Passive House Institute

Component Award 2026 – Optimised Window Retrofit Solutions

Retrofitting plays a central role in climate protection and energy efficiency strategies, yet it remains a challenge when it comes to technical feasibility and cost. This is particularly true for window replacements in existing buildings, which often face barriers in planning, logistics, and execution.

With this award, the Passive House Institute invites manufacturers, system providers, craftsmen, and interdisciplinary teams to rethink how Passive House windows can be integrated into existing façades with minimal disruption, high energy performance, and smart prefabrication strategies. The aim: practical solutions that simplify the retrofit process and demonstrate that step-by-step renovation using high-performance components is not only possible – but scalable.

Aim

We want renovation solutions that focus on minimally invasive and time-saving designs with passive house windows.

Categories | Scenarios (Participation Options)

Reference Scenario: All submissions will be evaluated based on a shared reference façade which serves as the basis for comparison and assessment. For the purpose of the competition, this reference façade will be provided as a CAD drawing. We will assess the submitted solutions in two categories of step-by-step renovation. Participants are to select one of the following renovation scenarios. Submissions that include integrated shading solutions will be evaluated in an additional category.

Scenario 1: Window replacement followed by subsequent insulation
Scenario 2: Insulation followed by subsequent window replacement
Scenario 1a und 2a:Alternatively, participation is also possible in combination with a shading system. For this purpose, a substitute construction (dummy) for the window may also be used. The reference situation remains unchanged.

Evaluation Criteria

Your ideas will be assessed based on the following criteria:

1. Efficiency
2. Installation Time and Degree of Prefabrication
3. Practicality

Conditions of participation

Participation is free of charge for manufacturers with certified components. Other interested companies can opt for certification or parameter evaluation at a reduced fee as part of the Component Award (details will be provided after registration).

Declaration of participation

Please register your participation by 15th October 2025 by sending an email to components@passiv.de, indicating the selected category and using the subject line “Component Award". Once we receive your registration, you will receive detailed instructions, including the reference drawing, information on how to submit your documents, and more

Award ceremony

The winners will be honored at the International Passive House Conference 2026 in Essen, where the best solutions will be presented and added to the Passive House component database. Participants who use certified products can also qualify for the EnerPHit component seal.

Questions?

We are of course available at any time to provide further information.

We look forward to receiving your innovative and creative ideas for this exciting design competition. Use this platform to showcase your vision for efficient and time-saving retrofit solutions.

More detailed competition information can be found HERE.