PASSIVE HOUSE | Eco-Conscious Homes

What is Passive House?

Passive House (Passivhaus) is not a brand name, but a construction concept that has proven itself over recent years and represents the next generation of house building.

It is a new building standard that is truly energy efficient , comfortable , affordable and environmentally friendly.

Passive House principles provide a robust framework for eco house design, prioritising energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. However, a Passivhaus is more than just a low-energy building.

Passive House buildings allow for heating and cooling-related energy savings of up to 90% compared with typical building stock and over 75% compared with average new builds. In terms of heating oil, Passive House buildings use less than 1.5 litres per square meter of living space per year – far less than typical low-energy buildings. Similar energy savings have been demonstrated in warmer climates where buildings require more energy usage for cooling than for heating.

Passive House buildings are also renowned for their exceptional thermal comfort. They utilise internal energy sources, such as body heat from residents and solar heat entering the building, making heating far more efficient. Appropriate windows with high-performance insulation, along with a well-insulated exterior shell consisting of walls, a roof, and a floor slab, help to retain heat during winter and keep the interior cool in summer.

A mechanical ventilation system supplies a constant flow of fresh air, ensuring superior indoor air quality without causing unpleasant draughts. This also helps to maintain low radon levels, contributing to better health and well-being. Additionally, a highly efficient heat recovery unit allows heat from exhaust air to be reused, further reducing energy consumption.

The significant energy savings in Passive House buildings are achieved by using highly efficient building components and a quality ventilation system. There is absolutely no compromise on comfort—in fact, occupants enjoy a considerably higher level of comfort than in conventional buildings.

Sustainability in Mind

Sustainability is at the heart of the Passive House concept, ensuring that homes are not only energy efficient but also environmentally responsible. By drastically reducing energy consumption, Passive House buildings minimise reliance on fossil fuels and help lower carbon emissions. The materials used in construction are carefully selected for durability and performance, reducing waste and the need for frequent renovations.

Furthermore, Passive House buildings support a low-impact, sustainable lifestyle by optimising energy use, incorporating renewable energy sources where possible, and promoting healthier indoor environments. Many Passive House designs integrate solar energy systems alongside air source heat pumps to further improve efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. By consuming far less energy than conventional homes, Passive House designs also play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change. With sustainability and energy efficiency becoming priorities for homeowners, the Passive House standard offers a long-term solution that benefits both occupants and the planet.

A Passive House has got it all

Comfort

The Passive House Standard offers a new level of quality pairing a maximum level of comfort both during cold and warm months with reasonable construction costs – something that is repeatedly confirmed by Passive House residents and appreciated by homeowners across the globe.

Quality

Passive House buildings are known for their outstanding energy efficiency, achieved through superior insulation and an airtight design.

A key feature is “thermal bridge-free design”, where insulation is applied continuously across the entire building. This prevents weak spots that can cause cold corners, heat loss, and draughts.

By eliminating thermal bridging, Passive House construction maintains a warm and consistent indoor temperature. It also reduces condensation and moisture build-up, helping to prevent damp and structural damage.

This approach ensures high-quality, long-lasting buildings while creating a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

Sustainability

Passive Houses are designed to use very little primary energy, helping to conserve resources for future generations while minimising environmental impact. The energy required for construction (embodied energy) is minimal compared to the significant energy savings these buildings achieve over their lifetime.

This high level of sustainability makes Passive House one of the most effective ways to cut energy consumption and reduce environmental impact, whether for new builds or renovations. Despite its efficiency, the Passive House standard remains affordable and accessible, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to build or upgrade sustainably.

All Passive House principles are well-documented, and design tools are widely available, enabling architects and builders to implement them easily. Choosing a Passive House means making a real contribution to a greener, more sustainable future.

Affordability

Are Passive House buildings a good investment? Definitely! Passive House buildings offer long-term savings while being more affordable than expected.

