Passive Strategies and Low-Carbon Technologies: Evaluating the Energy Performance and Thermal Comfort of a Passive House Design

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the success of energy performance and thermal comfort of a passive house design in the UK climate. In order to analyze how passive housing guidelines (less than 15kWh/m2/yr for heating and 120kWh/m2/yr as primary energy) can be achieved, this paper uses Integrated Environment Solutions (IES) to develop the design strategies of a case study house and decide what the best passive approach to use. In this paper, it is described how the design is developed using dynamic simulations in different stages and for different purposes. Moreover, considering the energy options’ potential inspite from the technical options available to the carbon savings to the environment impact, costs and payback periods, different renewable energy options are evaluated in order to make the design carbon neutral. It is concluded that achieving passive design standards not only provide energy and environmental benefits, but also improve the thermal comfort inside the building.