Passive House Certification Meets BC Step Code Requirements

Passive House is an international passive building standard for sustainable construction. It requires an integrated, holistic approach to design, manufacturing, and construction that focuses on eliminating energy consumption from heating and cooling systems by optimizing the passive features of a building such as insulation, ventilation, airtightness, and window orientation. This reduces or eliminates the need for large mechanical HVAC systems, resulting in lower energy costs, improved indoor air quality and greater comfort for occupants. Passive House is the most rigorous energy saving building standard available today and is recognized by the City of Vancouver, the Province of BC, and many local municipality governments as a step toward meeting their sustainability objectives. Passive House buildings are typically more expensive to construct, but over time they tend to pay for themselves with reduced utility bills. In addition, passive house certification can help meet industry energy codes such as the BC Step Code requirements.

The Passive House Standard

These passive features are outlined in the “Passive House Standard” developed by the Passivhaus Institute and includes criteria such as insulation thickness, window size and type, airtightness levels, and ventilation systems. The passive house standard is accepted in many countries and cities around the world, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and more. It is an excellent way to create a sustainable building that will continue to reduce energy consumption even after it is built.

High-Efficiency Windows

Our team of architectural glass suppliers at PFG Glass offers a variety of Passive House-compliant insulating glass units used for windows in several Passive House projects throughout BC and Canada. Utilizing advanced glazing technology, high-performance windows using Cardinal 366 glass are paired with argon gas and warm edge spacers by PFG to optimize the insulation and air tightness of buildings. This helps reduce energy loss through windows, allowing them to remain comfortably cool in summer and warm in winter. With their superior insulation characteristics, passive house windows are an ideal choice for those looking to decrease their environmental footprint and save on energy costs. By investing in passive house windows, you can help create a more sustainable future and contribute to the global effort of reducing energy consumption.

Easy On the Environment and The Eyes

In addition to their sustainability benefits, passive house windows are also aesthetically pleasing. With a wide variety of designs and colors available, they can easily become a beautiful architectural feature. They also allow for natural light to flood inside, creating bright, inviting spaces that are filled with warmth and comfort.

New Construction vs. Retrofit

Passive house design can be used for both new construction projects as well as existing buildings undergoing renovations or retrofits. Overall, passive house design offers a great opportunity for creating energy-efficient buildings that are healthier for people and have less impact on the environment. With its rigorous standards and guidelines, it ensures quality construction that will last for years to come.