Press Release: 20 December 2013
New software takes Passive House planning to a whole new level
Passive House Institute launches 3D design tool designPH
Darmstadt, Germany. Passive House planning has never been more convenient. The new designPH, a 3D model interface developed by the Passive House Institute, allows for graphic input of energy related design data. Details relating to the thermal building envelope and shading are entered automatically and can be optimised if necessary. The treated floor area can be gradually refined in order to simplify the design process. The results can be exported into the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP 8) with just a few clicks. Press Release / Read more
Press Release: 17 December 2013
Passive House experts provide solutions for energy revolution
2014 International Passive House Conference programme published
Darmstadt/Aachen, Germany. When it comes to energy use, it is most sustainable to focus on efficiency first. With Passive House, this is also cost-effective. Practical examples of this approach will be presented by experts from around the globe during the 2014 International Passive House Conference and framework programme, to be held from 23 - 27 April in Aachen, Germany. New projects and the latest solutions in the area of energy efficient construction will be showcased by speakers in more than a hundred lectures. An accompanying trade fair will offer an overview of the breadth of possibilities available. Press Release / Programme
Press Release: 12 December 2013
Passive House Institute presents Component Award for windows
Winners to be announced at 2014 International Passive House Conference
Darmstadt, Germany. For a Passive House building, energy efficient components are crucial. In order to recognise particularly high-quality and cost-effective products, the Passive House Institute is announcing the new Component Award. The very first Award will be given for windows and is to be presented at the International Passive House Conference, taking place from 25 - 26 April 2014 in Aachen, Germany. A reference building will form the basis of evaluation for the Component Award. Using a standardised procedure, participants will offer windows at consumer prices, installation included, for this building. Press Release / Details for submission
Press Release: 8 November 2013
Positive response to Passive House Conference call for papers
More than 200 abstracts submitted international for conference in Aachen 
Darmstadt, Germany. The professional community’s interest in Passive House is as strong as ever: evinced by the over 200 submissions in response to the 18th International Passive House Conference call for papers. For the first time, all continents were represented, with abstracts submitted from a total of 31 different countries. A great many of the abstracts focussed on non-residential buildings and dissemination and implementation. The Conference Scientific Advisory Board selected the submissions to be represented in the Aachen conference programme. Press Release
Press Release: 31 October 2013
Passive House Days provide insights with a holiday feeling
Explorer Hotels in the Alpine Region will be open to the public from 8 - 10 November
Darmstadt. The doors of hundreds of Passive House buildings will be opened to the public during the second weekend in November. Three Hotels belonging to the Explorer group located in the Alps will be among the buildings participating in the Passive House Days event, offering a first-hand Passive House experience with a holiday feeling. In the German Allgäu and Austrian Vorarlberg regions, visitors will be able to see for themselves that the Passive House level of comfort fulfils even the highest demands of holidaymakers. An overview of all participating buildings which can be viewed from 8 - 10 November can be found on the Passive House Database. Press Release
News: 15 October 2013
New database offers good overview of Passive House projects
Almost 3.000 buildings from around the world registered already
Darmstadt. Wheather just perusing or conducting a targeted search – the new version of www.passivehouse-database.org offers an attractive overview of built Passive House buildings. The almost 3.000 registered buildings from around the world show the diversity of this energy efficient standard. Projects can be found by region, building type and a variety of other criteria with the user-friendly search function. Each building's profile contains photos as well as technical details and contacts.
