The demand for energy-efficient buildings continues to grow as the world focuses on reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through the Passive House standard, a rigorous building performance standard that focuses on minimizing energy consumption while maximizing indoor comfort. Passive House design is an innovative approach that ensures buildings are ultra-low energy in use, using methods such as high-performance insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery ventilation systems.

The Passive House Design Principles course, provided by the British Academy for Training and Development, offers professionals in the construction, architecture, and engineering sectors a thorough understanding of the principles and techniques involved in Passive House design. This course delves into the key components of Passive House, exploring the balance between thermal insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and solar gains.

Who Should Attend?

• Architects and Building Designers interested in learning advanced energy-efficient building strategies and Passive House design principles.
• Construction Engineers and Contractors who want to incorporate energy-saving features into residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
• Energy Auditors and Sustainability Consultants focused on improving building performance and reducing energy consumption.
• Project Managers involved in the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings.
• Building Inspectors and Regulatory Authorities interested in learning about the requirements and benefits of the Passive House standard.
• Developers and Real Estate Investors seeking to increase the value and sustainability of their properties.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the principles of Passive House design and the impact of these principles on building performance.
• Learn how to apply Passive House design principles in real-world projects, considering the climate and specific building requirements.
• Identify the essential components of Passive House construction, including insulation, airtightness, and ventilation.
• Analyze the importance of the building envelope and how it can be optimized to achieve energy efficiency.
• Gain knowledge on how to use Passive House design principles to improve indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption.

• Overview of Passive House Standards

  • Understanding the origins and evolution of the Passive House standard.
  • The key principles and requirements of the Passive House certification.
  • The global impact of Passive House design on energy consumption and sustainability.

• Importance of Energy-Efficient Buildings

  • The role of buildings in energy consumption and their environmental footprint.
  • Benefits of Passive House standards in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Economic advantages of designing energy-efficient buildings in terms of operational costs.

• Passive House vs. Conventional Construction

  • Comparing Passive House design with traditional building methods.
  • The performance metrics that define Passive House (e.g., heating demand, airtightness, energy use intensity).
  • The long-term benefits of Passive House in terms of energy savings, maintenance, and durability.

• Thermal Insulation

  • The role of insulation in Passive House design and its impact on heat retention.
  • Selecting the right materials for insulation based on climate and building type.
  • Understanding the concept of "thermal bridging" and methods to eliminate it.

• Airtightness

  • The importance of airtightness in reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.
  • Methods for achieving airtightness in the building envelope.
  • The tools and techniques used to measure and verify airtightness.

• High-Performance Windows

  • Understanding the role of windows in Passive House design for thermal performance and solar gain.
  • The features of Passive House-certified windows (e.g., triple glazing, insulated frames).
  • How to integrate windows into the building design to maximize natural light and minimize heat loss.

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

  • The role of MVHR systems in maintaining indoor air quality and temperature control.
  • How MVHR systems contribute to energy savings by recovering heat from exhaust air.
  • Key components of an MVHR system and its integration into Passive House design.

• Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

  • Understanding the importance of air quality for occupant health and comfort.
  • Balancing airtightness with proper ventilation to prevent indoor air pollutants.
  • The benefits of continuous ventilation in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

• Heat Recovery in Passive House Buildings

  • The concept of heat recovery and how it works within the context of Passive House.
  • Types of heat recovery technologies used in energy-efficient buildings.
  • Case studies of successful heat recovery implementations in Passive House projects.

• Optimizing the Building Envelope

  • Understanding the critical role of the building envelope in Passive House design.
  • How to create a high-performance envelope that minimizes heat loss.
  • Materials and techniques used to ensure the envelope's performance in different climates.

• Thermal Bridging and Insulation Continuity

  • The significance of avoiding thermal bridges in Passive House buildings.
  • Techniques for maintaining insulation continuity at joints, edges, and penetrations.
  • The impact of thermal bridging on energy efficiency and how to mitigate it.

• Energy Performance Calculations

  • The tools used to calculate the energy performance of a Passive House building.
  • How to interpret energy models and simulations in the context of Passive House design.
  • The relationship between energy use intensity (EUI), heating demand, and total energy consumption.

• Certification Process for Passive House Buildings

  • The steps involved in obtaining Passive House certification for a building.
  • The role of Passive House consultants and certifiers in the certification process.
  • Common challenges faced during the certification process and how to overcome them.

• Energy Performance Criteria for Certification

  • Understanding the specific performance criteria that must be met for Passive House certification.
  • Calculating and demonstrating compliance with the heating demand, airtightness, and other energy benchmarks.
  • How to use the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) for energy modeling.

• Global Standards and Regional Adaptations

  • How Passive House standards are adapted for different climates and regions.
  • Understanding the variations in certification requirements based on geographic location.
  • The impact of local regulations and building codes on Passive House design.

• Implementing Passive House Design Principles

  • Best practices for integrating Passive House principles during the design phase.
  • Key considerations for builders and contractors during construction to ensure Passive House standards are met.
  • Project management techniques for ensuring energy efficiency throughout the construction process.

• Cost Considerations and Budgeting

  • Evaluating the cost implications of designing and constructing a Passive House building.
  • Understanding the long-term savings and return on investment (ROI) of Passive House projects.
  • Cost-effective strategies for integrating Passive House principles without exceeding budget.

• The Future of Passive House Design

  • Emerging trends and innovations in Passive House technologies.
  • The evolving role of Passive House in global efforts to meet climate goals.
  • How Passive House can influence the future of sustainable building practices and energy efficiency.