How to use this topic
What Passive House means
Criteria need to be checked for the whole building.
ZeroHouse
Passive House
Knowledge: criteria, PHPP and verification.
The passive approach starts by reducing demand
This topic connects a good envelope, thermal-bridge control, efficient windows, airtightness and organised ventilation. The aim is not to remove every building service, but to maintain intended indoor conditions with low energy demand. Missing radiators in a photograph are not evidence of that outcome, and thick insulation alone cannot establish it.
Why a balance is necessary
Solar gains, losses and operating patterns influence the result together. Low heating demand does not remove overheating risk, while an airtight enclosure still needs intentional ventilation. A single product rating cannot characterise the whole building. The model needs agreed inputs, and actual construction must correspond to the decisions on which those inputs depend.
Distinguish an approach from certification
General passive measures differ from certification against defined Passive House Institute criteria. The official process involves calculation and document review together with construction evidence. Obtain the current criteria and applicable version from PHI; old short lists online cannot replace the document. ZeroHouse does not assign unconfirmed certification status to itself or its partners.
Follow the connected subjects
Begin with the meaning of the term, then examine the envelope, airtightness and ventilation together. Add geometry, orientation and summer operation for a particular plot. If certification is the objective, state it explicitly in the brief and identify the verification process. If the objective is lower consumption and comfort, measurable criteria are still needed rather than the word “passive” in a project title. The articles in this section help separate those decisions before the project commits to a specific performance claim.
Source: PHI