Press Release: 11 October 2013
Passive House experts master climatic needs of South Korea
Certificate for a new conference centre and youth hostel in Goesan
Innsbruck/Goesan. The certificate for the largest Passive house project in South Korea thus far was presented last week. The building standard could not have been better chosen for this conference centre and youth hostel project for ecological education and living in Goesan. The new building complex located amongst forests and mountains provides 30 guest rooms as well as conference, seminar and gymnastics rooms for around 70 people. Despite the greatly varying climatic conditions prevailing in Goesan throughout the year, the criteria set out by the Passive House Institute were met thanks to an extremely intelligent design. Press Release
Press Release: 27 September 2013
Clarity of facts is an opportunity to prevent serious consequences
Prof. Wolfgang Feist, Passive House Institute, on the IPCC Climate Change Report
Darmstadt/Vancouver. "Science is now in the position to acknowledge the influence of human activities on the climate. The clarity of the facts presents an opportunity to prevent serious consequences," observes Professor Dr. Wolfgang Feist, Director of the Passive House Institute, with regard to the latest IPCC report presented today (Friday) in Stockholm. Press Release
Press Release: 16 September 2013
Insights into buildings of the future
International Passive House Days from 8 - 10 November 2013
Darmstadt. Active participation in our energy future – experts will demonstrate how this is possible with Passive House while Passive House residents tell of their experiences. From 8 through 10 November 2013, for the 10th year running, the doors of hundreds of Passive House buildings will be opened to the public. Visitors will be able to see for themselves how energy efficiency and extraordinary levels of comfort go hand in hand. Visits and guided tours will take place on this second November weekend in locations around the world. Press Release
Press Release: 12 September 2013
New Passive House Components tailored to cold climates
On the heels of a skylight, two windows obtain certification
Darmstadt. In cold climates it is particularly important for Passive House buildings to retain warmth. New components make the design of such buildings in the "far North" even easier and more cost-effective. On the heels of a skylight, two windows especially suited to cold climates have been awarded certificates. All three products reach the highest efficiency level, class phA. Press Release
Press Release: 9 September 2013
Passive House also provides answer to energy efficiency in tropics
New study outlines appropriate cooling and dehumidification strategies
Darmstadt. Whether in India, Singapore or Brazil – Passive House principles also work in tropical climates. The focus, however, changes: while heating is typically not needed in these climates, efficient cooling and dehumidification methods play an important role. A new study by the Passive House Institute gives concrete design recommendations, showing that, in the Passive House of the tropics, energy demand is also drastically reduced. The complete study is now available on Passipedia. / Press Release
Press Release: 5 September 2013
New Version of Passive House Planning Package released
Suitability ensured for all climates – PHPP 8 to be followed by a new 3D design tool
Darmstadt. The new version of the software for the planning of Passive House buildings is now available, offering many benefits over its predecessor. PHPP 8 includes facilitated data entry and incorporates the latest results on the integration of renewables in building energy concepts. PHPP 8 further includes findings from recent research on high performance buildings in various regions in the world; additional calculations combined with newly validated algorithms ensure suitability for all climates, including those with cooling and dehumidification requirements. The new release can be purchased online through the Passive House Institute or local distributors. Press release
Press Release: 30 August 2013
Frankfurt housing firm builds new headquarters to PH Standard
Ground-breaking for ABG office building at the Frankfurt central station
Darmstadt, 30 August 2013. No other company has built as many Passive Houses as the ABG Frankfurt Holding. Soon, the staff of this housing and real estate firm will also benefit from the advantages of the Standard: on Monday, ground was broken for the new company headquarters. The 12,400 square metres of office space will be located on prime property set between Frankfurt’s financial district and conference centre, adjacent to an eight storey apartment building, also in Passive House Standard. The complex, being executed by owner and project developer Groß & Partner, is set to be completed by the end of 2014. Press Release
Press Release: 12 August 2013
International Passive House Architecture Competition
Only seven weeks until 2014 Passive House Award submission deadline
Darmstadt, 12 August 2013. The examples of architecture enhanced by the Passive House Standard are many; particularly outstanding projects will be acknowledged with the 2014 Passive House Award. The award will illustrate just how beautifully designed extremely energy efficient buildings can be. For this year’s award, urban planning projects will also be considered in addition to single buildings. A pre-requisite for entry is Passive House certification, whereby EnerPHit criteria will apply for refurbishments. With the energetic quality assured through certification, the assessment of submissions will focus solely on architectural design. Projects may be submitted through 30 September 2013. Press Release
News: 17 July 2013
UK Passivhaus Awards 2013
Winners selected on 4 July at the Passivhaus Trust 3rd Anniversary event
The UK Passivhaus Awards celebrates the design and performance of Passive House in the UK, aiming to gather data on performance of UK Passive House buildings and demonstrate that Passive House buildings address occupant health and well-being, energy saving and other sustainability issues. For this second ever UK Passivhaus Awards competition, shortlisted projects were presented at the Passivhaus Trust 3rd Anniversary event and awards ceremony to an audience of key industry leaders, clients, architects and engineering consultants. The audience then voted to determine the winners.
