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New & noteworthy

Don’t miss these latest resources from the Passivhaus Trust.

Air-to-water heat pumps

The basics of energy efficiency

Air-to-water heat pumps

The basics of energy efficiency
Free
5hrs
Intermediate

This short guidance note gives a comprehensive overview of the considerations that must be factored in when designing and specifying an air-to-water heat pump system.

2024

2024 Large and Complex Passivhaus Masterclass

Full Series

2024 Large and Complex Passivhaus Masterclass

Full Series
£28 – £160 + VAT
7.5hrs
Advanced

Larger UK Passivhaus projects are expanding, presenting new challenges. Our 2024 online Passivhaus Large & Complex Masterclass series continues, addressing high-demand topics. Learn about airtesting high-rise blocks, choosing MVHR systems for 100+ home developments, and bespoke non-domestic settings. We offer in-depth case studies and topic-focused sessions, led by expert practitioners. Enhance your practical and technical knowledge for large-scale Passivhaus projects.

10

2024

    Getting Started

    New to Passivhaus? Explore these introductory resources. We recommend you begin with the free online introduction to Passivhaus course. If you are interested in a particular sector such as self-build or social housing – check our curated industry sector pages

    Getting Started: Intro to Passivhaus

    Start here

    Getting Started: Intro to Passivhaus

    Start here
    Free
    2hrs
    Introductory

    Don’t know where to start? This page will introduce you to the basics of Passivhaus and its benefits.

    2024

    Passivhaus Benefits

    Getting started

    Passivhaus Benefits

    Getting started
    Free
    3hrs
    Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

    Often considered primarily as the exemplar standard for producing high-performance buildings, Passivhaus does indeed minimise energy demand, but it delivers much more. Passivhaus can slash building heating demand by 90% without compromising our health & wellbeing.

    2023

    An introduction to Passivhaus: online course

    Full Series

    An introduction to Passivhaus: online course

    Full Series
    Free
    4.5 hrs
    Introductory

    This six-part online course will lead you to an understanding of the fundamentals of the Passivhaus standard and how it can help deliver healthy, comfortable buildings as well as achieve pressing net zero targets.

    Why choose Passivhaus?

    Getting Started

    Why choose Passivhaus?

    Getting Started
    Free
    1hr
    Introductory

    This publication aims to address some of the questions that have been raised as a result, and to encourage developers and others to consider Passivhaus.

    2013

    Passivhaus Goes Personal

    Getting started: Self-build

    Passivhaus Goes Personal

    Getting started: Self-build
    Free
    2hrs
    Introductory, Intermediate

    The Passivhaus Goes Personal campaign is aimed at anyone contemplating building their own home. Discover why building to Passivhaus is good for you!

    2016

    Passivhaus Social Housing

    Maximising benefits, minimising costs

    Passivhaus Social Housing

    Maximising benefits, minimising costs
    Free
    2hrs
    Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

    This guide highlights significant synergies between the priorities of social housing providers and the multi-faceted benefits of successfully building and delivering Passivhaus homes. The aim is to explain why social housing providers should be aiming for Passivhaus and how to successfully implement the Standard.

    2019

    Passivhaus Costs Summary

    Primer

    Passivhaus Costs Summary

    Primer
    Free
    2hrs
    Introductory, Intermediate

    PHT costs & benefits guidance shows that innovation costs associated with early Passivhaus projects are now reducing as the methodology has become more widely adopted. Costs are expected to fall further once the Standard is adopted at scale.

    2023

    Embodied Carbon Primer

    Primer

    Embodied Carbon Primer

    Primer
    Free
    3hrs
    Introductory

    The Passivhaus Trust has previously published detailed guidance on Passivhaus and zero carbon and Passivhaus and retrofit. These four-page primers will give you a quick but comprehensive overview of the issues covered.

    2023

    A route to Net Zero – Retrofit

    Primer

    A route to Net Zero – Retrofit

    Primer
    Free
    3hrs
    Introductory

    The Passivhaus Trust has previously published detailed guidance on Passivhaus and zero carbon and Passivhaus and retrofit. These four-page primers will give you a quick but comprehensive overview of the issues covered.

