Press Release: 19 December 2014
Programme of Passive House Conference 2015 now online
International event in Leipzig with focus on highly efficient components
Darmstadt. The Passive House Standard enables every building owner to benefit from the energy revolution, with certified components ensuring cost-effectiveness. This basic concept will be the focus of the 2015 International Passive House Conference, held from 17 to 18 April 2015 in Leipzig. Speakers from all over the world will present exemplary projects and solutions for building systems, ventilation units and windows. An exhibition will provide specific examples of products currently available on the market. Conference Programme Registration Press Release
Press Release: 16 December 2014
Chinese building experts set to learn about Passive House
Delegation from Peking to visit projects in Germany and Austria
Darmstadt. No other country has seen as much construction activity as China in recent years. The Chinese government has therefore decided to bring the subject of energy efficiency to the forefront of its agenda. In an effort to learn more about the many advantages of the Passive House Standard, a senior level Chinese delegation is visiting exemplary projects in Germany and Austria. Press Release
Press Release: 9 December 2014
Number of Passive House square metres reaches one million
Energy efficient construction standard now applied throughout the world
Darmstadt. Building owners throughout the world are increasingly turning to the Passive House Standard - the number of square metres that have been certified inter-nationally has now reached one million. The symbolic threshold was crossed with the certification of a detached house in Santa Cruz in California. Almost 25 years after the construction of a prototype house in Germany, tens of thousands of tenants and home owners benefit from the low heating costs and high level of comfort provided by Passive Houses. Press Release
Press Release: 26 November 2014
Monitoring confirms efficiency of Passive House tennis hall
Former pro Stefan Edberg focuses on minimal energy consumption in Sweden
Växjö, Sweden. On the tennis court, Stefan Edberg was the number one for a long time – today the Swede is reaching top scores with his own indoor sports centre. As the first of its kind, the "Södra Climate Arena", in the former players’ hometown of Växjö, was built to Passive House Standard in 2012. New monitoring results not only confirm the low consumption values, but the heating demand during the first two years of operation was even lower than anticipated. A user survey also indicates a high level of satisfaction with the comfortable conditions inside the hall. Press Release
Press Release: 20 November 2014
Concept of step-by-step refurbishment honoured with award
EuroPHit project relies on energy efficiency through quality assurance
Darmstadt. A concept developed by the Passive House Institute for the energy-focused modernisation of buildings has won first prize in a competition. The award jury lauded the approach of a "refurbishment road map" with separate individual steps. The concept was largely developed as part of the EU project EuroPHit. The intent is to provide both a certification of such "overall road maps" as well as an energy assessment of the individual refurbishment steps in the planning tool PHPP. The award was initiated by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu). Press Release
Press Release: 12 November 2014
Component Award for windows in context of refurbishments
Winners to be presented at International Passive House Conference 2015 in Leipzig
Darmstadt. Replacing the windows in a building can improve its energy efficiency significantly, but since refurbishment work is often carried out in a step-by-step manner, flexible approaches are required. In order to highlight particularly suitable products, the Passive House Institute is announcing the Component Award for the second year. This time the focus will be on windows which provide good results both during a transitional period without façade insulation as well as after completion of the refurbishment. The winning components will be presented at the International Passive House Conference, which will be held from 17 - 18 April 2015 in Leipzig. Press Release
News: 4 November 2014
BAU 2015: Call for contributions from iPHA members
Passive House will again be present at one of the world's largest building fairs
Darmstadt. Do you have a certain project or Passive House experience you would like to present? Now is your chance to shine! iPHA and the Passive House Institute will be present yet again with an own forum at the BAU, one of the world's largest building fairs. Members of iPHA are invited to take part with 20min long, English-language presentations on exciting Passive House topics. Please send your presentation idea (title and brief description) directly to Oksana Dzeva by 11 Nov 2014. The BAU trade fair is to be held January 19 - 24 2015 in Munich.
