Progress Towards Passivhaus

The National House Building Council Foundation (NHBC) has recently published their report “The UK’s Progress Towards Passivhaus Standard in New Homes.” This publication is a follow-up to their 2012 report, offering an exploration of how the Passivhaus standard can contribute to achieving climate change objectives.

The decade-long gap between the two reports reveals a notable shift in the driving forces behind Passivhaus. Initially, the governments commitment to delivering zero-carbon homes. However, the current landscape is largely shaped by homeowners. They are increasingly motivated by the need to reduce the running costs of their homes. This change is underscored by recent surges in energy prices alongside the persistent challenges posed by climate change. In this context, the benefits of Passivhaus standard are more critical than ever before.

Focusing specifically on new builds, the report delves into the reasons why widespread adoption of Passivhaus remains elusive. While acknowledging the significant progress that has been made, the report highlights barriers. One key issue is the need for a substantial cultural shift among builders and developers. A second, the importance of educating residents about living in Passivhaus homes.

Knowledge Accumulation and Increasing Demand

Despite the progress and the growing number of certified Passivhaus properties both in the UK and worldwide, there are still significant concerns among housebuilders about the feasibility of developing homes to this standard on a large scale. Challenges such as higher upfront costs, the need for specialized skills, and longer construction times are often cited as barriers. However, with the wealth of knowledge and expertise accumulated since the last report, and with the increasing number of certified Passivhaus projects, along with increasing market demand, these concerns can be overcome. By working together, it is possible to create a future where Passivhaus homes are not the exception but the norm, leading to a more sustainable and energy-efficient housing sector.

Passivhaus principles are defined on our what is passivhuas page. If you’re interested in reading the full report, it is available for download from the NHBC website here.

While you’re on the site why not check out some of their other reports including:

Windows – making it clear: energy, daylight and thermal comfort

The challenge of shape and form: understanding the benefits of efficient design