    2023

    Operational Carbon Primer

    Primer

    Operational Carbon Primer

    Primer
    Free
    3hrs
    Introductory

    The Passivhaus Trust has previously published detailed guidance on Passivhaus and zero carbon and Passivhaus and retrofit. These four-page primers will give you a quick but comprehensive overview of the issues covered.

    2023

      Delving into details

      Grasped the basics and ready to learn more? Whether you want to deepen your understanding, develop your skills, or work towards a Passivhaus qualification, these resources are for you. 

      How to Build a Passivhaus

      Good Practice Guide

      How to Build a Passivhaus

      Good Practice Guide
      Free
      5hrs
      Introductory, Intermediate

      How to Build a Passivhaus: Good Practice Guide covers the essential topics that are key to successfully delivering a Passivhaus project. It reflects the most recent evolution of best practice approaches to designing and building to the Passivhaus and EnerPHit standards.

      2023

      RIBA Passivhaus Overlay

      Getting Started

      RIBA Passivhaus Overlay

      Getting Started
      Free
      5hrs
      Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

      A new tool to help streamline RIBA Plan of Work processes to optimise the delivery of Passivhaus projects, has just been launched.

      2023

      Passivhaus & Embodied Carbon

      Passivhaus & Embodied Carbon

      Passivhaus & Embodied Carbon

      Passivhaus & Embodied Carbon
      £19 – £28 + VAT
      1hr 45min
      Intermediate

      Explore the relationship between Passivhaus and embodied carbon. Get access to the on-demand recording of the popular webinar to learn more about the Trust’s Embodied Carbon paper, followed by engaging presentations from key experts. It is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand from industry practitioners as they share real-life case studies and valuable lessons learnt.

      2

      2022

      How to Build a Passivhaus Series

      Full Series

      How to Build a Passivhaus Series

      Full Series
      £25 – £112 + VAT
      6 hrs
      Intermediate

      As the adoption of Passivhaus continues to grow in the UK, we are watching more sizeable projects emerge with increasing complexities that bring new challenges. This on-demand mini-series covers some exciting, detailed case studies & the latest research on large & complex Passivhaus.

      8

      2023

        Masterclasses

        Aiming for mastery? For those with more Passivhaus experience, these resources explore advanced concepts & specialised tools. Elevate your ability to lead and innovate in the field.

        2024 Large and Complex Passivhaus Masterclass

        Full Series

        2024 Large and Complex Passivhaus Masterclass

        Full Series
        £28 – £160 + VAT
        7.5hrs
        Advanced

        Larger UK Passivhaus projects are expanding, presenting new challenges. Our 2024 online Passivhaus Large & Complex Masterclass series continues, addressing high-demand topics. Learn about airtesting high-rise blocks, choosing MVHR systems for 100+ home developments, and bespoke non-domestic settings. We offer in-depth case studies and topic-focused sessions, led by expert practitioners. Enhance your practical and technical knowledge for large-scale Passivhaus projects.

        10

        2024

        2022 Large and Complex Passivhaus Masterclass

        Full Series

        2022 Large and Complex Passivhaus Masterclass

        Full Series
        £19 – £90 + VAT
        9.5hrs
        Advanced

        As the adoption of Passivhaus continues to grow in the UK, we are watching more sizeable projects emerge with increasing complexities that bring new challenges. This on-demand mini-series covers some exciting, detailed case studies & the latest research on large & complex Passivhaus.

        12

        2022

        Passivhaus Retrofit lecture series

        Full Series

        Passivhaus Retrofit lecture series

        Full Series
        £15 – £90 + VAT
        9 hrs
        Advanced

        This series is for anyone interested in designing and delivering Passivhaus retrofit. Learn from expert practitioners to enrich your practical and technical knowledge about EnerPHit, the Passivhaus retrofit standard, and how to apply it to your projects.

        12

        2022

          Good Practice Guides

          Good Practice Guides provide in-depth, practical advice on implementing Passivhaus standards. These comprehensive resources offer step-by-step guidance, best practices, and lessons learned to ensure successful design, construction, and performance of Passivhaus buildings. 