Press Release: 30 October 2014
Speakers selected for International Passive House Conference
Experts put together a promising programme for event in Leipzig in 2015
Darmstadt. The International Passive House Conference will constitute a forum for the exchange of information regarding global trends in the field of energy efficient building construction also in 2015. Six months before the event in Leipzig, the Scientific Conference Advisory Board has selected the submissions to be presented. A wide range of subjects will be covered at the conference to be held on 17 - 18 April. The abstracts submitted this year were again of a very high standard – making the task of the 23-member committee of experts accordingly difficult. Press Release
Press Release: 28 October 2014
International Passive House Days – now also in China
Residents of energy-efficient buildings around the world open doors to the public
During the Passive House Days from 7-9 November, hundreds of buildings around the world will be open to the public again. For the first time, visits to Passive Houses will also be possible in China this year. But those wishing to experience the advantages of this construction method for themselves will have the opportunity to do so in many other countries too: in Europe and North America as well as in New Zealand, Japan and Chile. An overview of the buildings participating in the Passive House Days event can be found on the website www.passivehouse-database.org. Press Release
News: 21 October 2014
A Designer's Guide to the Passive House Planning Package
"PHPP Illustrated": A concise, step by step, visual guide to PHPP now available
Darmstadt. This user-friendly guide enables practitioners and those using the PHPP tool to fully comprehend their design scheme. Essential criteria for all low energy buildings such as the impact of orientation, envelope shape and ratio to floor area, fabric build-ups, fenestration ratio and shading effects on the energy balance are considered. The book is now available for purchase through RIBA.
Press Release, NYPH: 1 October 2014
Passive House Standard central to New York City Mayor’s plan
New York is taking serious steps towards climate protection by low-energy construction: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s new plan to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city buildings by 2050 relies on Passive House as a guiding standard for new construction and existing building renovation. The plan, released in September and named One City: Built to Last, says that nearly two-thirds of greenhouse gas reductions in New York City must come from more efficient buildings. Press Release
Press Release: 25 September 2014
Italy’s first Passive House School near Verona certified
Integrated façade ventilation makes for classrooms flooded with light and fresh air
Darmstadt/Verona. Energy efficiency and climate protection are a learning process for everyone. Consequently, a school building is always an ideal object of study in the context of building construction. An excellent example of this was inaugurated in September near Verona: the "Scuola Passiva Raldon", Italy’s first Certified Passive House School - with a ventilation system integrated into its façade. Press Release
Press Release: 19 September 2014
Sustainability award presented to Passive House pioneers
Award honours ground-breaking work of Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist
Darmstadt/Lund. A high-level recognition for contributions to energy efficiency in buildings was awarded to the Passive House pioneers Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist with the presentation of the Sustainable Building Award (Årets Framtidsbyggare) on 18 September in the university city of Lund, Sweden. Over 25 years ago, the two physicists developed the concept of a building that needs no active heating; today, the resultant Passive House Standard forms the fundamental basis for energy efficient construction throughout the world. The Award was presented by the former EU Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallström. Press Release
Press Release: 16 September 2014
PHPP with Anglo-American measurement system now available
Regular updates for certified Passive House components 
Darmstadt. A new version of the Passive House planning tool PHPP is now available for sale: the IP-PHPP, based on the imperial system of units. It was developed for the North American market where this system is used by numerous designers and architects. Entering project data for Passive Houses, EnerPHit refurbishments or other highly efficient buildings will thus be facilitated greatly. Press Release
Press Release: 10 September 2014
Founder of Passive House design to speak at conference in Maine
Dr. Feist among experts on low carbon construction at NAPHN14 on Sept. 22 - 23
More than one third of the total energy demand in North America goes towards the running of buildings. Up to 90 percent of this energy, used mainly for heating and cooling, could easily be saved by building according to the Passive House Standard. Many of the leading global experts on this low carbon construction concept will gather in Portland (Maine) on September 22nd and 23rd for the NAPHN14 Conference & Expo. The keynote speech will be given by Dr. Wolfgang Feist, founder and director of the Passive House Institute and builder of the very first Passive House. Press Release
Press Release: 8 September 2014
Pilot project shows potential of Passive House for China
Highly energy efficient apartment hotel completed west of Shanghai 
Changxing/Darmstadt. Energy efficient construction is becoming increasingly important – now also in China. A particularly good example of this has just been completed west of Shanghai: an apartment hotel in Passive House Standard. The five-storey building, inaugurated in August, is located on a research campus in Zhejiang Province. Compared with conventional residential buildings in China about 95 percent of the energy is saved. This was made possible by a project planning that was specially adapted to the hot and humid climate of the region. Press Release
