The key attributes of the Passive house standard centre around achieving maximum levels of energy efficiency through:
• Super insulation – ensuring excellent heat retention within the building
• Excellent draught proofing – the house has so few gaps and holes that almost no air can enter the building other than through the carefully controlled MVHR unit
• Passive solar gain – carefully placed windows mean the sun will warm the building naturally
• Low energy appliances – the most energy efficient appliances can dramatically help you reduce your energy consumption
• Renewable energy sources – using solar PV and thermal, wind or other renewable sources allows you to be even more energy independent