          How to Build a Passivhaus

          Good Practice Guide

          How to Build a Passivhaus

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          5hrs
          Introductory, Intermediate

          How to Build a Passivhaus: Good Practice Guide covers the essential topics that are key to successfully delivering a Passivhaus project. It reflects the most recent evolution of best practice approaches to designing and building to the Passivhaus and EnerPHit standards.

          2023

          Occupant Guidance Handbook

          Good Practice Guide

          Occupant Guidance Handbook

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          3hrs
          Introductory, Intermediate

          This document provides guidance for the industry on how to produce effective User Guidance aimed at non-expert occupants for Passivhaus and low energy buildings

          2013

          Insulation

          Good Practice Guide

          Insulation

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          2hr
          Introductory, Intermediate

          A good practice guide to insulation written by Will South, with input from: Jol Berg, Bill Butcher, Shelly Edwards, Clive Feather, Nick Grant, Kate de Selincourt, Mark Siddall & Peter Warm.

          2017

          MVHR for single dwellings

          Good Practice Guide

          MVHR for single dwellings

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          2hr
          Introductory, Intermediate

          A good practice guide to MVHR, written by Dr Mich Swainson, Sally Godber & Andrew Farr, and peer reviewed by Kym Mead, Rupert Kazlauciunas, Nick Grant, Alan Clarke, Alex Baines, Jon Bootland and Mark Siddall.

          2018

          Demystifying Airtightness

          Good Practice Guide

          Demystifying Airtightness

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          8hr
          Intermediate

          We often take ventilation for granted; most buildings in the UK rely on draughts and leaks! Continuous fresh air & eliminating cold draughts is a key comfort factor for Passivhaus buildings. Often the steepest learning curve is reaching the airtightness target. Breathe easy with this new good practice guide.

          2020

          Keeping Cool: Avoiding overheating risks

          Good Practice Guide

          Keeping Cool: Avoiding overheating risks

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          4hrs
          Introductory, Intermediate

          Recent summer heatwaves and a heating climate have made us more aware than ever that the risk of overheating in both new and existing buildings demands attention. The Passivhaus Trust has developed detailed guidance accompanied by a PHPP plugin to address this risk.

          2021

          Moisture and EnerPHit

          Good Practice Guide

          Moisture and EnerPHit

          Good Practice Guide
          Free
          4hr
          Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

          This paper introduces the challenges around moisture risk to borne in mind when tackling any retrofit project, and is essential reading for designers, as well as clients who are looking to inform themselves of the key issues and factors that will influence the project.

          2023

          Air-to-water heat pumps

          The basics of energy efficiency

          Air-to-water heat pumps

          The basics of energy efficiency
          Free
          5hrs
          Intermediate

          This short guidance note gives a comprehensive overview of the considerations that must be factored in when designing and specifying an air-to-water heat pump system.

          2024

            Technical Research Papers

            The Trust’s expert Technical Panels & Working Groups address emerging challenges as more Passivhaus buildings are designed, built, and monitored. Explore the latest UK Passivhaus technical research documents. These resources ensure the integrity and application of the Passivhaus standard in the UK. You will need to log in or register to view these documents. 

            Capital Cost

            Research with AECOM

            Capital Cost

            Research with AECOM
            Free
            2hrs
            Intermediate

            To obtain a clearer picture of Passivhaus costs in the UK, AECOM, in conjunction with the Passivhaus Trust, has undertaken a research study into the capital cost of building to certified Passivhaus standards across a number of affordable housing projects in the UK, using a standardised cost tool to compare projects on a like for like basis.

            2015

            Quality Assurance

            Large & Complex Buildings

            Quality Assurance

            Large & Complex Buildings
            Free
            4hrs
            Intermediate, Advanced

            The need for this Quality Assurance guide has arisen from the rapid growth of the Passivhaus Standard within the UK and the recognition that with the increased volume, scale and complexity of building projects, that it takes an increasingly well structured quality assurance system to maintain the required standards of design and construction.

