PASSIVE HOUSE

Passive House is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. Passive design is a design process that integrates with architectural design and, although it is principally applied to new buildings, it has also been used for refurbishments. The Passive House design methodology focuses on a super insulated, airtight home where infiltration is controlled and minimized wherever possible, resulting in a building that uses up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to a conventional new home or building. ZON has team members on staff that are Certified Passive House Designers (PHI) and Certified Passive House Verifiers (PHIUS).

 

ENERPHIT

Where Passive House is primarily focused on airtight new construction projects, renovations that wish to follow the Passive House principles where practicable can achieve certification under EnerPHit. The EnerPHit standard requires the same high quality, energy efficient components such as windows, doors, ventilation, heating and cooling equipment, it sets thermal bridging and air leakage thresholds at achievable levels for retrofit projects.