New research shows the capital cost uplift for building to the Passivhaus standard can be as low as 2%, with wider benefits also highlighted.
The report, published by the Passivhaus Trust and co-authored with Currie & Brown and Elemental Solutions, draws on previously published modelling comparing the capital costs of Passivhaus construction with current building regulations.
The modelling suggests the capital cost uplift from current regulations for a semi-detached house is 3-5% (£4,900-£8,500 per house), while mid-rise flats carry an uplift of just 2% (£4,100-£5,300 per flat).
The smaller uplift for flats demonstrates how the Passivhaus standard rewards efficient building geometry. According to the report, this characteristic means experienced teams can achieve more cost-effective Passivhaus design through form factor optimisation, alongside savings from simplified glazing design and building services. The modelling comparison assumes identical building forms, and the report notes that early design-led optimisations may bring cost parity.
The research also points to wider benefits of building to the Passivhaus standard. Reduced heating demand translates into running cost savings, and certified Passivhaus buildings have been shown to reliably close the performance gap between designed and actual energy use.
Other potential benefits include improvements in health and wellbeing, increased cost certainty from detailed early design ahead of tender, lower maintenance costs, reduced tenancy voids, and fewer rent payment defaults. Developers may also see utility connection savings due to reduced peak demand.
The costing research compares delivery to the Passivhaus Classic standard with regulations currently in force in England (Part L 2021) and Scotland (Section 6 2021). As national standards become more demanding, the report suggests the capital cost difference between Passivhaus and minimum-compliance homes is likely to narrow.
Further research, due in 2027, will draw on real-world construction cost data and compare Passivhaus with the Future Homes Standard and new Scottish regulations.
Jon Bootland, chief executive of the Passivhaus Trust, said: “Cost is often cited as the chief barrier to delivering Passivhaus homes and buildings. This new updated independent research shows that the uplift in capital cost is negligible.
“Passivhaus delivers lower running costs and greater confidence in real-world performance, helping close the gap between designed and delivered energy use. Wider benefits include comfort, health and indoor air quality, resilience to changing energy prices and climate risks, and improved design coordination and delivery certainty.”
Read next: Costain lands three-year extension on United Utilities contract
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