More information / Video series on the UK Awards
Press release: 16 July 2013
World's first Passive House office tower certified
International Passive House experts visit project in Vienna
Vienna. High levels of energy efficiency are all the more important when it comes to high-rise buildings. For the first time ever, an office tower in Vienna has achieved the Passive House Standard. The certificate was presented by Susanne Theumer of the Passive House Institute on the 20th floor of the building with a prime view of the old city. The glazed facade of the building on the bank of the Donaukanal ("Danube Canal") rises almost 80 metres high. The building, characterised by superior indoor air quality and minimal energy consumption, is home to 900 employees of the Austrian Raiffeisen-Holding Group. Press release
Preess release: 12 July 2013
Debut in California: first two US windows Passive House Certified
Dr. Wolfgang Feist commends pioneering spirit of manufacturing companies
Darmstadt, 12 July 2013 - The growing popularity of Passive House components has reached the United States. Casagrande Woodworks has been awarded a Passive House Institute Certificate for its window "Synergist". The highest efficiency category phA was achieved despite a short development period. At the same time, the “CaliPassiv” from Wooden Window reached the requirements of the standard. Experts within the sector are confident that local availability of Passive House components will provide an impetus for energy-efficient building in the US. Press release
Press Release: 21 June 2013
Energy company inaugurates Passive House as new headquarters
Presentation of the certificate in the Danish port city of Esbjerg
The Danish regional energy company Syd Energi (SE) has inaugurated its new headquarters in the Danish port city of Esbjerg. One of the world's largest Passive House buildings and an architectural highlight, this four-storey rotunda with a sea view not only meets the requirements of the Passive House Standard, but will also produce more energy than is required for the building’s mechanical systems. This 9000 square metre building will provide some 420 people with carbon neutral workplace. Press release
Press Release: 19 June 2013
New Passive House hotel at the edge of Lake Garda
"Bonapace" offers energy efficient rooms with holiday flair
Torbole/Innsbruck. Spending holidays in a Passive House is now also possible in the small town of Torbole at the edge of Lake Garda, where just in time for the summer holidays, a family enterprise has opened a hotel built according to the extremely energy efficient Passive House Standard. Press release
See the iPHA Passive House Stays section for other Passive House hotels
Press Release 2 May 2013
2013 International Passive House Conference Review
Passive House experts report on experiences with projects around the world
Frankfurt. "Passive House – a solid foundation for the energy revolution" – this was the motto under which more than a thousand experts on energy efficient construction gathered in Frankfurt, Germany on 19 and 20 April. Whether for sustainable refurbishments, intelligent building services or concepts for different climate regions, solutions from across the building sector were presented at the 17th International Passive House Conference, thus quickly putting to rest the oft posed question of whether society can afford the Passive House Standard. Press release
Press Release: 24 April 2013
Passive House Conference points to the future of construction and retrofitting
Efficiency is the key to the success of the energy revolution
Frankfurt, Germany. Energy-efficient and cost-effective: this is the future of construction and retrofitting, as demonstrated at the International Passive House Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. Using examples of completed projects, experts from all over the world revealed the potential of intelligent architecture for climate protection and cost savings. The spectrum of topics ranged from a "historical" new build in an old-town district of Frankfurt itself, to the demands on Passive House buildings in Mexico and Scandinavia.
More than 1000 Passive House experts from around 50 countries attended the Conference, a long-established event in the energy-efficient construction sector.
Press release
Press Release: 19 April 2013
Cost-effective energy revolution with Passive House
International conference for sustainable buildings in Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany. The energy revolution is well on its way, and Passive House offers a viable and cost-effective solution for the building sector. The latest developments and innovative projects will be presented at the 17th International Passive House Conference, held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 19 and 20 April 2013. Renowned speakers from all over the world will give lectures on a variety of topics, ranging from thermal insulation to photovoltaic systems for roofs. A trade exhibition held in parallel to the conference will provide an overview of the latest components and systems for building owners and property developers.
Press release
Press Release: 15 April 2013
Latest version of the PHPP planning tool to be launched at the 17th International Passive House Conference
Fit for renewable energies and suitable for all climates
Darmstadt, Germany, 15 April 2013. The German version of the new Passive House planning software will be available at the International Passive House Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. The PHPP 8 not only offers additional calculation methods and easier data input, but also provides a central list of Certified Passive House Components and incorporates electricity yields from photovoltaic systems. The first German copies of the new Passive House Planning Package will be available for purchase at the Passive House Institute stand on 19 and 20 April 2013.
The English version of the PHPP 8 will be available as of summer 2013.
