
2025 Resource Library
Criteria Principles, Benefits, and Background of Passivhaus
Understanding Passivhaus principles and their proven benefits is essential for anyone looking to implement high-performance building standards. The foundational criteria that define Passivhaus, combined with compelling evidence for energy savings and occupant comfort, demonstrate how these international standards can be successfully applied to Australian conditions and building practices.
Message from the CEO
The future of Australia's built environment depends on leaders like you who are committed to driving change. This resource bank contains evidence, tools, and case studies to support your understanding of the Passivhaus standard. Use these materials to strengthen your technical knowledge and help you navigate the opportunities ahead as we work to transform how Australia builds.
Alexia Lidas, Australian Passivhaus Association
Principles, Benefits & Background
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Five Basic Principles for Passive House Construction
Criteria Principles, Passive House Institute
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Passivhaus Principles Guide
UK Passivhaus Trust
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Energy Savings Reliability Study (1990-2018)
Comprehensive review of as-built thermal performance
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Active for More Comfort: The Passive House
International Passive House Association
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Glenroy Community Hub
Case Study, Background & Australian Context
Summary
Criteria Principles, Benefits, and Background of Passivhaus
Foundational Principles
Five Basic Principles for Passive House Construction Passive House Institute [Download: Passivhaus Five.pdf]
Passivhaus Principles Guide 📄 UK Passivhaus Trust [Download: Passivhaus Principles.pdf]
Performance Evidence
Energy Savings Reliability Study (1990-2018) 📄 Comprehensive review of as-built thermal performance [Download: PH energy saving.pdf]
Active for More Comfort: The Passive House 📄 International Passive House Association [Download: passive-house-active-for-more-comfort.pdf]
Australian Case Study
Glenroy Community Hub Demonstrating Passivhaus principles in Australian community infrastructure [Project Details: https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/project-register/glenroy-community-hub]
Special Thanks
The content of this program was originally developed by Passivhaus enthusiast, and previous APA Chair, Kate Nason, Senior Sustainability Advisor Frasers Property. Kate donated the intellectual property of the 8-hour program to the Association to support the growth of Passivhaus in Australia. If it were not for thoughtful and caring volunteers, like Kate, APA would not have the resource pool it has to draw upon. It has since been adapted and updated.