The UK’s progress towards a Passivhaus standard in new homes

The NHBC Foundation, which delivers research on housing supply and work that leads to improved technical knowledge in the house-building industry, has published a new report; The UK’s progress towards a Passivhaus standard in new homes. A follow-up to research it undertook more than ten years ago examining whether Passivhaus could address climate change objectives, this report considers the delivery of Passivhaus at scale as well as highlighting where progress has been made.

A decade on some concerns, particularly for consumers, have shifted; recent energy price increases have made homeowners more aware of the running costs of homes and the need to reduce energy consumption.

Understanding Passivhaus

Passivhaus is an energy-efficient building design and construction concept that originated in Germany in the 1980s. The concept is owned by the Passivhaus Institute of Darmstadt, which strictly regulates the certification of buildings and ensures quality standards are upheld.

The fundamental principle behind Passivhaus is to create structures that minimise the need for active heating or cooling systems. Through a combination of design strategies and high-quality building materials, Passivhaus buildings aim to maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the seasons while also substantially reducing energy consumption.

What does this mean for house builders?

There’s been an increase in the adoption of Passivhaus principles in the country's construction industry. This progress has not been at the pace that many would wish due to challenges related to education and perceived costs. The report explores the concerns raised by house builders about the feasibility of developing homes at volume to Passivhaus standards. It also looks at the barriers to adoption and highlights the opportunities being brought forward through government policies across the UK.

Passivhaus can benefit house builders through its capability beyond being ‘just’ a building standard; it’s also a premium comfort standard. By offering environmental advantages, significantly reduced utility bills and enhanced indoor air quality, it provides tangible, long-lasting benefits to the homeowner.

House builders are understandably cautious about the risks associated with adopting this approach and there’s a recognition consumers might not yet be ready for the lifestyle changes required to fully embrace living in a Passivhaus. If the long-term adoption of Passivhaus is to be used as a solution for the UK’s growing demand for energy-efficient buildings, there’s a clear need for increased understanding and funding.

The UK building industry’s ability to adapt is well-known but there also needs to be a cultural shift to support the transition to net zero homes. To reach net zero, UK homes will have to be constructed considerably closer to the Passivhaus principles. This means that the homes of the future will need to be more airtight and include new ventilation methods to accommodate this.