The Passive House Institute (PHI) is a pioneering research organization dedicated to advancing energy-efficient building standards. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Wolfgang Feist in Darmstadt, Germany, the institute has played a crucial role in developing and promoting the Passive House concept.
Origins and Early Development
The roots of the Passive House concept can be traced back to a conversation in May 1988 between Bo Adamson of Lund University, Sweden, and Wolfgang Feist of the Institut für Wohnen und Umwelt in Darmstadt, Germany. This dialogue led to the construction of four Passivhaus terrace houses in Darmstadt in 1990, which proved the concept's viability by using 90% less energy for space heating compared to standard new builds of the time.
Establishment & Growth
Following the success of these initial projects, Dr. Feist established the Passivhaus-Institut in September 1996. The institute's primary goals were to develop and promote the Passive House Standard, as well as to create tools for consistent replication of these high-performance buildings
A selection of certifications offered by the Passive House Institute
Global Impact
Since its inception, the Passive House Institute has:
Developed the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), a crucial tool for designing and verifying Passive House buildings.
Established certification processes for buildings, components, and professionals in the field.
Organized annual International Passive House Conferences, serving as a global platform for knowledge exchange.
Contributed to the construction of over 40,000 Passive House buildings worldwide by 2019.
The Passive House Institute continues to lead research and development in energy-efficient construction, providing consultancy, certification services, and educational resources to promote sustainable building practices globally.
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Passivhaus Institut