            2015

            Post occupancy evaluation

            Research paper

            Post occupancy evaluation

            Research paper
            Free
            2hrs
            Intermediate

            The Passivhaus Trust has been working with Rachel Mitchell, Bath University and WARM to analyse the performance of a number of certified Passivhaus dwellings in the UK.

            2017

            ATTMA Technical Standard L4 (TSL4)

            Measuring Air Permeability in Passivhaus & Low Energy Buildings Fan Pressurisation Method

            ATTMA Technical Standard L4 (TSL4)

            Measuring Air Permeability in Passivhaus & Low Energy Buildings Fan Pressurisation Method
            Free
            4hr
            Intermediate, Advanced

            This document with ATTMA provides the technical standard to be followed for the air tightness testing of Passivhaus and other low energy buildings as required as part of a Passivhaus or low energy building design.

            2023

            Health, wellbeing & people performance

            Supplementary paper

            Health, wellbeing & people performance

            Supplementary paper
            Free
            3hrs
            Intermediate

            Each of the key chapters in Passivhaus Benefits is underpinned by detailed supplementary research, to be published in three supporting papers. The first of these, Health, Wellbeing and People Performance, is available to download now.

            2023

            PHPP Design Tools

            PHPP Tool

            PHPP Design Tools

            PHPP Tool
            Free
            4hrs
            Intermediate, Advanced

            The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) version 10 English (2021) is a design tool produced by the Passivhaus Institut Germany for use by building architects and designers. It works on both Mac and PC.

            2021

            PHI Building Criteria

            Passive House Institute

            PHI Building Criteria

            Passive House Institute
            Free
            8hrs+
            Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

            For almost 20 years, Passive House criteria have constituted guidelines for an excellent level of energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and comfortable living conditions. To date, more than 1 million square metres of Passive House floor area has been certified through the quality assurance system set up in parallel. Through the course of time, these criteria have been carefully adapted and augmented several times in line with the experiences gained, albeit without…

            2022

            PHPP Periodic Heating

            PHPP Tool

            PHPP Periodic Heating

            PHPP Tool
            Free
            4hrs
            Intermediate, Advanced

            The Passivhaus Trust has developed guidance accompanied by a PHPP plugin to calculate more representative monthly average internal temperatures for existing buildings and an overall average for the heating season. These temperatures can then be used in the PHPP heating demand calculation to achieve a more accurate indication of energy demand.

            2021

            Thermal Bypass Risks

            Technical paper

            Thermal Bypass Risks

            Technical paper
            Free
            6hrs
            Intermediate, Advanced

            Discover how to minimise thermal bypass risks during design and construction in this detailed technical review.

            2022

            Passivhaus Costs

            Research paper

            Passivhaus Costs

            Research paper
            Free
            5hrs
            Intermediate

            PHT costs & benefits guidance shows that innovation costs associated with early Passivhaus projects are now reducing as the methodology has become more widely adopted. Costs are expected to fall further once the Standard is adopted at scale.

            2023

            Steel in Passivhaus Construction

            Technical paper

            Steel in Passivhaus Construction

            Technical paper
            Free
            5hrs
            Introductory, Intermediate

            The integration of a steel frame for Passivhaus brings unique challenges. This paper draws on knowledge gained from the first steel frame Passivhaus projects in the UK to offer applied guidance and a best practice approach to high performance and Passivhaus steel buildings.

            2023

              Retrofit

              Discover how Passivhaus retrofit principles and training, including the EnerPHit standard, can transform existing buildings into energy-efficient, comfortable spaces, tackling the challenges of retrofitting at scale while promoting sustainability and high-quality construction.

              A route to Net Zero – Retrofit

              Primer

              A route to Net Zero – Retrofit

              Primer
              Free
              3hrs
              Introductory

              The Passivhaus Trust has previously published detailed guidance on Passivhaus and zero carbon and Passivhaus and retrofit. These four-page primers will give you a quick but comprehensive overview of the issues covered.

              2023

              Passivhaus Retrofit

              Position Paper

              Passivhaus Retrofit

              Position Paper
              Free
              3hrs
              Introductory, Intermediate

              This paper sets out why EnerPHit must form an essential part of our national Zero Carbon ambitions and advises how to develop an appropriate retrofit plan comparing different standards and guidance.

