What is Passivhaus
Passivhaus is a global standard with goals of achieving net-zero buildings, and setting the standard for energy efficiency.
Originating in Germany, the 30-year-old standard, created by the Passivhaus Institute, provides a range of tried-and-tested solutions for existing and new buildings. Their whole-building approach starts at construction and continues through to operation, looking at the core of design, scrutinising materials, and infrastructure, ensuring they meet high-efficiency requirements. A Passivhaus certified project will combine heat recovery, airtightness, and insulation to create spaces with high levels of occupant comfort and well-being using minimal energy.
With clear targets certified through a rigorous quality assurance process, Passivhaus is designed to create projects with a strengthened focus on high-quality construction. Creating a better future with positive change, low energy bills and continuous fresh air.
5 Principals Of Passivhaus
The UK Passivhaus standard is built around five key principles that ensure comfortable indoor environments whilst ensuring low energy consumption.
1. Premium insulation solutions
2. High-performance windows and openings
3. Airtight construction
4. ‘Thermal bridge free’ construction
5. Continuous mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
Where does ventilation fit?
Ventilation is at the core of any Passivhaus build with the institute putting a massive emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor climates. Focusing on clean air, high efficiency, and heat recovery.
Passivhaus states that to achieve the UK standard, you are required to have “a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery”. In accordance with the Passivhaus guidelines, all certified units must have an efficiency greater than 75%, converting heat from the exhaust air to fresh air by means of a heat exchanger.
Ensuring a balanced mass flow at outdoor temperatures between -15 and +10. Products are required to be independently tested and must achieve strict targets, allowing for superior indoor air quality and energy savings.
Certified For High Performance
Our XPC and BPS Passivhaus units have been independently tested at the Passivhaus institute to ensure they meet strict thermal comfort and indoor air quality criteria. The rigorous testing process is held under realistic running conditions to ensure our heat recovery systems meet the high Passivhaus efficiency requirements.
With state-of-the-art heat recovery technology, Nuaire’s high quality units ensure a constant flow of fresh air whilst maintaining a superior indoor climate all year round. Making the XPC and BPS Passivhaus units the perfect solution for a commercial Passivhaus building project.
XPC 55 Passivhaus Certification
CIBSE Accredited CPD
With strict energy guidelines and rigorous certification processes Passivhaus can be tough to understand. To support customers, Nuaire offers a CIBSE accredited CPD: An Introduction to Passivhaus that can be held in-person or online.
The course focuses on the benefits of Passivhaus and its principles while providing in-depth knowledge on the certification process, with the aim of you leaving the session with a complete understanding of the Passivhaus accreditation and requirements.
Commercial Ventilation Systems
Our industry-leading commercial ventilation systems create sustainable and healthy environments across all building applications; built upon exceptional quality, energy-efficiency, and class-leading noise levels.
Get in touch
If you would like to know more about our Passivhaus products, please get in touch.
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