Huge Progress Since 1991

Ever since 1991, highly energy-efficient construction and renovation has had a far-reaching impact. Residential buildings were followed by office buildings, nurseries, schools, sports facilities, supermarkets, and even museums. With regard to existing buildings, the EnerPHit standard for retrofits has become increasingly important. In order to save operating costs on a large scale and avoid structural damage, municipalities are increasingly focusing on a high level of efficiency in indoor swimming pools and buildings in the public healthcare sector. Three years ago, the world's first certified Passive House hospital in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, became operational. The Passive House Institute carried out baseline studies prior to this.

A total of twelve lecture series are on the program. Projects from Austria and Scotland as well as Sendero Verde in New York will be presented on the topic of affordable housing. Major projects include the state-of-the-art Centre in Oxford, which comprises seven faculties as well as a concert and theatre hall built to the Passive House standard. Externally, the buildings blend in with the historic neighboring buildings. France's largest renovated office building for 30 companies in Brittany and a retirement home in Madrid will also be presented. Highly energy-efficient educational buildings include kindergartens in Latvia and Cyprus, as well as the Hinsley Lane project in Cambridge: a Passive House residential complex with 24 townhouses for 150 students.

Passive House Buildings: The New Normal

Energy-efficient renovations are crucial to the energy transition. Comprehensive renovation projects will therefore be presented in a series of lectures, including the modernization of a listed fire station in New York. Other topics include the renovation of prefabricated houses to the Passive House standard and airtight sealing of wooden beams. Together with the Passive House Institute, the city of Riedstadt will explain how the energy transition can be successful for municipalities.

"The International Passive House Conference has always been the premier event for highly energy-efficient construction and renovation," explains Jan Steiger, who belongs to the Passive House Institute's management board. "Since the Passive House Institute was founded and the first conference was held 30 years ago, we have all achieved a great deal together. And in more and more cities and countries, not only in Germany but also in Spain, Great Britain and Ireland in particular, the Passive House standard is becoming the new norm."

Trade Exhibition and Further Training

A Passive House Trade Exhibition will again take place in parallel to the 28^th International Passive House Conference. For two days, companies will present their components for highly energy-efficient construction and renovation and will be available for technical discussions. Passive House components include windows, wall and roof constructions, heat recovery ventilation units, and products for airtightness. The Passive House Institute will also have a booth on the exhibition floor.

The conference is recognized as a further education event. Those who purchase their conference ticket in good time will benefit from a reduced early bird rate until the end of January. There is a special ticket offer for students and public authorities. The conference languages are German and English, with German presentations being simultaneously translated into English.

For the latest information, visit www.passivhaustagung.de. For updates on social media, check out the conference hashtag #28intPHC.