Passivhausstandardi

Passivhausstandardi, often translated as Passive House standard, is a rigorous, voluntary building energy standard that focuses on creating ultra-low energy buildings. It originated in Germany in the early 1990s. The core principle of a Passive House is to dramatically reduce the energy required for heating and cooling through a combination of intelligent design and high-performance components.

Key features of buildings designed to the Passivhausstandardi include exceptionally high levels of insulation in the walls, roof, and floor, as well as high-performance windows and doors. Meticulous attention is paid to air tightness, preventing uncontrolled air leakage. A critical element is the use of a heat recovery ventilation system, which continuously provides fresh air while recovering a significant portion of the heat from the outgoing stale air.

Due to the minimal heating and cooling demands, Passive Houses often require very little active heating or cooling equipment, sometimes relying solely on passive solar gains, internal heat from occupants and appliances, and residual heat from the ventilation system. This results in significant reductions in energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. Furthermore, the high levels of insulation and air tightness contribute to superior indoor comfort, with stable temperatures and excellent air quality. The standard is internationally recognized and applied to a wide range of building types, from single-family homes to apartment buildings and even commercial structures.