By far the greatest impact in reducing the carbon footprint of a building is associated with ensuring an efficient building envelope, both in terms of airtightness and insulation.  Employing a Passivhaus design philosophy can help ensure this.   Passivhaus design originated in Germany with the first dwellings being built in the 1990s; there are now thought to be around 20,000 buildings certified globally.  On average Passivhaus construction methods can ensure a huge 90% saving on energy bills.

The main concepts of Passivhaus design include:

• Extremely good levels of airtightness (N50 ≤0.6m³/m²/hr) and superefficient building insulation U Values
• Consideration of the effects of solar gain on temperature within the building
• The use of mechanical ventilation systems which also employ heat recovery technology to redistribute heat around the building
• Overall energy use of Overall energy use of ≤15kwh/m²

Careful consideration of these design elements using the Passivhaus Planning Package to give extrenely accurate modelling of the building means that there is no real need for a extensive heating or cooling system for the building.

Speller Metcalfe are experts in obtaining the stringent airtightness requirements of the Passivhaus design model.  Our attention to detail and understanding of the design process can ensure that your building can reach the high standards or construction required.