From 1% to 10%: Why advanced training matters now

Passivhaus is moving into the mainstream. The Standard is now being applied at scale, from estate-wide retrofits to the world’s largest Passivhaus school in Dunfermline. As adoption grows from 1% to 10%, the Trust is unlocking big lessons from bigger schemes.

Scaling Passivhaus across volume housing developments, schools, offices, and civic buildings  — introduces new challenges. From certification across multi-unit schemes to coordinating large design and construction teams, delivering Passivhaus at scale demands advanced knowledge and practical skills.

 

Key Lessons for Large & Complex Projects

The 2025 Large & Complex Passivhaus Masterclass Series tackled these challenges head-on. Across six deep-dive sessions, 15 experts shared what it really takes to deliver ambitious schemes:

• Design early: PHPP is not just a compliance tool, used strategically, it can drive value engineering and reduce risk.

• Collaboration is critical: Involving contractors, subcontractors, and certifiers from the outset leads to better buildability, smoother certification, and reduced rework.

• Retrofit is rising: Large-scale EnerPHit success lies in pragmatic detailing, clear communication, and setting the right expectations.

• Plan for certification: Scaling up doesn’t just multiply your construction effort, it magnifies the challenges of documentation, verification, and quality assurance. Experienced certifiers are invaluable in navigating this.

• Post-occupancy matters: Learning from real performance data & behaviour makes the next project even better.

These aren’t abstract theories — they’re hard-won lessons from real-world projects already pushing the boundaries of what Passivhaus can achieve.

 

 

Why it matters now

This advanced training is essential for anyone embarking on a Passivhaus project - especially as mainstreaming means larger, more complex schemes. Scaling Passivhaus to 10% adoption will mean:

• Dramatically lower energy bills for thousands of households

• Healthier, more comfortable schools and workplaces

• Real-world progress towards net zero climate action

• Buildings that are resilient in a warming world

 

A fantastic no-nonsense informative session about what to expect and where to focus for designers when it comes to certifying Large and Complex buildings. Sam McCabe, WSP UK

 

Who Needs This Training?

Whether you're pitching to clients, writing specifications, or solving detailing issues - acquire the skills, insights, and shared learning captured in the Large & Complex Masterclass Series. Certified designers can collect 12 PHI credit points for the full series.

• Architects & consultants scaling up beyond single homes.

• Developers & contractors taking on large housing, education, or public building projects

• Local authorities & housing associations delivering estate retrofits or social housing at scale

• Policymakers & clients seeking confidence that Passivhaus can deliver cost-effectively at scale

Access the latest series

If you missed the live programme, you can now purchase the full series on-demand — complete with video recordings, slides, and exclusive discounts. Watch and learn, where you want, when you want! Book your access before 31 August to enjoy an additional 10% off on top of the 20% full series discount. Gain the insider knowledge you need to succeed with Passivhaus at scale.

 

 

Attendees can earn 20 PHI credit points by completing the 2022, 2024 and 2025 Large and Complex Passivhaus on-demand webinars and quizzes.

24th August 2025

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