Although they require high-quality building components, the higher initial cost is offset by eliminating expensive heating and cooling systems. Over time, reduced energy consumption leads to significant financial savings.

With more financial incentives and grants available, building a Passive House is becoming even more feasible, making it a smart and sustainable investment.

Energy Efficiency

Passive House construction techniques create a “factor 10 house”, meaning it uses just one-tenth of the energy consumed by a typical home.

This results in significantly lower energy bills, proving that the Passive House concept delivers real, measurable savings—with no performance gap between predicted and actual energy use.

Versatility

Any competent architect can design a Passive House. By applying key principles, new buildings anywhere in the world can be constructed to meet Passive House standards.

The versatile Passive House standard is increasingly used for non-residential buildings, including offices, schools, and other administrative facilities.

Education on Passive House design is available globally, with a wide range of professional training programmes to support architects and builders in implementing these techniques.

Retrofits

The Passive House Standard can also be achieved in retrofits, using Passive House-compliant components.

Benefits of a Passive House Design

High levels of comfort – Enhanced insulation and airtight construction maintain consistent indoor temperatures, eliminating cold spots and draughts.
Fresh, filtered air – A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) ensures a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, while efficiently recovering heat from extracted air.
Long-lasting durability – The airtight design minimises moisture build-up, significantly reducing the risk of surface condensation, damp, and mould growth, leading to a healthier indoor environment.
Lower heating costs – By dramatically reducing energy demand, Passive Houses lead to significant savings on heating bills over time.
Reduced carbon footprint – With minimal energy consumption, Passive Houses help to cut carbon emissions, making them a more sustainable choice for the environment.

Passive House is a low energy standard by the PHI (Passivhaus Institut). Passive House is a tried and tested solution that gives us a range of proven approaches to deliver net-zero-ready new and existing buildings, optimised for a decarbonised grid and augmented for occupant health and wellbeing.

Passive House buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort using very little energy for heating and cooling. They require very high standards of insulation, windows, air tightness, ventilation and heating sources, which leads to a building with a very low heating demand, with

a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Passive House adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.

Our Passive House Building Services

At EP Builders, we specialise in high-performance, energy-efficient homes built to the rigorous Passivhaus design standards. We are delighted to have achieved our certification in the latest Passive House construction techniques, ensuring we can deliver the highest quality, sustainable homes that require minimal energy for heating and cooling while maintaining superior indoor air quality and comfort.

Whether you’re looking to build a new Passive House from the ground up or upgrade your current home to meet Passive House standards, we offer a full range of services tailored to your needs. From airtight construction and high-performance insulation to triple-glazed windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), we ensure every element is designed for maximum thermal efficiency and sustainability.

Many of our Passive House projects also incorporate solar panels and other renewable sources of energy, allowing homeowners to achieve even greater energy savings while reducing reliance on traditional power sources.

By choosing our Passive House building services, you’re investing in sustainable living that not only lowers your carbon footprint but also significantly reduces energy costs. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Is Passive House the same as Net-Zero or Zero-Carbon homes?

No, but they are closely related. A Passive House is designed to reduce energy demand to the lowest possible level, whereas net-zero homes generate as much energy as they consume, often using renewable energy sources like solar panels. However, the two concepts can be combined to create highly sustainable homes.

Can I open the windows in a Passive House?

Absolutely! Passive Houses aren’t sealed shut—you can still open windows, but thanks to the MVHR system, there’s less need to do so.

Does a Passive House feel different from a traditional house?

Yes, in a good way! Passive Houses maintain a consistent indoor temperature, have fewer draughts, and provide fresher air due to the ventilation system.

Can Passive House design be applied to any type of building?

Yes! While the concept is most commonly used for residential buildings, it can also be applied to offices, schools, hospitals, and even retrofitted into older buildings. The EnerPHit standard is available for refurbishing existing buildings to meet Passive House performance levels.

Can I dry clothes indoors in a Passive House?

