2. Cost optimal & so much more!

TRANSCRIPT

Do you want to both fight climate change and make a wise investment? Then try out a Passive House building as it is a cost-effective option for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings.

Instead of throwing your money away, invest it in a high quality building envelope and efficient building services. It is especially worth it in times of high price inflation and low interest rates! No matter the investment costs, Passive Houses are cost-optimal over their long life cycle. You will also benefit from their very low operation and maintenance costs, as new renting tariffs including space heating and cooling are now available. In addition, you will remain largely unaffected by energy price fluctuations! What is more, Passive House buildings are also quicker to sell and rent, and their tenants are happy with their new quality of life. Costs due to unrented properties and tenant changes are thus lower.

Now do you wonder why tenants enjoy living in Passive Houses? Well, they don‘t need to open their windows to get fresh air. They can just relax and rely on the ventilation unit. Thanks to the high quality envelope, they also enjoy pleasant temperatures all year round. Moreover, mould growth and condensation are very unusual in Passive Houses!

In addition, Passive House buildings fulfill their promises over time! Over the past two decades, the first Passive House built in Germany has been consuming on average, 7 times less than a conventional low energy building. After 25 years of operation the ventilation ducts still look new thanks to the ventilation filters. The building envelope is also intact. Only some window seals needed replacement, which is normal and easily done.

Last but not least, Passive House buildings are sustainable. They usually require some insulation, but the energy saved over their life cycle will always be much higher than the embodied energy of insulation, no matter the material. What is more a lower energy demand means lower CO2 emissions. It also makes a 100% renewable supply possible, be it with wind, solar or hydroelectricity. But couldn’t we just balance a higher energy demand with more renewable energy? Not really, because energy isn‘t always available when we need it the most. And what about space, especially in the cities? What about cost, storage capacity and aesthetical integration in the landscape? Thus it is better to go for energy efficiency first and then cover the remaining demand with renewable energy. That is also how PH buildings can fulfill all NZEB requirements!

In the end, it is all about the experience. So come and have a look at some Passive House buildings during the Passive House Open days to fully appreciate their benefits!