              2021

              EnerPHit and PAS 2035/2030

              Position Paper

              EnerPHit and PAS 2035/2030

              Position Paper
              Free
              1-2hrs
              Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

              Discover the similarities between EnerPHit and PAS 2035/2030 and how the two standards complement one another in this new technical paper authored by PHT member QODA’s Dr Sarah Price.

              2023

              Moisture and EnerPHit

              Good Practice Guide

              Moisture and EnerPHit

              Good Practice Guide
              Free
              4hr
              Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

              This paper introduces the challenges around moisture risk to borne in mind when tackling any retrofit project, and is essential reading for designers, as well as clients who are looking to inform themselves of the key issues and factors that will influence the project.

              2023

              Heat Pumps in Retrofit

              Position Paper

              Heat Pumps in Retrofit

              Position Paper
              Free
              3hrs
              Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

              There is an urgent imperative to decarbonise home heating, but we also need better housing that is more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to run. How do we enable heat pumps and fabric to work in synergy to maximum effect? This paper aims to answer the question by modelling heat pump installation at different levels of home retrofit.

              2024

              Passivhaus Retrofit lecture series

              Full Series

              Passivhaus Retrofit lecture series

              Full Series
              £15 – £90 + VAT
              9 hrs
              Advanced

              This series is for anyone interested in designing and delivering Passivhaus retrofit. Learn from expert practitioners to enrich your practical and technical knowledge about EnerPHit, the Passivhaus retrofit standard, and how to apply it to your projects.

              12

              2022

              Managing Moisture

              Passivhaus Retrofit Masterclass

              Managing Moisture

              Passivhaus Retrofit Masterclass
              £20 – £30 + VAT
              1.5 hrs
              Advanced

              Learn about moisture-safe design in retrofitting with the 2023 Moisture and EnerPHit Guide. This on-demand course delves into the complexities of retrofitting for energy efficiency while addressing moisture concerns in the building fabric and structure. Understand how to prevent moisture issues when retrofitting. Don’t miss insights from expert authors and expand your knowledge of retrofit moisture management for safer, healthier buildings.

              2

              2023

                Position Papers

                Position papers outline the Passivhaus Trust’s approach to key topics and policies. These documents explain our stance on important issues, offering insights into how Passivhaus standards align with broader industry challenges and policy developments. 

                The Case for MVHR

                Position Paper

                The Case for MVHR

                Position Paper
                Free
                4hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                A widely adopted rule-of-thumb suggests that MVHR systems are only effective in more airtight buildings. This paper seeks to challenge this convention and suggests that MVHR systems are, in fact, desirable in nearly all domestic situations, either new-build or retrofit.

                2020

                EPCs as efficiency targets

                Position Paper

                EPCs as efficiency targets

                Position Paper
                Free
                3hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                The Passivhaus community is increasingly acknowledging and focusing on the issue of material choices and resource efficiency, demonstrated by the development of several carbon counting tools, including the embodied carbon PHribbon plug-in for PHPP.

                2020

                Passivhaus Retrofit

                Position Paper

                Passivhaus Retrofit

                Position Paper
                Free
                3hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                This paper sets out why EnerPHit must form an essential part of our national Zero Carbon ambitions and advises how to develop an appropriate retrofit plan comparing different standards and guidance.

                2021

                Passivhaus and embodied carbon

                Position Paper

                Passivhaus and embodied carbon

                Position Paper
                Free
                3hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                The Passivhaus community is increasingly acknowledging and focusing on the issue of material choices and resource efficiency, demonstrated by the development of several carbon counting tools, including the embodied carbon PHribbon plug-in for PHPP.

                2022

                Passivhaus: the route to zero carbon?

                Position Paper

                Passivhaus: the route to zero carbon?

                Position Paper
                Free
                3hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                How do we ensure Zero Carbon targets result in zero emission buildings? Many cities and regions are moving towards a Zero Carbon goal for new housing to achieve genuine emissions reductions. This paper analyses the definition of a Zero carbon building, and compares a notional building regulations Zero Carbon building with a Passivhaus Classic and renewables .

