Passivhaus takes hold in the UK aiming for 10% of new homes by 2035

The Passivhaus standard is gaining serious momentum in the UK housing market, according to a new report.

Finsings from the Passivhaus Trust revealed that 1% of all new homes currently being built in the UK are adhering to this energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly standard.

This shift is attributed to changes in policy, growing concerns over rising energy bills, and a broader shift towards sustainable construction. With ambitious goals in sight, the Passivhaus homes could make up to 10% of all new UK homes by 2035, according to the report.

Political and economic shifts boost Passivhaus popularity

A growing number of local authorities and governments are adopting Passivhaus principles to meet climate and energy targets, according to the Passivhaus Trust.

For example, in Scotland the government is crafting a policy for new homes that will likely include the Passivhaus standard as a “deemed to satisfy” option for current building codes. This reflects a broader trend of regions pushing developers to exceed minimum regulations, encouraging high-performance homes with long-term sustainability.

The Welsh Government is also stepping up, with 23 social housing providers incorporating Passivhaus into their new ‘Tai ar y Cyd’ Pattern Book as an enhanced standard.

Meanwhile, nearly 60% of new schools in Scotland are targeting the Passivhaus standard, driven by an innovative funding model from the Scottish Futures Trust.

Schools and local authorities lead the charge

Passivhaus is no longer just for residential properties. Schools, social housing projects, and even swimming pool operators are embracing this approach, recognising its benefits in terms of indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings.

The commitment to Passivhaus is also visible in the growing number of projects pursuing Passivhaus Plus and Passivhaus Premium standards.

These advanced classifications go beyond the basic energy efficiency of a standard Passivhaus home. Passivhaus Plus requires that the building generates as much energy as it consumes annually, while Passivhaus Premium demands a surplus of renewable energy generation.

Training and education key to accelerating growth

As the demand for Passivhaus construction grows, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more pressing. The Passivhaus Trust is responding with expanded training initiatives across universities and colleges, as well as the creation of a new Passivhaus Learning Hub.

By increasing the number of certified designers, consultants, and contractors, the Trust aims to ensure the industry can meet the challenge of scaling up construction and achieving its 10% target by 2035.

Jon Bootland, CEO of the Passivhaus Trust, emphasised the organisation’s role in steering the industry toward these ambitious goals, stating: "Passing the 1% mark is a critical milestone, but the real work starts now. We’re pushing for a tenfold increase in the next decade, and we’re committed to supporting the industry every step of the way."

With Passivhaus Classic, Plus, and Premium standards becoming more widely recognized, the future of UK housing is increasingly energy-efficient, resilient, and sustainable. As this standard continues to grow in prominence, Passivhaus homes offer not just energy efficiency, but a tangible solution to the housing industry's need for high-performance, cost-effective homes. The Passivhaus Trust believes that this momentum will create a ‘multiplier effect,’ accelerating adoption and reshaping the future of UK housing.