Passivhaus Trust Newsletter - January 2026

As the UK accelerates efforts to decarbonise homes and deliver healthier homes at scale, Passivhaus continues to offer a proven, fabric-first route forward. From policy responses and new guidance to prime-time TV features and practitioner-led learning opportunities, there’s a lot happening already this year. Explore the highlights below or dive straight into the full newsletter for all the detail.

Passivhaus retrofit hits prime-time TV

Next month, Passivhaus retrofit will reach millions of viewers in a Channel 4 prime-time programme, Guy Martin: House Without Bills. The show shines a spotlight on what high-quality retrofit looks like in practice, and why cutting energy demand first is key to warmer, healthier homes.

Tune in: Monday 9 February, 9pm, Channel 4

New retrofit learning opportunities

From February to April 2026, join our new series of case study-led retrofit webinars, grounded in real UK projects and real-world experience. These bite-sized, one-hour sessions explore what works — and what doesn’t — across a wide range of building types.

PHT members working on retrofit projects are also invited to register their interest in presenting a webinar and sharing lessons learned.

Making low-carbon heating go further

The Trust has published its response to the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan, welcoming the focus on heat pumps and renewables — while making the case for pairing low-carbon heating with high-performance building fabric. This is where Passivhaus Plus and Premium standards play a vital role: reducing demand first, then making renewables go further. Explore case studies putting Passivhaus Plus into practice.

New and updated retrofit guidance

Two key publications are now available as free downloads:

A Retrofit Costs Comparison, revealing the real costs of deep retrofit (spoiler: EnerPHit isn’t more expensive)
A fully updated second edition of Passivhaus Retrofit in the UK, providing practical, UK-specific guidance for delivering retrofit at scale

A rare deep-dive at the 2026 Retrofit Masterclass

The 2026 Passivhaus Retrofit Masterclass series is underway. On 21 February, join a rare technical deep dive into a Passivhaus retrofit by components project currently under construction — an uncommon pathway in the UK so far. This advanced session will explore envelope strategy, floor upgrades, THERM and PHPP development, on-site challenges, and insights from the Passivhaus Certifier, placing the project in the wider context of retrofit practice.

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29th January 2026

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