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When building a new home or renovating an existing one, energy efficiency and sustainable building are top priorities. Passive House (Passivhaus in German) is a rigorous building standard focused on creating highly energy-efficient, net-zero energy homes and commercial buildings.
It is a voluntary building standard that aims to dramatically reduce a home's environmental impact. Wolfgang Feist and Bo Adamson developed the Passive House standard in the early 1990s in Germany. The standard focuses on optimizing a building's design, materials, and systems to minimize energy use and maximize comfort. This includes using sustainable building materials and green building techniques. By minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Passive House buildings contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
Many of the photos on this page are from the Lombardo House.
A home or building must meet strict criteria for energy use, air tightness, and thermal comfort to earn Passive House certification.
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The result is a comfortable, healthy, and affordable-to-operate home with a small environmental footprint.
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A key benefit of Passive House design is energy-efficient building design, reducing energy consumption and costs. Passive House buildings typically use 80-90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to standard construction, reducing energy bills. This is due to their optimized design and high-performance building envelope.
Long-term energy savings often offset the upfront costs of Passive House construction. This is especially true as energy prices continue to rise. Passive House buildings can also increase property values and lower maintenance costs, enhancing the return on investment. Passive House buildings perform at a high level for decades, reducing the need for energy-intensive renovations or replacements.
Passive House design doesn't just focus on energy efficiency. It also considers the comfort and well-being of the building's occupants. Passive House homes eliminate drafts, regulate temperature, and maintain consistent humidity levels, providing a comfortable indoor environment with abundant natural light.
Additionally, the balanced ventilation systems required in Passive House buildings ensure a steady supply of fresh, filtered air. This helps to improve indoor air quality, reduce allergens and pollutants, and create a healthier living environment.
Alpen specializes in high-performance building products which play a critical role in achieving Passive House certification. Designed with advanced insulation properties, they help minimize heat loss and reduce energy consumption. This design standard greatly reduces dependency on traditional HVAC systems.
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Alpen has been a pioneer in manufacturing high-performance insulated glass products since 1981. We've been producing award-winning windows since 2006.
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In 2013, Alpen High Performance Products became the first U.S. window manufacturer to receive Passive House US (PHIUS) accreditation. In 2017, Alpen became the first North American window manufacturer to achieve dual certification from both PHIUS and PHI.
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Our Passive House certified products include fiberglass and glass-reinforced uPVC windows and doors. We are a preferred supplier for architects and Passive House consultants who want domestically produced, high-quality windows.
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Triple-pane glazing with low-E coatings and argon gas fills for superior thermal performance
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Warm-edge spacers and high-quality, thermally broken frames to reduce heat loss
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Exceptional air tightness to prevent drafts and lower energy bills
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Durable construction that maintains performance for decades
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Alpen is a pioneer in high-performance building solutions, and we are committed to supporting the growth of Passive House construction in the United States. Whether you're building a new Passive House, retrofitting an existing home or building, Alpen's products can help with your energy-efficient design.
Contact us today to learn more about how Alpen can be a part of your Passive House project.
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