Passivhaus is getting a rebrand
The Passivhaus standard introduces new categories and additional criteria to ensure it meets EU mandates for all new developments to be ‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ in 2021.
At the 2014 International Conference, Wolfgang Feist addressed the need for a new calculation method for primary energy demand that also considers energy production via renewable energy systems and energy storage systems. The intent is to incorporate and encourage a robust assessment of the environmental impacts of these systems. A new Primary Renewable Energy (PRE) factor has been produced that allows for a more rational way to express a building’s energy balance and climate impact.
The new certification levels address and engage a larger future market, given the need to engage the EU mandate for all new buildings to be NZEBs in 2021:
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Passivhaus Classic - rebranded current Passivhaus standard.
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Passivhaus Plus - incorporates renewable energy equipment as the building strives to meet the definition of a “nearly zero energy building.”
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Passivhaus Premium - incorporates a renewable energy system that is large enough to aim for the goal of an “energy positive” building. Achieving NZEB status is more difficult for a multistory building than it is for a single-family home, therefore certification criteria will be based on the building's footprint rather than the total floor area of the building.
An additional certification addresses 'nearly Passivhaus buildings' that have been designed with Passivhaus principles and acheived large energy reductions, but not quite acheiving the standard:
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Energy Conservation Building - may be certified with an annual space heating demand which is double that of a Passive House Classic building.
The new PRE factor and certification classifications will be incorporated into the next version of PHPP (PHPP 9), which is due to be released at the end of 2014. According to Feist, PHPP 9 will become the basis for the work of the next decade.
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The energy revolution isn't just about the expansion of renewable energies.... the efficient use of energy is critical in terms of climate protection. Dr. Heinrich Bottermann, Secretary General of the German Environmental Foundation (DBU).
Further information:
30th May 2014
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