Explanation of Passivhaus Plus and Passivhaus Premium: An authority discusses the implications of these advanced standards on the forthcoming architectural plans for houses.
In the quest for a more sustainable future, the Passivhaus Plus and Premium standards are leading the charge in energy-efficient building design. These standards, which build upon the classic Passivhaus criteria, aim to create buildings that not only consume minimal energy but also generate their own renewable power.
Passivhaus Plus and Premium standards require a building to cover its entire energy needs and then some. While Passivhaus Plus aims for energy self-sufficiency through renewables, Passivhaus Premium pushes the building to become a renewable energy generator, contributing excess clean energy to the grid.
The main difference between these two standards lies in their levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements. Passivhaus Plus requires a building to produce as much renewable energy on-site as it consumes annually, effectively achieving net zero energy use from renewables. Passivhaus Premium, on the other hand, goes beyond this by requiring the building to be a climate-positive energy powerhouse, meaning it must generate significantly more renewable energy than it uses.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most likely form of renewable energy used in Passivhaus Plus and Premium buildings due to their less obtrusive nature and widespread availability of roof space. The cost of solar PV technology and other related technologies has decreased significantly in recent years, making it a more affordable option for homeowners and builders.
Careful consideration of roof space, including direction and angle, is crucial when designing a building to meet Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards. Implementing solar PV on a new roof is a potential opportunity when building a Passivhaus Plus or Premium building.
There are fewer certified Passivhaus Plus and Premium projects compared to classic Passivhaus projects. However, projects like the Harpenden EnerPHit by AD Practice demonstrate that retrofit projects can also aim for these higher standards.
To achieve Passivhaus Plus or Premium, the building must first meet the requirements of the classic Passivhaus standard, including good ventilation. The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) software is essential for modeling the design of a building to meet Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards.
Engaging with the district network operator is important to assess the local infrastructure's capacity to handle excess electricity exported from solar PV systems. It is also possible to cap what is exported to the grid as an alternative option.
Achieving Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards provides a greater level of control and independence over energy usage, as it reduces dependency on rising energy prices. There may be additional savings from not needing an alternative roof covering when opting for a whole integrated roof.
The Passivhaus standards aim to address the zero-carbon agenda and improve upon the energy efficiency of the classic Passivhaus standard. As everything gradually goes electric, the cost uplift from Passivhaus Classic to Passivhaus Plus may become less substantial. The focus on reducing energy demand before incorporating renewables helps to minimize the amount of renewables required.
In summary, the Passivhaus Plus and Premium standards offer a pathway towards a more sustainable future, combining high energy efficiency with on-site renewable energy generation to create buildings that not only consume minimal energy but also generate their own clean power.
- In designing buildings compliant with Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards, construction projects should aim to generate excess clean energy, beyond just covering their entire energy needs.
- The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) software essential for modeling the design of a building to meet Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards also includes guidelines for efficient lighting and proper ventilation.
- To make the most of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, homeowners and builders should pay attention to roof space considerations, such as direction and angle, during the planning phase of a Passivhaus Plus or Premium project.
- The Harpenden EnerPHit project, a retrofit building, demonstrates that older homes can be renovated to meet the higher standards of Passivhaus Plus and Premium.
- Engaging with the district network operator can help assess the local infrastructure's capacity to handle excess electricity exported from solar PV systems during the planning process.
- Achieving Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards can lead to energy independence and cost savings by minimizing dependency on rising energy prices, as well as reducing the need for alternative roof coverings.
- The focus on minimizing energy demand before incorporating renewables helps to create sustainable living spaces that align with health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and lifestyle goals within home-and-garden contexts.
- By reducing energy consumption and opting for renewable energy sources, homeowners and builders adopting Passivhaus Plus or Premium standards contribute to the wider sustainability movement in the fields of science and energy.
- The Passivhaus standards guide the building industry towards creating climate-positive energy powerhouses that not only minimize energy use but also advocate for sustainable-living practices.
- As everything gradually goes electric, the integration of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems and efficient ventilation into Passivhaus Plus and Premium building designs will continue to play a crucial role in the development of energy-efficient homes and reducing carbon emissions.
