Definition

"Passive building is a building where the indoor thermal comfort (ISO 7730) is ensured solely by preheating or precooling of the amount of fresh air required (DIN 1946) for proper internal atmosphere, without using additional air recirculation. "

Passive building (Passiv Haus in German and English Passive House) is a building standard that also offers high energy efficiency, comfort, economy and is environmentally friendly. The Passive Building is not a brand, but a design concept that is open to everyone and it has been proven in practice. Therefore, passive building is more than "just" an energy efficient building.

Efficiency

Regardless of climate or region, the Passive buildings keep throughout the year a pleasant temperature with minimum energy requirements. The buildings are heated passively, that make efficient use of the sun, internal heat sources and heat recovery, leading to conventional heating systems do not necessarily even the coldest winter days. During summer the Passive Building uses passive cooling techniques, such as the correct shading design and nighttime natural ventilation in order to keep it cool. In any case, excellent quality and technology materials and careful planning guarantee that temperatures remain throughout the year, in constant and pleasant for the tenants / users levels.

Sustainability

A Passive Building uses up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling than conventional buildings in Central Europe, thus require less than 1.5 liter of oil or 1.5 cubic meters of gas per year for heating one square meter living space. Extremely large economy, however, is achieved in warmer areas, where buildings require cooling. Reducing energy use leads to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and thus the Passive Building a truly sustainable option compared to conventional constructions.

Economy

As demonstrated by the way the buildings (that is the only way of determining the actual cost of a building), the operation of Passive Building has reduced costs requirements, while the construction cost is surprisingly affordable. Investing in high-quality materials, the standards of the Passive House Standard, is balanced by the absence of market need for conventional heating and cooling systems. Additionally, this investment in energy savings is multiple cheaper and more efficient in the long run by monomers investment in renewable or easy solution to the "fuel switching".

Comfort

Passive Buildings achieve thermal comfort area with very low energy demand. The mechanical ventilation system with energy recovery, then provide the required fresh air offering top quality atmosphere without being perceived due to reduced operating noise level. The combination of constant temperature and proper air exchange prevent moisture damage and mold growth.

Source: www.eipak.org