Architecture Public knowledge base

Reviewed 25.10.2026England focus

Jasmine Gokmen
In forceEnergy & Carbon

Passivhaus Classic

Fabric-first, verified low-energy buildings

A voluntary certification standard for very low-energy buildings, based on a fabric-first approach and verified performance criteria.

Also known as: Passive House, Passivhaus, PHPP

Jurisdiction
UK
Document type
Certification scheme
Edition
Classic certification
Source updated
Not stated by publisher
Applies from
—
Topic
Energy & Carbon

Key requirements

  • Space heating demand of no more than 15 kWh/m² per year.
  • Primary energy demand of no more than 60 kWh/m² per year.
  • Airtightness of no more than 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pa.
  • Thermal comfort and overheating criteria are also assessed.
  • Certification requires verification by an accredited Passivhaus certifier.

Performance at a glance

Heating demand
≤ 15 kWh/m²/yr
Primary energy
≤ 60 kWh/m²/yr
Airtightness
≤ 0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa

Applies to

New and retrofit buildings seeking Passivhaus certification.

Official source

Passivhaus Trust

Open official source

Related records

Part L · Conservation of fuel and powerPart F · VentilationUK NZCBS · UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings StandardPAS 2035 · Retrofit of existing dwellings

Reviewed 25 October 2026. This summary is an editorial reference, not legal advice. Check the current official text and confirm the approach with building control before relying on it. Browse all 35 records.