Passive House (Passivhaus) is a performance-based building standard that creates ultra-comfortable, energy-efficient buildings requiring minimal heating and cooling.
Originating in Germany, Passive House has become the gold standard for energy efficiency worldwide, with buildings that use up to 90% less energy than conventional construction.
Buildings so efficient they can be heated by body heat, sunlight, and everyday activities - with minimal active heating systems.
Continuous insulation throughout the building envelope with typical U-values of 0.10–0.15 W/m²·K
Prevents heat loss and maintains stable indoor temperatures
Achieve n50 ≤ 0.6 air changes per hour at ±50 Pa during blower-door testing
Eliminates drafts and uncontrolled air infiltration
Triple/quad glazing with low-e coatings and whole-window U-values ≤0.80 W/m²·K
Minimize heat transfer while maximizing solar gains
Continuous insulation with psi-values below 0.01 W/(mK) at all junctions
Prevent cold spots and energy loss at connections
Mechanical ventilation with ≥75% sensible heat recovery efficiency
Fresh air continuously while recovering energy
Alternative:
OR peak heat load ≤ 10 W/m²
Annual heating energy use per square meter
Alternative:
1.0 ACH for EnerPHit (retrofits)
Air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure
Alternative:
Renewable energy sources
All energy use including heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, appliances
Alternative:
Passive cooling strategies
Thermal comfort without active cooling
Factory-made systems reduce errors and offer greater precision in achieving airtightness and thermal performance
Two parallel stud walls with continuous insulation in the gap
No thermal bridging through studs
Interlocking foam panels filled with concrete
Eliminates need for additional insulation layers
Factory-made sandwich panels with foam core
Greater precision and reduced installation errors
Engineered wood with layers oriented at right angles
Carbon-negative and excellent thermal performance
Triple or quad-pane with low-e coatings
U-value ≤0.80 W/m²·K
Argon or krypton between panes
Reduces conductive heat transfer
Low-conductivity spacer materials
Prevents condensation at edges
Positioned in line with insulation layer
Minimizes thermal bridging
Windows must be positioned to line up with the insulation layer and minimize thermal bridging at the frame. The gasket forms a tight seal when compressed in the locked position - testing in unlocked position can compromise results.
Function
Exchanges heat only between airstreams
Efficiency
Up to 90% heat recovery
Best For
Best for cold/dry climates
Function
Exchanges both heat and moisture
Efficiency
Up to 90% total energy recovery
Best For
Best for humid climates
Ductless HRV/ERV systems provide fresh air without extensive ductwork, perfect for retrofits or spaces where traditional installation is impractical. Systems like Zehnder fit in 2×4 walls and exceed Passive House energy requirements.
Essential verification that the building meets airtightness requirements
Close all windows, doors, and intentional openings. Open all interior doors.
Install calibrated fan in main exterior door opening, typically covering entire doorway.
Generate 50 Pascals pressure difference between inside and outside.
Measure air leakage rate to calculate n50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pa).
Use thermal cameras or smoke to identify air infiltration points.
Must achieve n50 ≤ 0.6 ACH for Passive House certification.
During testing, thermal cameras or smoke detectors visually identify air infiltration points. Common weak areas include: joints, doors/windows, unsealed connections, and gaskets. Early detection allows for immediate fixes.
vs. conventional buildings
vs. code minimum
Smaller HVAC systems needed
Passive House buildings provide superior comfort, exceptional air quality, and massive energy savings - making them the future of sustainable construction.
Access official documentation and certification requirements