Moving forward with energy: Low-energy and Passive Houses

Low-energy House

The definition of a low-energy house is one which has an annual energy consumption of 30-70 kWh/m²a. By using the appropriate glazing all Internorm window-systems conform to the low-energy standard.

Passive House

Passive house is the term given to a building in which a comfortable ambient temperature can be achieved without the use of a conventional heating system. This presupposes that the annual energy consumption will not exceed 15 kWh/m²a. The name derives from the fact that generally the sun's rays through the glass, coupled with the heat generated by the people and appliances within the building are sufficient to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature throughout the time that heating is required. The remaining heating requirement is supplied by warming the air current flowing through the existing ventilation system. Passive houses require approximately 80% less heating energy as new-builds according to the German heat conservation mandate of 1995.

Windows for passive houses should demonstrate a Uw value of less than 0,8 W/m²K where the glazing Ug = 0,7 W/m²K and a g-value of around 50 % . Internorm produces windows and doors for passive houses in uPVC and wood/aluminium. The Internorm window-systems passive EDITION, passive EDITION fixed-glazing, passive EDITION4, passive EDITION 4 vetro-design and the SELECTION front door have all been certificated as passive house-appropriate components, by the Dr. Feist Passive House Institute, Darmstadt).