Paper provides an introduction to the key principles of PassivHaus design for developers, architects and aspiring self-builders. The term "PassivHaus" refers to a voluntary, ultra-low-energy construction standard developed in the early 1990s at the PassivHaus Institut, Darmstadt, Germany. The focus of PassivHaus design is to dramatically reduce the requirement for space heating and cooling. This can be achieved without compromising comfort or needing to rely on the falling costs of renewable energy technologies. PassivHaus incorporates some features of passive design (a solar efficient design combined with high thermal efficiency) but incoming fresh air is pre-heated using a carefully designed ventilation system; this is an 'active' approach.