Yes! The MVHR system helps remove moisture efficiently, meaning clothes dry faster with less condensation risk.

Is there a risk of overheating in summer?

Overheating is prevented through strategic window placement, external shading, ventilation, and thermal mass. In extreme cases, a small air-conditioning unit or passive cooling system can be used.

Construction and Design

What are the key features of a Passive House?

Super-insulated walls, floors, and roofs
Airtight construction to prevent heat loss
High-performance triple-glazed windows
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
Thermal bridge-free design to eliminate cold spots

Can I upgrade my existing home to meet Passive House standards?

Yes, although it can be more challenging than a new build. The EnerPHit standard is a Passive House certification designed for retrofitting older properties while still achieving significant energy efficiency improvements.

What type of insulation is best for Passive Houses?

Common insulation materials include:

Mineral wool – fire-resistant and eco-friendly.
Sheep’s wool or wood fibre – sustainable and breathable.
PIR (polyisocyanurate) boards – high thermal resistance.

What materials are used in Passive House construction?

Passive Houses can be built with a variety of materials, including timber, concrete, steel or brick. The focus is on high-quality insulation, airtight membranes, and energy-efficient windows.

Do Passive Houses need heating?

While a Passive House dramatically reduces the need for heating, in the UK, a small heat source (e.g. a heat pump, infrared panels, or a small electric radiator) may still be required on very cold days.

How does airtightness improve energy efficiency?

Airtightness prevents uncontrolled air leakage, meaning warm air stays inside in winter, and cool air stays inside in summer. This reduces heating and cooling demand and ensures consistent indoor temperatures.

Costs & Savings

Are Passive Houses more expensive to build?

The initial construction cost maybe 5-15% higher due to high-quality materials and insulation. However, the savings on heating bills over time make Passive House a cost-effective investment.

How much can I save on energy bills with a Passive House?

Passive Houses typically reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 90%, leading to significant long-term savings.

Are there government grants or incentives for Passive House construction in the UK?

There are currently grants and incentives available for energy-efficient improvements, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps, ECO4 scheme, and Local Authority-led green home grants. It’s worth checking for funding options in your area.

Does a Passive House cost more to maintain?

No, Passive Houses have lower maintenance costs because they have fewer mechanical heating and cooling components that require servicing. High-quality materials also reduce wear and tear over time.

Are Passive Houses eligible for lower mortgage rates in the UK?

Some lenders offer green mortgages, which provide better rates for energy-efficient homes like Passive Houses.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

How does a Passive House contribute to sustainability?

Passive Houses use significantly less energy than standard homes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and use durable, sustainable materials that extend the building’s lifespan.

Can Passive Houses use renewable energy sources?

Yes! Many Passive House owners install solar panels, heat pumps, or battery storage to further reduce energy costs and reliance on the grid.

What is the carbon footprint of a Passive House compared to a traditional home?

A Passive House can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 80% compared to a conventional home, making it one of the most sustainable building standards available.

Does a Passive House reduce the risk of damp and mould?

Yes! Thermal bridge-free construction and MVHR systems prevent condensation, eliminating the conditions that cause damp and mould.

Certification & Regulations

What is the difference between Passive House and the UK’s Future Homes Standard?

The Future Homes Standard aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80% by 2025. Passive House goes even further, reducing energy demand by up to 90% and ensuring superior comfort and air quality.

How do I get a Passive House certified in the UK?

A Passive House can be certified by an accredited Passivhaus Certifier, typically through the Passivhaus Institut (PHI) or the Passivhaus Trust UK. Certification involves energy modelling, airtightness testing, and on-site inspections.

Do Passive Houses need solar panels to work?

No, but solar panels can further reduce energy costs. A Passive House is designed to minimise energy demand first, and solar PV or battery storage can then provide additional benefits.

Let’s talk!

If you are looking for a reputable, reliable and affordable building firm in Gloucestershire, get in touch today!