Passivhaus is a rigorous energy‑efficiency standard that minimises a building’s space‑heating and cooling demand through a materials‑first approach. Features include very high insulation, enhanced airtightness, thermal‑bridge‑free detailing, highly‑insulated windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). The result is a low energy use environment, typically with stable internal temperatures, and improved air quality. Passivhaus projects are much less prone to performance gaps, delivering as built performance very close to designed targets. This is achieved through sound design principles, rigorous quality control and a robust certification process, overseen by the Passivhaus institute in Germany. Passivhaus can be applied to both homes and non‑residential buildings and is compatible with low‑carbon technologies to deliver predictable, improved performance.
