PASSIVE HOUSE

Passive House has come to be internationally recognized as a standard for energy efficiency. The approach and methodology employed by the standard are recognized not only in Germany where it was originally developed but worldwide – from North America to Australia. A number of studies have shown that the energy costs for heating and cooling in Passive House buildings are 80% lower than the costs in traditional buildings.

The Passive House standard offers a real opportunity to construct cost-effective buildings that are very comfortable to live in and require very little energy for heating and cooling. Energy needs of a Passive House building are so low that they can easily be met through the skilful use of sunlight or other sources.

Although most Passive House buildings constructed so far are residential, more and more investors are coming to realize the advantages that the standard offers to other types of buildings as well – office buildings, hospitals, kindergartens, schools, sports halls, supermarkets, hotels, etc.

We in Synergy Bulgaria EOOD believe that it is entirely possible that the standard be successfully implemented in Bulgaria and we even have examples, few as they may still be in our part of the world. It is essential that these buildings be properly designed. Design is carried out with a special software – Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) and designPH developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI). The collaboration of designers and builders as early as the design stage is crucial as it leads to significant cuts in construction costs. It is mandatory that designers supervise the construction process.

Eng. Dimitar Penev has been a certified Passive house designer since 2013.