A regulation has been in place since the 31st of December, 2018, whereby all public buildings that are constructed must be virtually zero consumption. From January 2021 onwards, all new buildings and renovations will also have to follow the Passivhaus criteria.

What is Passivhaus?

A Passivhaus home is one that is built in accordance with standards that achieve very low energy demand, close to 0% energy balance for water and temperature control. The little energy required comes from renewable sources. 

The environmental quality within these properties is extremely good, so we’re speaking of very comfortable, healthy, environmentally-friendly, more efficient homes.

By optimising existing resources and applying certain building techniques, a 70% reduction in heating requirements can be achieved.

This lower consumption should be registered on the building’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). 

It’s important to point out that this rule is only applicable to new constructions and renovations. Property owners are not required to adapt their existing homes to meet these regulations.

Basic principles of Passivhaus buildings

• Great thermal insulation.
• High quality, high performing carpentry and joinery.
• Avoids thermal bridges.
• Controlled mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.
• Fully air-tight.
• Efficient heating system employing sustainable energy.To build a Passivhaus property, one must consider the building to be a system and approach energy consumption in different ways depending on the location, type of surrounding, orientation, size of the windows, wind conditions, proximity to the sea… The building must adapt to the surroundings.

Impact of Passivhaus buildings on the environment

Contamination, the environment and climate change are currently some of the population’s greatest concerns.

At Jetvillas, we think that part of the solution is in our hands. That’s why we’ve been committed to the Passivhaus principals for some time, always seeking to achieve maximum energy efficiency in our constructions. We can halt contamination by improving buildings’ insulation and providing them with passive systems.

Thirty-five percent of the CO2 emissions produced in cities come from their buildings, and forty percent of energy consumption is also produced by the buildings. Architecture and construction have vital roles to play in the fight against climate change.