Passive House buildings are built according to the laws of physics to find the most economically optimal and technically feasible design. Although the cost of a Passive House building can be slightly higher than a regular build, the building envelope alone is worth the investment. A Passive House building returns on the investment with its exceptionally low heating costs after just a few short years, putting the occupants at a clear advantage. Passive House buildings are able to achieve this by concentrating on the improved quality of all building components and techniques used in their construction. Better windows, high-quality insulation as well as an efficient ventilation system with heat recovery all optimise Passive House building construction. Passive House is neither a specific building construction nor design. Instead, Passive House buildings can be designed by any experienced architect using a solid, wood or mixed construction. Existing buildings can also be retrofitted to the Passive House Standard, as the five key principles are universal.

The energy efficiency of Passive House is perfectly complemented by renewable energy. The minimal energy consumption means Passive House buildings can be supplied entirely by renewable energy sources. To make this possible, the Passive House Institute has developed an innovative planning method for optimising buildings for the use of renewable energy sources. Depending on the energy output, buildings can be certified as a Passive House Plus or Premium. With many professionals now certified as Passive House Designers and/or Tradespeople, Passive House buildings are even more economical. Even without financial support, Passive House buildings are more cost-effective in their life-cycles than conventional buildings.

The use of Passive House components in the retrofit of existing buildings is well-established. It is best to begin the retrofit by replacing the building component that is most in need of replacement. An individualised, comprehensive plan can ensure that the new measures fit together. Step-by-step, a plan leads to a comfortable building, built to the highest standard with improved insulation and significantly reduced heating costs.

Excellent insulation, triple-glazed windows as well as comfort ventilation make Passive House buildings comfortable living and working spaces. Every room maintains the same temperature, with ventilation to provide fresh air. All this can be achieved with very low heating costs, as Passive House buildings use around 90% less heating energy than regular buildings. Even when compared to low energy houses which meet the minimum legal requirements, Passive House buildings save 75% more heating energy. The quality of construction protects the structure and maintains the value of the property long-term. And of course you can open the windows!

Passive House buildings must be carefully planned and constructed. Only then can the energy goals of Passive House be achieved. To meet these goals, the Passive House Institute has developed its most important planning tool: the Passive House Planning Package, which is complemented by the 3D-Tool designPH. Quality assurance is also offered by the Passive House Institute, which assesses buildings, building components as well as professionals

The first Passive House building was completed in 1991 in Darmstadt, Germany. Since then, the Passive House principal has proven itself thousandfold. There are now over 16,000 Passive House certified housing units covering a surface area of 1,600,000m² – proving that the Passive House Standard can be implemented in a wide range of countries and climates. A selection of quality-tested examples of Passive House buildings is available on the Passive House database, which documents over 4,200 Passive House projects: Here