Press Release: 2 September 2014
Hundreds of Passive House residents open their doors
International Passive House Days from 7 to 9 November 2014 
Darmstadt, Germany. A Passive House building does not just save costs; one of the main advantages of this energy-efficient construction method is the high level of thermal comfort it offers. Those wishing to get their own impression will have the chance to do so during the Passive House Days event which is taking place from 7 to 9 November in many countries. Experts will demonstrate how it works, residents will share their experiences. An overview of the buildings being opened to the public in various cities and regions is provided on www.passivehouse-database.org. Press Release
Press Release: 25 August 2014
Historical flair meets future-oriented energy concept
Inauguration of new Wilhelminian style Passive House building in Hamburg 
Hamburg, Germany. Traditional architectural style and the Passive House Standard work together beautifully – this is demonstrated by a fascinating new build project in Hamburg. The "Haus Winter", designed in the traditional Wilhelminian style, blends seamlessly into the historical character of the district in which it is located. At the same time, this four-storey apartment block is future-oriented with regard to energy efficiency – made possible with the planning expertise of ZEBAU, a building certifier accredited by the international Passive House Institute. Press Release
Press Release: 1 August 2014
Call for Papers: The International Passive House Conference
Forum for future-proof construction solutions on 17 and 18 April 2015 in Leipzig Darmstadt, Germany. Experts on energy efficient building and retrofitting can now submit their abstracts for the 19th International Passive House Conference. The deadline runs until 1 October, after which the best projects and solutions will be chosen for presentation on 17 and 18 April 2015 in Leipzig, Germany. The conference will place a special focus on cost-effectiveness and developments in high performance Passive House building components. Detailed information and all necessary submission documents can be found at: www.passivehouseconference.org / Press Release
Press Release: 10 June 2014
Designers and architects gear up for the future of construction
Number of certified Passive House experts globally reaches 4,000 mark 
Darmstadt, Germany. With the growing importance of energy efficient construction, the need for relevant expert knowledge is also increasing, designers and architects around the world are therefore equipping themselves with the necessary expertise. The number of certified Passive House experts has reached the 4,000 mark - examinations were recently given in more than 30 countries, in Europe and North America as well as in South Korea and New Zealand. A total of 400 specialists proved their expertise relating to future-oriented construction and refurbishment during seminars dealing with subjects ranging from the thermal protection of the building envelope to the correct use of mechanical systems technology. Press Release
News: 30 May 2014
EuroPHit Newsletter out
Retrofitting for the energy revolution
30 May 2014. The first EuroPHit newsletter is now out, reporting on happenings over the project's first year of exisitence. With the EnerPHit Standard as the goal and Passive House principles as the basis, the EU-funded EuroPHit project applies knowledge on deep energy retrofits to the oft-overlooked yet critical area of step-by-step refurbishments.
News: 28 May 2014
Italian cities subsidise Certified Passive Houses
Two Italian municipalities, Muzzano in the Piedmont region and Botticino in Lombardy, are doing their part to promote and support energy savings with new incentives for the construction or renovation of buildings with low or very low energy consumption.
In Muzzano, Certified Passive Houses are eligible for a 60% reduction in construction permitting fees (primary and secondary planning fees as well as a construction cost based fee) with a maximum discount of €20,000 for each building. In Botticino, Certified Passive Houses enjoy a 15% reduction on primary and secondary planning fees. Read more about Muzzano’s policy (in Italian) | Read more about Botticino’s policy (in Italian)
Press Release: 21 May 2014
Passive House: also a solution for hospitals
Key results of baseline study now available online on Passipedia 
Darmstadt, Germany. Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive of building types. Here too, the Passive House Standard provides a solution that results in considerable savings. The time is ripe to take advantage of this finding. In Germany, for example, many of the some 2000 hospitals are currently in need of refurbishment – likely a familiar situation in numerous countries. In the Hoechst district of Frankfurt an older hospital building is currently being replaced by a new build with a focus on maximum energy efficiency. The result will be the world's first Passive House hospital. Critical issues regarding the execution of this project were elaborated in a baseline study commissioned by the State of Hesse (in German). A compilation of the overall key results of this study is now available online on Passipedia. Press Release
News: 15 May 2014
Ukraine crisis gives weight to energy efficiency on EU agenda
15 May 2014. Following a call by 35 Ukrainian cities to increase the energy efficiency of their building stock in the name of energy independence, reports show that "fears of a gas crunch this winter have propelled energy efficiency to the top of the agenda." With the EU 2030 energy targets to be agreed in October of this year, it seems there is some recognition amongst the group of EU Energy Ministers that sharper retrofitting targets in the energy efficiency directive may be the way to go.
Read more on the EurActiv site.
