More homeowners and local councils in the United Kingdom are now opting for Passivhaus buildings. They’re just trying to insulate their properties and fight against increasing energy costs. These buildings adhere to an internationally accepted, third-party verified standard for building energy use and human comfort. They boast exceedingly high levels of insulation, triple-glazed windows, and airtight construction.
Today, the UK has more than 1,500 finished Passivhauses. Over 7,000 homes are either approved, under construction or already built, including apartments and single family homes. This rush of activity represents an amazing new demand for strong energy-efficient standards. Camden’s Passivhaus home estate really is quite a step forward! It is the biggest scheme of its kind in the country, and it includes 216 council homes that entirely eliminate energy use and related costs for residents.
Beyond sustainability, the increased interest in Passivhaus buildings is driven by a hunger for economic relief. Residents of the Camden estate have enjoyed breathtaking benefits. They all reported paying 70% less in energy bills than they had been living in their old houses. That positive trend is part of the overall move towards environmentally friendly green building that focuses on creating a comfortable space while saving you money.
Understanding Passivhaus Standards
The Passivhaus standard was developed to produce buildings with the smallest possible energy footprint. By maximizing insulation, the buildings are designed to reduce heat loss, leading to less energy required to heat the buildings. We’re able to do this through careful design and construction practices. This means retrofitting with triple-glazed windows and ensuring the building is completely airtight.
Architect Harry Paticas is currently retrofitting his 1978 mid-terrace home in London to achieve Passivhaus standards. He continued, providing further detail on where these improvements will have the most notable effects.
“The most noticeable impacts were the loft insulation and windows. That is because they were installed in one go, so we could feel the immediate impact before and after.” – Harry Paticas
He mentioned all the work has helped his home feel extremely comfortable during all the seasons now.
“It’s so much warmer in the winter and so much cooler in the summer. And that, I think, is really worth a lot.” – Harry Paticas
Upfront construction or retrofitting costs can be 4%-8% more than typical builds. Those long-term savings usually more than justify the investment. Jon Bootland, Chief Executive of the Passivhaus Trust, illustrated how these pioneering buildings significantly reduce energy demand. Simultaneously, they are keeping exceptional indoor air quality and comfort.
“It’s a way of ensuring that your building or home is very energy efficient, by reducing the energy demand – particularly for heating – down to very low levels while, at the same time, making sure the building is comfortable inside and has high levels of good indoor air quality.” – Jon Bootland
Case Studies of Successful Passivhaus Buildings
A few notable examples bring home the benefits of Passivhaus designs in real-world settings. The recently completed Old Holloway Cottage in Herefordshire, built for just £135,000 in 2017, provides a particularly strong example. Owner Juraj Mikurcik hasn’t paid a gas bill since the building was under construction. This illustrates the power of compounding savings over many years.
“We used to spend £1,500 a year on heating oil just to keep barely comfortable, and another £500 on electricity,” – Juraj Mikurcik.
His experience showcases how well-designed Passivhaus buildings can maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout the year:
“It’s this fairly constant temperature. It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer, it’s very even.” – Juraj Mikurcik
Thanks to Passivhaus, local authorities are now pushing ahead with their own social housing. One such example is Norwich City Council’s Goldsmith Street project, which featured large, complex developments next to single, small homes. All of these initiatives promote energy efficiency as a critical first step. They protect public health by providing more affordable housing with lower utility bills.
Flora Irani, a resident of a Passivhaus council home at Goldsmith Street, shared her thoughts on her new living situation:
“My rent has gone up a little bit – not much – but it’s worth it.” – Flora Irani
She acknowledged that while her new home is more efficient, rising costs elsewhere have impacted her overall financial situation:
“It’s very helpful but it’s not money for saving or doing something fun with because everything else is more expensive.” – Flora Irani
The Future of Passivhaus in the UK
Passivhaus standards is setting attendance records! The UK Passivhaus Trust has seen rapid growth, having gone from 250 to 500 members in recent years. This increase reflects the rising demand for expertise in sustainable construction practices and the need for more professionals skilled in implementing these standards.
Jon Bootland highlighted that while retrofitting existing buildings can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration of each property’s unique challenges.
“In some cases, going to the full Passivhaus retrofit standard might not be the best answer because of the amount of work needed and the effects on the fabric of the building or restrictions such as conservation area rules.” – Jon Bootland
If you’re planning on creating new residences or retrofitting your current home, Bootland advised connecting with professionals experienced with Passivhaus concepts.
“If you’re living in a period property, I would highly recommend getting a very experienced person to help you because of the potential risks.” – Jon Bootland
Heightened energy expenditures and increased awareness of environmental issues are bringing a wave of support behind energy-efficient building initiatives. So, naturally, Passivhaus is going to become even more popular all across the UK. As more new-home buyers and developers wake up to its advantages, the new standard will hopefully become a mainstay of livable, walkable, eco-friendly communities.