What is a Passive House?
The Highest Standard in Energy Savings
The Passive House concept represents today’s highest standard in energy savings and ecological sustainability. With the promise of slashing energy consumption by an amazing 90%, widespread application of the Passive House design would have a dramatic impact on global energy conservation.
A Passive House is a Comprehensive System
‘Passive’ refers to the home’s underlying capacity to maximize natural resources. Rather than being reliant on ‘active’ mechanical systems to make the home comfortable, a Passive House efficiently captures and distributes heat energy. A Passive House is an extremely well-insulated, virtually air-tight home that is heated primarily by solar gain and the internal warmth already produced by people, electrical equipment, and other passive, naturally occurring sources. Because heat loss is minimized, any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. In the summer months, avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation helps limit the need for cooling, while an energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive ecosystem that can reduce energy consumption by as mush as 90% while providing pure, healthy, comfortable indoor air quality all year around.
A Passive House is Good for the Environment
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that buildings are responsible for 48% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. 76% of all electricity generated by U.S. power plants goes to supply homes, offices, and factories. During construction, it has become abundantly clear that the building sector is a primary contributor of climate-changing pollutants. Over the last 10 years more than 15,000 buildings in Europe—from single and multi-family residences, to schools, factories and office buildings—have been built or remodeled to the Passive House standard.
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Benchmark Builders is committed to the Passive House standard. Click on the logo below to learn more.
