What is Passivhaus certification? Everything you need to know for your project

A white rendered detached house with a clay tiled roof and a green timber lean-to garage to the side
Ben built this detached four-bedroom Passivhaus home in Hertfordshire using masonry construction (Image credit: Darren Chung Photography)

If you’re building a new home or looking to retrofit an existing property there are lots of good reasons to consider targeting Passivhaus standards. Not only are you getting a much better quality of building but it will be more comfortable, healthy and energy efficient. The heating bills will be low and it will be a tranquil space.

You may well be sold on the idea already and have heard the feedback countless times of the many benefits of building a Passivhaus. What if you don’t achieve these outcomes, however? What guarantees are there that if you embark on this journey you will get to the end and still be singing the praises of this approach?

Ben Adam-Smith

Ben Adam-Smith is a film-maker, communicator and eco-building enthusiast. After 15 years working in TV and radio, Ben changed channels to set up Regen Media — a business that uses cutting-edge new media tools to help green-minded construction firms build better communications. Ben also runs the website and podcast, House Planning Help, which is dedicated to inspiring self builders to build energy-efficient homes. He has recently completed his own Passivhaus self build.