Press Release: 30 April 2014
Passive House technology equips building sector for the future
International Conference shows solutions for maximum energy efficiency 
Aachen, Germany. Once completed, a building often goes untouched over the course of decades; the energy standard to which it is designed or retrofitted is therefore crucial. At the 2014 International Passive House Conference in Aachen, experts from all over the world showed how current construction practices can be made fit for the future. Recent progress on highly energy efficient building components has been groundbreaking; several examples were presented at the accompanying exhibition. Press Release | Full review
Press Release: 25 April 2014
Passive House efficiency makes energy revolution possible
Conference in Aachen showcases cost-effective solutions for climate protection 
Aachen, Germany. The building sector plays a crucial role in climate protection, with over a third of total energy consumption in industrialised countries resulting from the use of buildings. At the International Passive House Conference 2014 experts from around the world illustrated how this consumption can be reduced by up to 90 percent. The conference sessions covered the whole spectrum of energy efficient construction and refurbishment. Examples based on current projects and approaches made it clear that Passive House technology also gives rise to considerable cost savings with almost any type of building. Press Release
Press Release: 25 April 2014
Accolade for world-class architecture in Passive House Standard
Seven projects receive international Passive House Award
Aachen, Germany. Building with an eye to energy efficiency is not only cost-effective, it can also augment architectural design. This has been proven by the winners of the 2014 Passive House Award. Six buildings and one region were honored at the International Passive House Conference in Aachen: an apartment block in Berlin (Germany), a New York retrofit (USA), a seminar building in Goesan (South Korea), an art museum in Ravensburg (Germany), a building complex in Espoo (Finland), a terraced house in Philadelphia (USA) and an entire Passive House district in Heidelberg (Germany). The winning buildings as well as the finalists will be part of a travelling poster exhibition and will also be featured prominently in a book on the subject, made possible thanks to the generous support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Press Release
Press Invitation: 11 April 2014
Conference showcases solutions for the energy revolution
International platform for sustainable construction from 25 to 26 April in Aachen
Darmstadt, Germany. There is a huge potential for saving energy in the building sector; how this works in practice will be demonstrated at the International Passive House Conference taking place in Aachen, Germany. On 25 and 26 April, experts from all over the world will be presenting the latest projects and practical solutions. An accompanying Passive House components fair will provide building owners and property developers with an overview of opportunities for their own buildings. One of the highlights at this Conference is the presentation of the Passive House Award - an international architecture prize. Press Invitation
Press Release: 3 April 2014
Component Award proves Passive House windows profitable
Eleven winners to be honoured at the International Passive House Conference
Darmstadt, Germany. The winners of the first ever Passive House Component Award have been selected - a total of eleven Passive House windows will receive recognition. The real winners, however, are the building owners, for the results of this international competition demonstrate that it is possible to save money with highly efficient building components. Manufacturers offered their products at retail prices including installation for an example building - in the categories "PVC", "Wood", "Wood/Aluminium" and "Aluminium". The Award will be presented at the International Passive House Conference in Aachen, Germany. more
Press Release: 28 March 2014
Passive House Award 2014: Finalists confirmed
Winners will be announced at the Passive House Conference in Aachen
Darmstadt, Germany. The finalists of the Passive House Award 2014 have again proved that world-class architecture and the Passive House Standard complement each other perfectly. An international jury made its selection from approximately one hundred submissions. The winners will be announced on 25 April in Aachen, Germany, at the 2014 International Passive House Conference. A list of all finalists can now be viewed on www.passivehouse-award.org / Press Release
Press Release: 13 March 2014
Ten-point plan for climate protection in the building sector
Passive House Institute publishes position paper for municipalities
Darmstadt, Germany. Climate protection starts at the local level – and energy efficiency in buildings is one of the more important tasks in this respect. To assist municipalities, the Passive House Institute has published a position paper on the topic. The paper sets out a ten-point programme with specific recommendations detailing how cities and communities can take their commitment forward in an effective way. One of the focal points is the Passive House Standard, which enables energy savings of up to 90 per cent. Press Release
News: 11 March 2014
North American Passive House Conference in September
The North American Passive House Network is pleased to announce a two-day conference focused on the International Passive House Standard. Featuring Passive House projects from across the continent and around the world, the NAPH14 will provide an in-depth look at what Passive House is achieving today. The conference will take place September 22-23rd in Portland/Maine, with a keynote address by Dr. Wolfgang Feist. Read more
Press Release: 7 March 2014
