The PassivHaus Institute (PHI) in Darmstadt has certified that Schueco FW 50+.SI and FW 60+.SI facades with either an aluminium or a glass fibre-reinforced pressure plate, meet the criteria for inclusion in an officially recognised PassivHaus dwelling.

Since Schueco is the only provider of aluminium facades that has been able to obtain this certification – which is based on the facades achieving unbeatable levels of thermal insulation and weather-tightness – the company is uniquely well positioned to assist architects and specifiers who are aiming for buildings that are completely energy efficient.

According to the BRE website, PassivHaus dwellings are setting a world standard for energy-efficient construction through being designed and built using a step-by-step approach and through utilising efficient components and a whole house ventilation system to achieve exceptionally low running costs.

To meet the PassivHaus standard, the total energy demand for space heating and cooling has to be less than 15 kWh/m²/pa of treated floor area and the total primary energy use for all appliances, domestic hot water and space heating and cooling has to be less than 120 kWh/m²/pa.

As a result, PassivHaus dwellings, the principles of which can also be applied to commercial and industrial buildings, typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to existing housing.