Press release
Press Release: 4 April 2013
Pioneer Award for 1970s Zero-Energy House in Denmark
Project due to receive recognition at the Passive House Conference in Frankfurt
Darmstadt. This year's Passive House Pioneer Award for groundbreaking achievements in the field of energy-efficient construction will go to the Zero-Energy House in Copenhagen, built in the 1970s under the guidance of the late professor Vagn Korsgaard (1921 – 2012). The findings of this project proved decisive for the development of modern energy efficient buildings. Torben Esbensen, an engineer and a driving force behind the project at the Technical University of Denmark, will accept the award at the upcoming International Passive House Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. Press release
Press Release: 21 March 2013
Sicily presents Passive House pilot project
Passive House Institute founder Prof. Wolfgang Feist to attend conference in Catania, Italy
Darmstadt. Passive House is synonymous with energy efficiency, even in Mediterranean climates. This has been proven with the latest Passive House project in Sicily. Recent developments on the Italian island are to be presented this week in Catania, where Passive House Institute founder Professor Wolfgang Feist, together with other regional stakeholders, will discuss the vast potential this construction method offers the Mediterranean region. Visits to various model houses are also planned as part of the conference, organised within the framework of the EU project PassREg. Press release
Press Release: 19 March 2013
World's largest exhibition on Passive House to take place in Frankfurt, Germany
Manufacturers to show off the latest components for energy efficient construction
Darmstadt/Frankfurt, Germany. Visitors will be able to see the whole spectrum of offerings related to energy efficient construction in one place. The trade fair, taking place parallel to the International Passive House Conference on 19 and 20 April, 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany, will feature manufacturers from all over the world exhibiting their newest products ranging from insulation materials and energy efficient windows to ventilation units with heat recovery. At this leading trade fair in the Passive House sector, visitors can expect competent advice and will get the change to directly compare innovative products. Entry to the Exhibition in Hall 5.0 of the Frankfurt Congress Center will be free of charge for both construction professionals and the general public. Press release
Press Release: 14 March 2013
Ravensburg celebrates inauguration of Passive House museum
Energy-efficient building with optimal air quality for paintings and visitors
Darmstadt/Ravensburg. The new Museum of Arts in Ravensburg, Germany, not only showcases important works of art – the building itself is a masterpiece worth seeing: the first museum in the world built to the Passive House Standard. The inauguration ceremony, held on the second weekend in March 2013, celebrated not just a new meeting point for art lovers in the historical city centre, but also marked a highlight in energy-efficient construction. Press release
Photo: Herz & Lang
Press Release: 22 February 2013
Training opportunities for Passive House craftspeople worldwide
Course material now available in English, additional languages coming soon
Darmstadt, 22 February 2013. PHI’s "Certified Passive House Tradesperson" qualification is becoming increasingly popular at the international level. Two months before the International Passive House Conference in Frankfurt, Germany, the Passive House Institute has published the English version of the course material with further translations already under progress, thus responding to the increasing international demand for training opportunities in the field of energy efficient construction. Press release
Press Release: 19 February 2013
Royal Institute of British Architects recognises the Passive House
Wolfgang Feist awarded Honorary Fellowship – Visits to projects in UK
Prestigious recognition for Dr. Wolfgang Feist and the Passive House in London: The German pioneer in energy efficient construction was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The award ceremony took place on 6 February with a gala dinner held at the head office of the renowned architects association. The founder and director of the Passive House Institute and professor of building physics at the University of Innsbruck also took advantage of this trip to visit a selection of innovative building projects and exchange information with major stakeholders involved in the development of the Passive House concept in the UK. Press release
Press Release: 4 February 2013
Excursions offer insight into the Passive House variety
Conference participants get to view projects in Frankfurt and surroundings
Darmstadt, 4 February 2013 - No other city has more Passive House buildings than Frankfurt. Participants of the International Passive House Conference 2013 will be able to take a look at some selected examples including a variety of residential buildings and offices but also other buildings types such as schools and a fire station. Building owners and occupants will explain the special challenges presented by the respective projects. A total of nine guided tours will be offered on Sunday 21 April. Press release
Press Release: 31 January 2013
Royal Institute of British Architects recognises the Passive House
Wolfgang Feist awarded Honorary Fellowship – Visits to projects in UK
Darmstadt, 31 January 2013 - A prestigious recognition awaits Dr. Wolfgang Feist and the Passive House in London: The German pioneer in energy efficient construction will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The award ceremony will take place on 6 February with a gala dinner held at the head office of the renowned architects association. The founder and director of the Passive House Institute and professor of building physics at the University of Innsbruck will take advantage of this trip to visit a selection of innovative building projects and exchange information with major stakeholders involved in the development of the Passive House concept in the UK. Press release
Press Release: 22 January 2013
Passive House planning facilitated by new certified components
Dr. Wolfgang Feist presents certificates at the BAU trade fair in Munich
With record numbers of new components Passive House Institute certified, Passive House design has never been easier. A total of 134 products received the internationally recognised seal of quality in 2012, and the trend is set to continue. The often specific wishes of clients are becoming ever easier for architects to satisfy while fulfilling the highest demands in energy efficiency, with manufacturers having developed certified components such as sliding doors, dome lights and balcony systems. The Passive House Institute presented the certificates for a range of new products at the BAU 2013 trade fair in Munich. Press release
Wolfgang Feist handing over the certificate for Raico’s aluminium window frame “Frame+ 90 WI/WB"; photo: PHI
