Passivhaus Jargon Explained

Airtightness is a critical aspect of Passivhaus design. It refers to the ability of a building to prevent the uncontrolled flow of air through its envelope. By minimizing air leakage, Passivhaus buildings maintain a stable indoor climate, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Airtightness is typically achieved through careful sealing of joints, using high-quality materials, and employing advanced construction techniques.

The building envelope refers to the external enclosure of a structure, comprising walls, roof, windows, doors, and foundation. In Passivhaus design, the building envelope plays a pivotal role in achieving energy efficiency. It aims to minimize heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments, thereby reducing the building’s reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. A well-designed and properly insulated building envelope helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round.

Embodied carbon refers to the total carbon emissions associated with the production, transportation, and construction of building materials throughout their lifecycle. In Passivhaus design, reducing embodied carbon is crucial for minimizing the environmental impact of a building. Careful material selection, considering factors such as carbon footprint and embodied energy, helps create more sustainable and environmentally friendly structures.

Net zero refers to the concept of achieving a balance between the amount of energy consumed and the amount of renewable energy generated or offset. In the context of Passivhaus, net-zero energy buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume, typically through renewable energy sources such as solar panels. By striving for net zero, Passivhaus buildings contribute to a sustainable future by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Passivhaus, also known as Passive House, is a building design and construction approach that aims to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and comfort. It follows rigorous standards to minimize the energy required for heating and cooling, focusing on creating a high-quality indoor environment while reducing the building’s ecological footprint.

Passivhaus Standards refer to the stringent criteria that buildings must meet to obtain Passivhaus certification. These standards encompass various aspects such as energy consumption limits, airtightness requirements, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality. By adhering to these standards, buildings can ensure optimal energy performance and occupant comfort. These values are:

A thermal bridge refers to a localized area or component within the building envelope that has higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials. It acts as a pathway for heat to escape or enter the building, disrupting the overall energy efficiency of the structure. In Passivhaus design, minimizing thermal bridges is essential to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.