low energy

Can PassivHaus enable Zero-Carbon?

Comparison of domestic heat loss

Working closely with Kier Living, the contractor for Torpoint, South Bristol, gcp provided comparative analysis of the Zero Carbon Hub 2016 Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE) Standard and PassivHaus. This showed that PassivHaus standard achieves approximately 37% greater reduction in Carbon Emissions over the Zero Carbon Hub recommended FEE. This improved baseline indicates that PassivHaus can achieve the 2016 Zero Carbon Target whilst avoiding ‘Allowable Solutions’ costs.

Allowable Solutions offset the shortfall in Carbon Reduction between as-built performance and full Zero-Carbon. These costs could come as a levy or contribution to off-site renewables or other Carbon Reduction measures.

The cost difference between Zero Carbon Hub FEE and PassivHaus is modest and reducing as more contractors and suppliers become confident in delivering higher performance construction.

For more information or a presentation on PassivHaus and Zero Carbon contact Colin Powell.