Update available for Passive House Planning Package PHPP
3D tool designPH available at introductory price through 10 April 2014
Darmstadt, Germany. An update for the globally established tool for planning energy-efficient buildings is now available: PHPP 8.5. Among the new features included with this update is the capability of working with up to 500 entry fields for areas and windows – especially useful for larger projects. An updated list of Certified Passive House Components has also been included. Perhaps most importantly, this update ensures compatibility with the new 3D tool designPH, available at a greatly reduced introductory price through 10 April 2014. Press Release
Press Release: 3 March 2014
New Passive House categories also rate building energy gains
Concept to be presented at the 2014 International Passive House Conference
Darmstadt, Germany. The efficiency of the clearly defined Passive House Standard has been proven with thousands of buildings – in order to also offer a reliable means of orientation regarding the additional use of renewables, the Passive House Institute now plans to introduce new categories. These will not only take energy demand into account, but also energy supply through, for example, solar panels. In this way, Passive House offers an attractive solution for the energy revolution while also serving as the basis for the "Nearly Zero Energy Building", mandatory for all new builds throughout the EU as of 2021. Press Release
News: 28 February 2014
City of San Francisco acknowledges Passive House
The City of San Francisco has included Passive House projects in their list of options for fast-track planning approval. This comes after four years of work by members of iPHA Affiliate PHCa (Passive House California) to build awareness about the Passive House building standard and how it is being implemented in California. Link to document
Press Release: 24 February 2014
Certificate for first Passive House supermarket in Germany
Innovative project in Hanover’s zero-emissions residential area zero:e park
Darmstadt/Hanover, Germany. Although fresh food needs continuous refrigeration, achieving a low energy demand is still possible. This has been demonstrated by the first Passive House supermarket in Germany: In the pilot project, highly efficient equipment reduces energy consumption as much as possible while a well-insulated building envelope ensures that the waste heat generated by the refrigeration system is enough to cover space heating needs. Altogether, this Passive House supermarket promises 30 % in energy savings as compared to conventional supermarkets. The certificate attesting to achievement of Passive House criteria was presented at a conference of the Rewe Group in Hanover. Press Release
Press Release: 17 February 2014
Deadline for Component Award approaching
With only a few days left for manufacturers of high quality windows to submit their entries, the deadline for participation in the Component Award is fast approaching. The Award, which has been announced for the first time by the Passive House Institute, will be given for particularly energy-efficient products that are also cost-effective. The winners will be selected at the International Passive House Conference, taking place from 25 - 26 April 2014 in Aachen, Germany. Read more
News: 5 February 2014
EU parliament strengthens climate targets
A decisive vote means increased focus in efficiency and renewables
The European parliament voted to require member states to meet binding national targets on renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. In the decisive vote, 341 to 263 MEPs called for three binding targets for 2030:
- a 40% cut in greenhouse gases (compared to 1990)
- at least 30% of total energy coming from renewables
- a 40% improvement in energy efficiency.
Read an article on this in The Guardian.
Press Release: 30 January 2014
Monitoring confirms efficiency of Passive House indoor pool
Details to be presented at International Passive House Conference in April
Darmstadt, Germany.The municipal swimming pool operator in the German city of Lünen ventured into unchartered terrain when it decided to build its indoor swimming pool to the Passive House Standard some years ago. This courageous step has now paid off, as the monitoring results show. The savings in terms of energy consumption, for heating as well as for electricity, are substantial compared with other swimming pools. The monitoring carried out by the Passive House Institute also shows that even further optimisation is possible during the building’s use. The beacon in Westphalia thus forms an outstanding basis for subsequent projects. Details on this will be presented by Jessica Grove-Smith from the Passive House Institute at the International Passive House Conference in Aachen, taking place from 25 - 26 April 2014. A general article on the energy efficiency in indoor swimming pools is now available online on Passipedia. Press Release
Press Release: 23 January 2014
New components extend the scope of Passive House planning
Over a hundred certificates in 2013 – products now also available for cold climates
Darmstadt, Germany. Whether for harsh climates or unusual architectural designs: today, suitable building components are available for almost every Passive House planning challenge. The list of products certified by the Passive House Institute now totals about 500, with the addition of 103 new components in the past year alone. A particularly large number of windows and ventilation units are among these products. Nevertheless, the number of solutions in other areas which have been tested for maximum energy efficiency is also growing, ranging from sliding doors and glazing for roofs to facade anchors and insulation systems. Some of them were recently presented at the Deubaukom Trade Fair in Essen (Germany). Press Release / Component Database
