Illustration by Bronwyn Barry
The new classes now calculate Primary Energy by applying Primary Energy Renewable (PER) factors that acts as a penalty system. Not only are they designed to encourage the use of renewable energy, they also encourage the use of equipment in buildings that will increase the efficient delivery of that energy. The PER factor that is applied will vary depending on the location. So if we look at the energy required for domestic hot water in Adelaide you will get a number of PER factors depending on how it is generated. For electric heat pump 1.25, natural gas 1.75, heating oil 2.3.
Illustration by Bronwyn Barry
In order to future-proof our buildings, the PHI has developed a new system which also allows for the evaluation of renewable energy. The building is evaluated in the context of a 100% renewable energy future. These sources of primary energy come from wind, solar and hydroelectricity. To create some balance in the calculation the Passivhouse institute recognizes that all sites are not equal and uses the following principles:
-Renewable offsets are calculated based on the Projected building footprint (PBF) rather than total floor area. This means that multi-storey buildings are able to achieve Premium and Plus standards.
-Buildings with no solar access are able to purchase off-site renewable energy facilities.
-PH Classic buildings with no renewable energy supply are still optimized for efficiency first in anticipation of a future grid supply of all renewable energy.
Every inch of our homes are not only beautifully designed, they are calculated and built to surpass the World’s most rigorous energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability standards for buildings. Every component, every wall, window and even appliance is taken into consideration when meeting the Passivhaus performance standards
To date there have been over 60,000 Passivhaus units built around the world.
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Main picture- Colorado Passivhaus by Andrew Michler, Colorado, USA