What are the benefits?

The most prominent benefit of Passive House is energy efficiency. In fact, Passive Houses can achieve a 90% reduction in energy consumption for heating and cooling is possible as compared to a comparable code compliant building. Not stopping there however, Passive House also helps to design and select energy efficient lighting, appliances, and other energy using devices in your home. This attention to detail lowers energy consumption and results in greatly reduced energy bills. A in important coincidental benefit is less environmental pollution linked to power generation and reduced dependence on foreign sources of energy. The energy requirements of Passive House are so low in fact, that the addition of a small scale wind or solar system can make the home net zero energy or carbon neutral.

Indoor air quality and thermal comfort are also essential to, and major benefits of, Passive House. Indoor air quality is high because the houses rely on 100% outside air for ventilation. This means that air in a home is being replaced mechanically with exterior air on a regular basis. Furthermore, the mechanical system exhausts air from bathrooms and kitchens, places with humidity and odor, which keeps indoor air fresh and healthy. And of course, in addition to mechanical ventilation, operable windows allow the house to be naturally ventilated at any time. Passive Houses are also designed to maintain very comfortable indoor air temperatures through the careful selection of well insulated windows, walls, doors and other exterior building envelope components. The requirements of Passive House stipulate a minimum interior surface temperature which significantly improves indoor thermal comfort. In addition, the standard accounts for interior temperature fluctuations and prompts the design team to use shading, glazing, and thermal mass to ensure that the house is not subject to large swings in temperature.

Two less quantifiable benefits to Passive House are increased durability that result from the rigorous construction process and the good marketability/resale value of the building.

Passive House is the most effective means to design and build comfortable, healthy, durable, sustainable and energy efficient buildings  at an affordable cost. Whether your motivation is to be a steward of the environment, to save substantially on your energy bills, or to build a high quality home, choosing Passive House shows leadership and foresight.

What is the cost? < Read more about Passive House > What does it look like?