Passivhaus Institut

Peer reviewed article:

Design and realisation of the Passive House concept in different climate zones - Schnieders et al

The article starts with a short introduction to the Passive House Standard. On the basis of nine examples of Passive Houses in the climate zones Canada, USA, Germany, China, Greece, Spain, Taiwan, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates the range of possible solutions is shown. Practical experience is available for many projects, which typically show high user satisfaction and low energy consumption, which corresponds very well with the requirements calculated in the planning tools. In some cases, a potential further improvment is described.

The article is available for free reading

Passive Houses for different climate zones

Passive House Institute and Rongen Architects have performed a research project dealing with Passive House and its specific requirements in different climate zones. Based on 5 locations representing different climate zones ranging from extremely cold to very hot and humid climates (Jekaterinburg, Tokyo, Shanghai, Las Vegas and Dubai), the project was aimed at identifying adequate technical solutions and analysing the impact of different parameters on a building's energy balance for each climate. Based on these findings, building examples fulfilling high architectural standards were developed for each of these locations. The project was rounded off by a global definition of the Passive House Standard, applicable for all climates.

The key findings of this project: No matter the location, Passive Houses can be built in a cost- effective way with regard to their life-cycle costs, although the concept of consistent heating and cooling load minimisation seems to reach its limits in extremely cold or hot regions.

The 500 page project report has been released in English and German and is available for purchase.
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Energy Efficiency in the Mediterranean region with Passive Houses

What does a Passive House in Palermo or Seville look like? Scientist Jürgen Schnieders discusses this in his dissertation on "Passive Houses in Mediterranean Climates? South West Europe??". According to this study, Passive Houses can also be realised in the Mediterranean region. The findings confirm that application of the Passive House concept is not just restricted to Germany and Austria, but can also contribute significantly towards reducing CO₂ emissions globally.

This study examines 12 locations in South West Europe (Italy, south France and the Iberian Peninsula). The climate in the Mediterranean region is characterised by higher temperatures, much more solar radiation and, to some extent, much higher air humidity than in the Central European region.
Given these climatic differences, the question arises whether the requirements for a Passive House can also be fulfilled in the Mediterranean region, and if so, how. Can Passive Houses offer the same high level of thermal comfort in the summer in this region as in Germany? Are they energy-efficient? Can they be heated, cooled or dehumidified via the supply air?

In conclusion, Passive Houses in the Mediterranean region require less insulation than in Germany, and low-e double glazing suffices here, whereby a southern orientation is of much more importance than in Germany. A ventilation system with heat recovery also proved to be an essential component for the locations in the study. In the summer, moveable solar protection on the outside is indispensable. For the exterior facade, bright colours that reflect infra-red light make it easier to master the hot weather period, but lead to a slightly increased heating demand. The study demonstrates how an extremely low heating energy consumption and correspondingly low running costs can be combined with a high level of thermal comfort.

The study, which is in English, can be ordered here.
A summary of this study (in English) can be found here ( pdf 453 KB).

Source: Schnieders, Jürgen: Passive Houses in South West Europe. A quantitative investigation of some passive and active space conditioning techniques for highly energy efficient dwellings in the South West European region. 2nd corrected edition. Darmstadt, Passivhaus Institut, 2009.

Passive Houses in Chinese Climates

This study report of 114 pages systematically provides the basis for passive house design in all Chinese Climate zones, with the respects to e.g. the window quality, the insulation level, mechanical services and the building element construction. Different heating and/or cooling systems including the conventional mini-split are investigated in this study regarding to comfort, economy and availability. Special considerations on the construction types in climates "hot and humid summer" are at the same time investigated in this study. Besides, this report contains suggestions on how efficiency and building cost an be improved by suitable new components.

The study has been released in English and Chinese and is available for purchase.
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Design and realisation of the Passive House concept in different climate zones - Schnieders et al

Passive Houses for different climate zones

Energy Efficiency in the Mediterranean region with Passive Houses

Passive Houses in Chinese Climates