                2019

                Claiming the Passivhaus Standard

                Position Paper

                Claiming the Passivhaus Standard

                Position Paper
                Free
                1-2hrs
                Introductory

                This paper provides guidance on quality assurance measures that are required to meet the Passivhaus Standard in the UK.

                2022

                EnerPHit and PAS 2035/2030

                Position Paper

                EnerPHit and PAS 2035/2030

                Position Paper
                Free
                1-2hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

                Discover the similarities between EnerPHit and PAS 2035/2030 and how the two standards complement one another in this new technical paper authored by PHT member QODA’s Dr Sarah Price.

                2023

                Future Home Hub contender specifications

                Position Paper

                Future Home Hub contender specifications

                Position Paper
                Free
                5hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                This position paper responds to the report ‘Ready for Zero: Evidence to inform the 2025 Future Homes Standard – Task Group Report’ by the Future Homes Hub. It addresses modelling inacurracies and puts forward four key recommendations for consideration.

                2023

                Overheating, Part O, and PHPP

                Position Paper

                Overheating, Part O, and PHPP

                Position Paper
                Free
                2hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate

                PHPP is a proven tool for assessing overheating risk. It has already been deemed to satisfy Part O of the Building Regulations (England & Wales) by several Building Control services, and should be accepted as an alternative means of compliance in place of the ‘simplified method’ and the ‘dynamic method’ for single-family dwellings and simple building forms.

                2023

                Passivhaus: an alternative for the FHS

                Position Paper

                Passivhaus: an alternative for the FHS

                Position Paper
                Free
                2hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

                Modelling undertaken by the Passivhaus Trust demonstrates that an all-electric certified Passivhaus Classic performs better than both options proposed for the Future Homes Standard (FHS) in the 2024 consultation, as well as providing many other benefits.

                2024

                Heat Pumps in Retrofit

                Position Paper

                Heat Pumps in Retrofit

                Position Paper
                Free
                3hrs
                Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

                There is an urgent imperative to decarbonise home heating, but we also need better housing that is more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to run. How do we enable heat pumps and fabric to work in synergy to maximum effect? This paper aims to answer the question by modelling heat pump installation at different levels of home retrofit.

                2024

                  Certifiers Circle

                  These guidance documents are provided by the UK Passivhaus Certifiers’ Circle. Passivhaus Certifiers are individuals who have been internationally accredited by the Passive House Institute (PHI) to certify Passivhaus buildings, EnerPHit retrofits and PHI Low Energy Buildings anywhere in the world on behalf of the Passive House Institute and in accordance with their criteria. You will need to log in or register to view these documents. 

                  Dynamic Thermal Modelling

                  UK Certifiers Circle Guidance

                  Dynamic Thermal Modelling

                  UK Certifiers Circle Guidance
                  Free
                  3hr
                  Intermediate, Advanced

                  For multi-residential or non-residential buildings the Passivhaus Certifier may require dynamic thermal modelling to adequately evaluate summer comfort and overheating risk. This guidance from the UK Certifiers’ Circle aims to establish a common approach to modelling, reporting and user handover in these scenarios.

                  2023

                  Certifier Scope of Services

                  UK Certifiers Circle Guidance

                  Certifier Scope of Services

                  UK Certifiers Circle Guidance
                  Free
                  3hr
                  Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

                  This paper serves as a starting point for discussions and agreements between project teams and certification bodies regarding roles, responsibilities, and expectations for achieving Passivhaus certification. The scope of services it presents is designed to be adaptable and applicable to various project types and scales.

                  2023

                  Bespoke PER

                  UK Certifiers Circle Guidance

                  Bespoke PER

                  UK Certifiers Circle Guidance
                  Free
                  1hr
                  Intermediate, Advanced

                  This guidance note from the UK Certifiers’ Circle provides answers to frequently asked questions about what PER is, how it relates to other metrics used in the UK, under what circumstances a bespoke PER criterion might apply, and how to check if it does.

                  2024