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The Passivhaus Handbook: A Practical Guide to Constructing and Retrofitting Buildings for Ultra-Low Energy Performance (Sustainable Building #4)

The Passivhaus Handbook: A Practical Guide to Constructing and Retrofitting Buildings for Ultra-Low Energy Performance (Sustainable Building #4)

Current price: $48.95
Publication Date: October 25th, 2012
Publisher:
Green Books
ISBN:
9780857840196
Pages:
256

Description

'As we move towards the 2016 zero carbon target in house building, Passivhaus construction looks like becoming not just popular in the UK, but commonplace. This is a no-nonsense and engaging introduction on how to do it.' Kevin McCloud

The Passivhaus Handbook is an essential guide for anyone wanting to realise a supremely comfortable, healthy and durable home with exceptionally low energy costs. Passivhaus design focuses on getting the building fabric right, to achieve ultra-low energy consumption in the most cost-effective manner. The approach is relevant to a wide range of building types and climates.

Passivhaus methodology can be combined with elements of other building standards, such as the UK’s Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH), or with other sustainable building goals, such as a commitment to using low-impact or natural building materials.

Whether you are building an extension, retrofitting your house or starting from scratch, and whether you are new to low-energy design or already have some experience, this book will help you navigate around the potential pitfalls and misconceptions. It brings together current thinking and best practice.

The book includes:

  • A clear explanation of the underlying building physics and terminology.
    Detailed information on key elements of Passivhaus: avoiding air leakage, designing out thermal (cold) bridges, moisture management and ventilation strategy.
  • Practical advice on setting up a project, including developing a motivated project team.
  • A discussion of economic considerations and the policy context in the UK.

As pressure on global resources increases and energy prices continue to rise, the Passivhaus approach, proven over 20 years, meets the challenge of ultra-low-energy building for the future.

About the Author

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Janet has wide experience of working in sensitive settings (conservation areas, listed buildings, historic parks, so is familiar with the use of traditional and natural materials.  Her focus is on the importance of sustainable building practice and low-energy design principles. She is a chartered architect and a Certified Passivhaus Designer and holds an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies.

Adam is interested in different approaches to ‘sustainability’ and ‘resilience’ as they affect building practice.He is a Certified Passivhaus Consultant and member of the AECB (the Sustainable Building Association) and holds a postgraduate diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT).

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Praise for The Passivhaus Handbook: A Practical Guide to Constructing and Retrofitting Buildings for Ultra-Low Energy Performance (Sustainable Building #4)

“I'm delighted to see everything about Passivhaus and its application in the UK, collated for the first time, in The Passivhaus Handbook. The firsthand experience of the authors provides an excellent grounding for the book.”  —Jon Bootland, chief executive, Passivhaus Trust

"An interview on The Greenpreneur Show with host, Michael Thomas with one of the authors of 'The Passivhaus Handbook', the architect Jan Cotterell. An educational and thought provoking piece showcasing the need for more sustainable, ecologically sound homes. Transforming our built environment using the passive house ideas for energy efficiency in the US and Canada." —https://www.facebook.com/thegreenpreneur/videos/234162453916778/