Passive House is a German building certification system that reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.
The basic Passive House concept can be simply explained by comparing a coffee machine with a thermos. The machine requires constant energy to heat and keep coffee warm while a thermos just uses the beverage’s initial heat to keep it hot. In a Passive House building, warmth from indoor lighting, appliances and people occupying the space can actually provide most of the heat needed.
Achieving Passive House certification involves specialized building techniques designed to drastically reduce the energy required to heat (and cool) the building in order to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Canada’s first multi-unit Passive House was built for Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and is located in Bella Bella, BC