Deep Retrofits
Deep Retrofits
Passive House is a voluntary, high-performance building standard that is internationally recognized, science-based, and proven. Any building type or design can be retrofitted or built to the Passive House standard.
Developed in Germany in the late 1980s, and inspired by the design and construction of the Saskatchewan Conservation House in Regina, Passive House is considered the most rigorous voluntary, energy-based standard in the design and construction industry today, resulting in buildings that consume as much as 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than a conventional building.
A Passive House building is designed to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and superior thermal comfort. Heating and cooling loads are minimized through passive measures like massing, insulation, high-quality windows, passive solar energy, shading, and the elimination of thermal bridges. Because a Passive House building is airtight, it requires balanced and controlled ventilation with high-quality heat exchange to provide fresh air at all times.
Key components of a Passive House
- Super-insulated building envelope
- High-quality windows with solar orientation
- Ventilation systems with heat recovery
- Thermal bridge-free
- Airtight
Key benefits
- Year-round stable indoor air quality and temperature
- Quiet and comfortable throughout the changing seasons
- Substantial reduction in energy use and operating costs
- Simple to use, durable systems
- Priceless peace of mind
To learn more about the Passive House standard and see Canadian examples, visit PassiveHouse Canada.
Passive House vs Net Zero
Because a Passive House home is so energy efficient, they make great candidates for Net Zero homes too. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume, so installing solar panels to meet your energy demand is easier if your energy demand is already low thanks to Passive House features. Learn more about Net Zero homes.