23 December 2019
Better homes with less energy
Saving energy is comparatively easy in the case of buildings: these can be built so that they will not use much energy in the first place. If renewable energy is added to the mix, then sustainability is optimally implemented: “Building the future – sustainably!", this is the focal theme of the 24th International Passive House Conference 2020 in Berlin. The German Federal Ministry of Economics has assumed patronage for the conference. The call for papers has begun.
Press Release
21 October 2019
"1.5 degrees is still possible!"
The 23rd International Passive House Conference’s keynote speakers unanimously agreed that putting "energy efficiency first" is necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement’s objectives. For the first time, the annual Conference was held outside of Europe, in Gaobeidian, China. For the Passive House Institute and its partners, the conference was a success. At the close of the Conference, the Passive House Institute announced the "2020 Passive House Award" for excellence in Passive House architecture; the award ceremony will take place at the 24th Passive House Conference in Berlin.
Press Release
20 October 2019
Climate protection with comfort bonus
More climate protection in the building section is also one of the demands made by the climate activists of Fridays for Future. Extremely energy efficient buildings are part of the solution for more climate protection. Visitors will soon be able to experience first-hand, how little energy is actually required in Passive House buildings: Passive House residents around the world will be inviting the public into their homes during the Passive House Open Days from 8 till 10 November 2019.
Press Release
18 October 2019
Passive House social housing project winner of this year's Stirling Prize!
The Royal Institue of British Architects has awarded the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize for UK's best new building to a Passive House development. Goldsmith Street, developed by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley, comprises 100 highly energy-efficient Passive House homes in the city of Norwich. The low energy consumption not only saves the residents a lot of money but also makes the houses highly sustainable and climate-friendly. Stylistically, the design pays homage to Norwich's history while embracing the future. It combines the creamy clay bricks of Victorian terrace houses with modern Passive House building techniques. Having RIBA award this project with their esteemed prize is a testament to the tradition-steeped organisation's transition into one of the most progressive and sustainably-minded architectural associations. Photo Credit: Tim Crocker
28 August 2019
A new addition: energy efficiency!
The two buildings are used completely differently, but they have one important thing in common: both buildings have achieved the EnerPHit standard after an energy retrofit. The Passive House Institute recently presented the certificate for the EnerPHit retrofit of a supermarket in the Austrian town of Prutz. About 7800 kilometres away, a clothing factory in Sri Lanka also received a certificate for a successful energy efficient modernisation. This pilot project in the tropical climate will be presented in October at the 23rd International Passive House Conference in China.
Press Release
17 July 2019
China aims for high energy efficiency
China is building on a vast scale. This fact becomes apparent in Gaobeidian, a city about a hundred kilometres south of the capital, Beijing. Here, the Passive House district Bahnstadt with over 20 high-rise buildings and many multi-family houses is currently under construction. This is where the Passive House Institute, together with its partners, is inviting everyone to attend the 23rd International Passive House Conference. The theme: "Passive House worldwide". The Conference Programme is online, registration is now possible. The early booking discount is available until the end of July. The Passive House Institute offers a service webinar for questions regarding the conference.
Press Release
23 May 2019
"Time to think of the national economy"
The measuring device showed more than 84 decibels! It was clear that the story about the improvised Blower-Door test in Kazakhstan was the winner of the first-ever Passive House Slam at the Passive House Conference in Heidelberg. The mayor of Walldorf received the most applause during an earlier panel discussion. Mayor Christiane Staab demanded that for climate protection and society in general it was necessary to think in terms of the national economy rather than business economics. At the conclusion, Dr Wolfgang Feist invited the participants to the 23rd International Passive House Conference in China in October. He also revealed the city that will host the 2020 Conference
Press Release
02 May 2019
Plenty of steam around extractors
In a new study, the Passive House Institute focuses on systems for vapour extractors, with the research report also resulting in a handbook for extractor hoods in Passive House buildings. This contains the key principles for a compatible system and its dimensioning. The research findings are now available for a free download. The Institute will present the findings at the 23rd International Passive House Conference in China in autumn 2019.
Press Release
28 March 2019
Heidelberg is already building better
Heidelberg doesn't only have a beautiful historic city centre, it also boasts new urban areas that are worth seeing. The Bahnstadt in particular is striking: it is the largest Passive House district in the world. This makes Heidelberg an ideal venue for the Passive House conference "Achieve Better Buildings!". Besides expert talks and practical workshops, the Passive House Institute will also offer many new features in Heidelberg. In addition, there will be special offers for participating municipalities and housing associations.
Press Release
07 February 2019
Swimming with a clear conscience
Swimming pools constructed to the highly energy efficient Passive House Standard can help relieve the burden on municipalities significantly in the long term. This is demonstrated by two Passive House indoor swimming pools in Bamberg and Lünen (Germany), for which the Passive House Institute provided consultancy services. The Passive House Institute evaluated the pilot projects and has now published recommendations in a free handbook for planning of energy efficient pools. The handbook is also helpful for optimised operation of already existing pools.
Press Release
