The many benefits associated with Passive House buildings include comfort, excellent indoor air quality, health benefits and low energy bills. But what about the costs associated with building to Passive House standard? Passive Houses use up to 90% less energy than typical buildings, which reduces the running costs.
However, in the context of the requirements of current building regulations, and the upcoming Nearly Zero Energy requirements, the cost differential between conventional construction targets and the Passive House standard will be minimal.
The following Cost Saving Example and information has been provided by Michael Bennett & Sons on their Madeira Oaks Affordable Passive Housing Scheme (12 No. Units), Enniscorthy , Co. Wexford.
These are affordable Certified Passive Houses for first time buyers.
The houses are two storey 3-bed semi-detached with a generous internal floor area of 1,100 sq. ft. The houses are fully certified passive construction, and all houses will achieve a A2 building energy rating, as prepared by Home Bond and certified by the SEAI.
Some key figures to highlight:
- Price per house unit ……………………..€170,000.00
- Annual estimated running cost………………€200.00
- House drawing and site layout…………….download PDF
- Details and features page……………………download PDF
- Finance cost savings example……………..download PDF
As suggested in their attached information: “Why buy a house that you will need to heat, when a Passive House keeps you warm naturally?”
