Why REHAU backs the UK Passivhaus Awards

REHAU, main sponsor of the UK Passivhaus Awards 2016, give us an insight into what they think of the UK Passivhaus Awards and why they provide Passivhaus windows.

1. Why are the UK Passivhaus Awards important to you?

REHAU recognises the need for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to work to help stop climate change and protect our world for the future. The adoption of the Passivhaus building standard and the use of Passivhaus certified products will help achieve this.

The UK Passivhaus Awards promote the adoption of the highest building design standard for thermal efficiency. If the number of Passivhaus specifications for new builds and refurbished buildings increase, there will be demonstrable positive effects on the environment.

REHAU encourages the specification of Passivhaus builds and has a range of high thermal performance windows and doors which have been used in many Passivhaus projects throughout the UK. We have also been involved in a number of international Passivhaus projects in Germany, Austria, America and China.

2. What is it you like about the awards and the teams who participate?

The awards encourage individuality and beauty in building design as well as the highest standards in a building’s energy performance.

3. What advice do you have for the project pitches from the finalists at the Awards ceremony?

We would like to see demonstrations of how colour and light impact a building for improved comfort and atmosphere for the inhabitants, whilst accomplishing Passivhaus performance.
It will be interesting to see any buildings which meet the highest thermal performance levels and achieve stand-out contemporary beauty at the same time.

4. Why are the UK Passivhaus Awards good for the profession?

The UK Passivhaus Awards drives and inspires the industry towards designing more environmentally friendly buildings and helps make people aware of the wide range of Passivhaus certified products available.

5. What is your favourite UK Passivhaus project and why?

Fareham Borough Council’s social housing project in Sarisbury Green, Fareham was completed to the Passivhaus standard using REHAU’s Passivhaus certified windows and doors. The project involved simple, tasteful aesthetics and a comfortable living environment with low heating and energy bills, creating a saving for tenants and their families. REHAU GENEO tilt and turn windows and French doors and the brand new AGILA Passivhaus entrance door were all fabricated by Passivhaus specialists GRM Innovations for the pilot development. There are six new two bedroom homes in total on the development, all of which have been built and funded by the Council with assistance from the Home and Communities Agency’s (HCA) 2015-2018 Affordable Homes Programme. They are intended to demonstrate and evaluate what can be achieved in terms of sustainability in the social and affordable housing sector.

The 2016 shortlist will be announced on the 1st of June. Join us on the 7th July at the Awards ceremony in London to cast your vote for your winner and celebrate the Trust's 6th anniversary.