Passivhaus, has been in existence for more than 30 years and is now recognised as the foremost standard for maximising the energy performance of a building to help reach net zero carbon targets, with a total focus on energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability.

For a building to be certified Passivhaus, it must comply with 5 basic principles:

1. Exceptionally high levels of insulation
2. Well-insulated, triple glazed windows
3. Thermal bridge free design and construction
4. An airtight building envelope
5. Ventilation with highly efficient heat recovery

These features combine to reduce emissions and retain and recycle heat that is produced naturally by the people, appliances and other energy within the building.

Exceptional levels of insulation also serve to enhance resident comfort, keeping them naturally warm in the winter and cool in the summer without the need for air conditioning.

The air within the building is also kept clean and pure by an air exchange filter system. As a result, airborne allergens, noise and general pollution are kept out, enhancing resident health and wellbeing.

The built environment is responsible for more than 30% of carbon emissions in the UK. urbanest’s commitment to building to Passivhaus standards and our continued targeting of ‘BREEAM outstanding’ standards is a significant step toward achieving our net zero ambitions.

“The heat losses of the building are reduced so much that it hardly needs any heating at all.’’

Prof. Dr Wolfgang Feist, Director of the Passivhaus Institute, Darmstadt, Germany.