Taking the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent policy forward

The Passivhaus Trust continues to be an active member of the Scottish Building Standards working group developing the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent policy. The Passivhaus Trust has developed some key asks and recommendations as the policy takes shape.

Dundashill, Glasgow. Image credit: Collective Architecture/ Keith Hunter Photography

Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent policy

On 10th January 2023, the Scottish Government announced plans to “make subordinate legislation within two years to introduce new minimum environmental design standards for all new build housing to meet a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard”. Following the Scottish Government’s 2024 onsultation on some key elements of the policy, a further consultation on the policy is proposed for summer 2025.

Working group meetings & workshops

To help develop the detail of the policy, Scottish Building Standards is organising a series of working group meetings and workshops. The Passivhaus Trust is providing detailed technical input into these meetings as needed.

A Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent Working Group consensus report was published in November 2024, which outlines the position agreed after the first consultation period and sets the landscape for the work now underway. The consensus position outlined in the report really highlights how collaborative the working group process has been.

2025 Consultation

The Passivhaus Trust will also be preparing detailed responses to the 2025 consultation, which is expected to run over the summer.

Closeburn Passivhaus social housing. Image credit: John Gilberts Architects/ Tom Manley Photography

What we know so far

It is still too early to say the exact details of the policy but it is looking likely that the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent will include:

A transition period for its introduction into Scotland, to allow for training and industry preparations.
Recognition that the full Passivhaus standard, will be accepted as “Deemed to Satisfy” the Scottish Building Standards.

Passivhaus Trust position

The Passivhaus Trust has developed the following key asks and recommendations relating to the delivery of the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent:

Specific energy use targets, ideally based on EUI (kWh/m2.a).
PHPP to be accepted as an alternative compliance modelling tool.
Additional training for Local Authority Verifiers and Section 6 Assessors, in order to verify/ certify the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent .
Training and support for key sectors (such as ventilation systems) where needed.
Additional funding for social housing providers, through a modification of additional supported measures within affordable housing investment benchmarks.