The Passive House concept represents today's highest energy standard with the promise of slashing the heating energy consumption of buildings by an amazing 90%. Widespread application of the Passive House design would have a dramatic impact on energy conservation. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that buildings are responsible for 48% of greenhouse gas emissions annually and 76% of all electricity generated by U.S. power plants goes to supply the Building Sector
- Airtight building shell ≤ 0.6 ACH @ 50 pascal pressure, measured by blower-door test.
- Annual heat requirement ≤ 15 kWh/m2/year (4.75 kBtu/sf/yr)
- Primary Energy ≤ 120 kWh/m2/year (38.1 kBtu/sf/yr).
- In addition, the following are recommendations, varying with climate:
- Window u-value ≤ 0.8 W/m2/K
- Ventilation system with heat recovery with ≥ 75% efficiency with low electric consumption @ 0.45 Wh/m3
- Thermal Bridge Free Construction ≤ 0.01 W/mK
Graphic courtesy of NY Times