Advanced Course in Passive House Design Principles

Overview of Passive House Standards

• Understanding the origins and evolution of the Passive House standard.
• The key principles and requirements of the Passive House certification.
• The global impact of Passive House design on energy consumption and sustainability.

Importance of Energy-Efficient Buildings

• The role of buildings in energy consumption and their environmental footprint.
• Benefits of Passive House standards in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic advantages of designing energy-efficient buildings in terms of operational costs.

Passive House vs. Conventional Construction

• Comparing Passive House design with traditional building methods.
• The performance metrics that define Passive House (e.g., heating demand, airtightness, energy use intensity).
• The long-term benefits of Passive House in terms of energy savings, maintenance, and durability.

Thermal Insulation

• The role of insulation in Passive House design and its impact on heat retention.
• Selecting the right materials for insulation based on climate and building type.
• Understanding the concept of "thermal bridging" and methods to eliminate it.

Airtightness

• The importance of airtightness in reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.
• Methods for achieving airtightness in the building envelope.
• The tools and techniques used to measure and verify airtightness.

High-Performance Windows

• Understanding the role of windows in Passive House design for thermal performance and solar gain.
• The features of Passive House-certified windows (e.g., triple glazing, insulated frames).
• How to integrate windows into the building design to maximize natural light and minimize heat loss.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

• The role of MVHR systems in maintaining indoor air quality and temperature control.
• How MVHR systems contribute to energy savings by recovering heat from exhaust air.
• Key components of an MVHR system and its integration into Passive House design.

Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

• Understanding the importance of air quality for occupant health and comfort.
• Balancing airtightness with proper ventilation to prevent indoor air pollutants.
• The benefits of continuous ventilation in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Heat Recovery in Passive House Buildings

• The concept of heat recovery and how it works within the context of Passive House.
• Types of heat recovery technologies used in energy-efficient buildings.
• Case studies of successful heat recovery implementations in Passive House projects.

Optimizing the Building Envelope

• Understanding the critical role of the building envelope in Passive House design.
• How to create a high-performance envelope that minimizes heat loss.
• Materials and techniques used to ensure the envelope's performance in different climates.

Thermal Bridging and Insulation Continuity

• The significance of avoiding thermal bridges in Passive House buildings.
• Techniques for maintaining insulation continuity at joints, edges, and penetrations.
• The impact of thermal bridging on energy efficiency and how to mitigate it.

Energy Performance Calculations

• The tools used to calculate the energy performance of a Passive House building.
• How to interpret energy models and simulations in the context of Passive House design.
• The relationship between energy use intensity (EUI), heating demand, and total energy consumption.

Certification Process for Passive House Buildings

• The steps involved in obtaining Passive House certification for a building.
• The role of Passive House consultants and certifiers in the certification process.
• Common challenges faced during the certification process and how to overcome them.

Energy Performance Criteria for Certification

• Understanding the specific performance criteria that must be met for Passive House certification.
• Calculating and demonstrating compliance with the heating demand, airtightness, and other energy benchmarks.
• How to use the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) for energy modeling.

Global Standards and Regional Adaptations

• How Passive House standards are adapted for different climates and regions.
• Understanding the variations in certification requirements based on geographic location.
• The impact of local regulations and building codes on Passive House design.

Implementing Passive House Design Principles

• Best practices for integrating Passive House principles during the design phase.
• Key considerations for builders and contractors during construction to ensure Passive House standards are met.
• Project management techniques for ensuring energy efficiency throughout the construction process.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting

• Evaluating the cost implications of designing and constructing a Passive House building.
• Understanding the long-term savings and return on investment (ROI) of Passive House projects.
• Cost-effective strategies for integrating Passive House principles without exceeding budget.

The Future of Passive House Design

• Emerging trends and innovations in Passive House technologies.
• The evolving role of Passive House in global efforts to meet climate goals.
• How Passive House can influence the future of sustainable building practices and energy efficiency.