Passiv Haus Institut (DE) now offers a second level of energy certification. In a move to balance the needs for energy conservation with those of heritage buildings that could lose their architectural and historical integrity by receiving a full Passiv Haus retrofits, Dr Feist today outlined the terms of a secondary level of certification: Enerphit. This level is based on the idea of not achieving the 15kwhrs/m2, but using the wide range of PH components and strategies. In this way the question is now answered: we can both respect our elders (buildings) and make the needed substantial performance improvements.
New Certification display plaque available from PHI de. Dr Feist today displayed an ornamental plaque now available for certified projects. See attached Picture.
Also announced today was the International Passive House Association (IPHA). This is a new organization that is now staffed and operational. The staff is multi lingual and is charged with the translation and dissemination of all things PH that has so far been beyond our reach. The information that they are initially working on is 1, technical papers needing translation to english and 2, developing standard publications intended for public education to the worldwide consumer. This secondary effort is to help educate the general public. The idea is better consumer acceptance through better education.