UK Passivhaus Conference flies the flag for net zero!

The dust may have settled, but we’re still on a high after our biggest ever UK Passivhaus Conference, held this year in Oxford, and with such a packed programme there was something for everyone.

UK Passivhaus Conference 2024

Thought-provoking discussion and inspiring conversations highlighted the pivitol role that Passivhaus can play in transitioning to net zero neighbourhoods and energy-efficient communities. Key conversations explored net zero, embodied carbon, actual costs and retrofit challenges.

What truly stood out, however, was the openness with which the speakers shared their experiences. The collective learning process behind what remains the ‘gold standard’ in construction is truly inspiring.

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As we reflect on the day, we celebrate the dedication and tenacity of the Passivhaus community, whose commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to drive progress in building design and performance.

Key Conference Highlights

Net zero ambitions

The hot topic of the conference, we kicked off by asking, "What are the most important levers to achieve Net Zero Neighbourhoods?" Top of the list was Building Standards. We explored how Passivhaus can help Local Authorities exceed Building Regulations, setting them on track to meet required net zero targets. There was a strong consensus for a 'just' transition to net zero buildings, ensuring that the shift is equitable and inclusive.

UK Passivhaus Conference 2024 | Policy

Passivhaus was recognised as a robust framework to achieve this, offering a reliable path to sustainable, energy-efficient buildings while prioritising social fairness and environmental responsibility. The City of York Council's affordable housing programme also stood out, emphasising the importance of Passivhaus for creating energy-efficient, accessible homes.

To top it off, with the new UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard released a few days later, Julie Godefroy explained how we will finally have a robust definition for net zero carbon buildings across a range of sectors, helping to shape meaningful progress in the built environment.

The real cost of Passivhaus

Although we heard about the significant rise in the adoption of Passivhaus, there were references in some presentations to the perceived uplift in cost of building to the standard. The current economic climate is a challenging context for everyone in the built environment. Dealing with the supply chain and material market volatility in the economy have resulted in cost uplifts throughout the industry, regardless of what standard your project is targeting.

UK Passivhaus Conference 2024

Passivhaus – with its focus on creating certainty throughout the design and construction process – provides a way of reducing risk and providing certainty on projects. In the context of other factors which result in higher build costs (high quality, high performance building products, design form, ground conditions etc), this becomes a minor uplift for a far superior product in terms of running costs, carbon emissions, and additional co-benefits such as comfort and health levels. Keep an eye out next year for the launch of our new Passivhaus costs report to learn more.

Pioneering Policy

Speakers from across the industry shared their thoughts and experiences on the drivers for delivering Passivhaus. Discussions centred around the policy and regulation landscape, how to exceed Standards and the case for retrofit through Enerphit. Pioneering public sector bodies discussed their strategies to improve Local Planning Policy in the face of the climate emergency.

Presentation slide | Lewis Knight, BioRegional

Michael Jones from City of York Council introduced their ‘Building Better Places Guide’ which commits to developing all new build housing to certified Passivhaus Standards. Lewis Knight at Bioregional set out an excellent strategy to help Local Councils improve upon National Planning Policy while Benedict Binns of Cambridge Council, the ‘second largest social housing provider in the country’ highlighted their commitment to the Passivhaus standard. Their 2021 Sustainable Housing Design Guide states that all council homes must target Passivhaus Certification and, from 2030, should be designed to target Net Zero.

Standout Passivhaus projects leading the way

The conference showcased an impressive lineup of Passivhaus projects, each setting new standards in sustainability and collaboration. From transformative estate developments to self build church conversions, we were introduced to a range of exciting projects, all paving the way to net zero neighbourhoods. As well as individual projects, our host Oxford University showcased their bold commitment to reach net zero by 2035 is a leading example, driving forward its estate decarbonisation strategy.

A key takeaway across all projects was the power of teamwork and the upskilling of workforces nationwide. Early commitment to delivering Passivhaus was highlighted as the essential foundation for success in each of these groundbreaking initiatives. See some of out project highlights below:

Retrofits for a net zero future

The popular retrofit sessions featured pioneering small-scale schemes. We heard perspectives from clients, designers, an air-tester, & contractor on three inspiring case studies, including the challenges on a council office building, and a retroffited Passivhaus Plus. Warksburn Old Church celebrated its recent EnerPHit certification. Discover more about this unique EnerPHit conversion and other retrofit projects at the UK Passivhaus Open Days 2024.

Passivhaus site-seeing

The popular site tours offered attendees a first hand look at cutting-edge Passivhaus construction. Participants visited the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, set to become the UK's largest Passivhaus building and first Passivhaus concert venue. Attendees engaged with technical leads, getting their burning questions answered while learning about the intricate construction techniques and modern façade production involved.

A walk through the iconic Oxford city centre led to Castle Bailey Quad at St Peter’s College. The PHI LEB 54-bed student accommodation project allowed visitors explored the plant rooms and delved into the challenges of constructing within a heritage setting. Our tour guides gave detailed insights into the careful planning, spatial constraints, and logistical complexities that shaped the design of this modern, energy-efficient development.

Final thoughts

UK Passivhaus Conference 2024 | Flying the flag for net zero futures

After a day of amazing presentations and passionate speakers, we finished up by asking, "Do you believe we can achieve 10% of all new buildings meeting Passivhaus equivalent performance by 2030?" With 80% of attendees saying yes, it was fantastic to see such commitment from the Passivhaus community.

It is clear that Passivhaus is at the core of net zero neighbourhood transformations. The Standards efficiency first approach supports a decarbonising grid while continually putting occupants first - cruital in the fight against fuel poverty and ensuring health and well being.

However, our key takeaway from the day? You and the continued optimism and commitment from the amazing Passivhaus community who always fly the flag for a sustainable future.

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Thank you to all the delegates who attended the UK Passivhaus Conference 2024 and to all our conference sponsors, speakers, site tour hosts. We look forward to doing it all again next year in Belfast at the UK Passivhaus Conference 2025!