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Magdalena Arent, building performance consultant at architect Holmes Miller, discusses strategies for when a low energy building is required, but Passivhaus ‘doesn’t quite fi t the bill,’ and something else on the sustainability standard menu is called for.
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assivhaus certifi cation has become known as the industry’s gold standard for energy effi cient new buildings, especially in the context of the UK’s goal to achieve net zero by 2050. Architects and contractors alike are zeroing in on this rigorous standard as the blueprint for creating low-carbon structures that are built to last, performing as intended, therefore cheaper to run and more pleasant to be in. With the climate crisis intensifying,
it’s promising to see more clients taking ownership of reducing their building’s energy consumption, both at the construction phase and in its operation. Many are now recognising the importance of exploring new ways to create more sustainable buildings, and are looking for the right advice on how best to minimise their environmental impact. Passivhaus isn’t just a benchmark –
it’s the target for sustainable design we should all be striving towards. It sets absolute targets for heating and electricity use, allowing for fl exible design without neglecting non-regulated energy limits, which can signifi cantly bring down energy costs. For large commercial buildings such as leisure centres with swimming pools, and supermarkets, the reduction in fi nal energy bills can provide substantial savings. The calculations are also climate specifi c, making the Passivhaus methodology suitable for any location worldwide.
But when clients come to us looking to design green buildings, achieving full
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK Penicuik High School, a reuse project in Scotland by Holmes Miller
Passivhaus certifi cation isn’t always realistic. Its stringent requirements for airtightness, ventilation, and triple-glazed windows, for example, are often seen as expensive at a time when budgets are tight. And this isn’t the only challenge. Achieving the full Passivhaus standard also requires a level of time and commitment which some feel is too high for something that isn’t a mandatory requirement.
Governments are now recognising this though, and things look set to change in the coming years. Scotland has committed to developing a Passivhaus equivalent standard with detailed benchmarks, yet to be established, due to be mandatory by 2028. In Wales, the
Achieving the full
Passivhaus standard also requires a level of time and commitment which some feel is too high for something that isn’t a mandatory requirement
current Passivhaus label is deemed to comply with Building Regulations. There are also other ways to create sustainable buildings without having to face these challenges. And for those who can’t quite justify the added investment needed to
ADF MARCH 2025
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