Passivhaus and PHPP assessments

The Passivhaus standard is a globally respected approach for delivering low-energy buildings that go beyond UK building regulations in energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality.

To demonstrate that a building meets this standard, its specification must be modelled using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) a trusted energy modelling tool that measures performance with exceptional accuracy. Without a PHPP assessment, a building cannot be Passivhaus-certified.

At Darren Evans, our experienced Passivhaus consultants offer tailored advice to help you deliver both certified Passivhaus buildings and high-performance developments built to Passivhaus principles. We provide consultancy that’s proactive, practical and embedded in real-world project constraints.

 

What is the Passivhaus Standard?

The Passivhaus standard consists of clear performance targets and quality assurance checks that must all be met for certification. These include:

  • Highly airtight building fabric
  • Controlled mechanical ventilation for fresh air
  • Minimum internal surface temperatures (no lower than 17°C on the coldest day)
  • Protection against overheating during summer
  • Ultra-low heating and primary energy demand

These aren’t just technical boxes to tick they’re evidence-backed design choices that result in healthier, quieter, and more comfortable spaces.

 

Why Use PHPP?

PHPP is more than just a certification tool it’s a design resource that gives you deep insight into the comfort and energy performance of your building. While primarily used for certified Passivhaus projects, it’s increasingly used in UK developments that want to benefit from the principles without going for full certification.

As part of our consulting service, we use PHPP to model your design, test scenarios, and make recommendations that improve real-world outcomes. Our consultants can also compare the outputs from PHPP with other regulatory compliance tools to help you balance multiple requirements.

 

What Does a Passivhaus Consultant Do?

A certified Passivhaus Designer or consultant is someone who understands the rigour and discipline needed to meet the standard. They guide your project team through every decision helping you weigh trade-offs, manage design complexity, and avoid last-minute surprises.

We offer Passivhaus consultancy across the globe, supporting a wide range of projects from schools and housing to offices and retrofit schemes.

Our aim is simple: help you design to Passivhaus standards without unnecessary stress, cost or compromise.

Top tips

  1. Know what you're committing to Passivhaus isn’t for every project, and that’s OK. Talk to us early so we can help you assess the fit.
  2. Choose your team wisely; contractors with Passivhaus experience make all the difference.
  3. Keep your consultants involved throughout; don’t treat Passivhaus like a bolt-on. Early input leads to smoother delivery and better results.
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