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Passivhaus Myth Busting - Jedi skills beat Zombies!

Coaction trainer <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/toby_cambray">TOBY CAMBRAY</a> shares his frustration at persistent ‘Passivhaus’ myths – could ‘very energy efficient buildings’ be the answer?
Read on to find out more and then explore our <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER COURSE</a> which according to <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/seb_laan_lomas">SEB LAAN LOMAS</a> could give you “Jedi levels of understanding” to beat the Zombies with!
We, (Coaction <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/team">TRAINERS</a>) spend a certain amount of time battling ‘Passivhaus Myths’. These are lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings that have arisen, but like a bad zombie movie, refuse to die and keep coming back, no matter how much we patiently explain them away.
Some of the most common myths we hear are:
<blockquote>
“Passivhaus’s are ugly” 
“The air in Passivhaus’s is too dry” 
“You have to live differently in a Passivhaus”
</blockquote>
and possibly the most pervasive:
<blockquote>
“You can’t open the windows in a Passivhaus”
</blockquote>
There are plenty more of course. This article was inspired by a strange comment in the Guardian article covering <a href="https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/projects/detail/?cId=101">GOLDSMITH STREET</a> for which <a href="https://ggbec.co.uk/">GREENGUAGE</a> and <a href="https://peterwarm.co.uk/">WARM</a> provided M&amp;E design services. The article mentioned that “Passivhaus means windows have to be raised up around half a metre from the ground”. This is not correct; although it is often a good idea to set windowsills at a certain height, there’s nothing explicitly within the standard that specifies windowsill heights.
One of the great things about Passivhaus is that it’s a descriptive, rather than a prescriptive standard. It sets out the fewest possible constraints to achieve its objectives and allows designers free rein to meet those transparent and science-based criteria.
This article suddenly galvanised a thought which had been milling around my sub-conscious for some time, a simple test for busting Passivhaus myths. It goes like this:
Take any statement you think might be a Passivhaus myth and replace the word Passivhaus with the phrase &quot;very energy efficient building”. If it sounds silly, congratulations! You have busted a myth. If it sounds perfectly sensible, also congratulations! You have made a valid observation about not just Passivhaus’s, but all very energy efficient buildings, and maybe even all buildings.
So, the examples above become:
<blockquote>
“Very Energy Efficient Buildings are ugly”
</blockquote>
Sounds silly. It’s a myth.
<blockquote>
“The air in Very Energy Efficient Buildings is too dry”
</blockquote>
Silly Myth.
<blockquote>
“You have to live differently in a Very Energy Efficient Building”
</blockquote>
Silly Myth.
<blockquote>
“You can’t open the windows in a Very Energy Efficient Building”
</blockquote>
Ridiculous!
A variation on the last example of my own concoction:
<blockquote>
“If you leave the windows in a Passivhaus open all winter, it will be uncomfortable and wasteful of heating energy”
</blockquote>
Becomes
<blockquote>
“If you leave the windows in a Very Energy Efficient Building open all winter, it will be uncomfortable and wasteful of heating energy”
</blockquote>
Both statements make perfect sense and would also apply to all buildings irrespective of their design energy efficiency. This is therefore not a myth, but simply a statement that is correct for pretty much all buildings. So, of course you can open the windows in a Passivhaus, we’d positively encourage it, but don’t be surprised if your bills are a bit high if you leave them open all the time and turn your thermostat up to 27°C…
So next time you hear someone claim something strange about Passivhaus that might be a myth, apply our handy test. We’d love to hear any Passivhaus myths you’ve busted, so do send us your ‘favourite’ examples!
<h3>Call to action:</h3>
Join us in September to hone your Passivhaus Jedi knowledge <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER COURSE</a>
<h3>Funding Available:</h3>
Check if you are available for current funding opportunities <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/CurrentFundingOpportunities">HERE</a>
<h3>Coaction Training CIC are a Patron member of the Passivhaus Trust:</h3>
Visit their <a href="https://passivhaus.uk/">LEARNING HUB</a> for useful Passivhaus information, knowledge and guidance
<ul>
<li>Passivhaus Principles <a href="https://passivhaus.uk/passivhaus-principles-a-primer/">A PRIMER</a></li>
<li>Certifying Passivhaus <a href="https://passivhaus.uk/certifying-a-passivhaus-tips-and-costs/">TIPS AND COSTS</a></li>
</ul>

A straightforward grant that provided Wales-based business Spring Design the opportunity to consider a holistic training programme for our staff.

50% Welsh Government Skills Grant – Notes from a Beneficiary

<a href="https://www.spring-consultancy.co.uk/">Spring Design</a> a Passivhaus Trust and AECB member whose expertise covers architecture, urban design, infrastructure, structures and transport planning took advantage of the 50% Welsh Government flexible skills grant to upskill their staff. Our Development Manager Tabitha Binding caught up with Associate
Director Sustainability Jonathan Davies to find out more…
How did you find out about the Wales Flexible Skills Programme (FSP)?
We were alerted to the FSP by an industry contact who identified the opportunity to support investment in additional training. Read more <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/Welshskillsfunding">HERE</a>
Talk us through the application process
The process starts with a straightforward Expression of Interest submitted under our area of interest Net Zero Skills - Construction and Retrofitting of Residential Buildings.
Within 24 hours we were contacted with 4 forms: this varied from requiring company details and accounts to narrative descriptions of the anticipated benefits for individuals and the business. While taking a little while to resolve the training programme and compile the necessary information, this process was probably no more than half a day.
While advertised as taking significantly longer, we were pleasantly surprised to receive the grant award letter within 24 hours of submission.
Which Coaction courses did you select and why?
Spring is a multidisciplinary practice of Architects, Architectural Technicians &amp; Technologists, Passivhaus Designers, Civil and Structural Engineers advocating demand-based metrics and PHPP-based energy modelling for the Welsh social housing sector. We are responsible for engaging Welsh Government directly to offer an alternative to EPC A which relies on a fabric-first approach to embed affordable warmth and climate resilience into homes.
Colleagues attended <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/therm">Introduction to THERM</a>, <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER</a> and <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/retrofit">PASSIVHAUS RETROFIT DELIVERY</a> courses.
Upskilling <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/bethan_griffiths_she_her">Beth Griffiths</a> (Senior Architectural Assistant) and Carl Roland (Senior Architectural Technologist) in thermal bridge modelling was designed to complement our existing energy modelling capabilities and allow us to assess
and optimise junction details in-house.
Chartered Architectural Technologist Dewi Jones took on the Passivhaus Designer course with the intention to add further depth to our Passivhaus team, ensuring detailed design packages are produced with the appropriate deference to airtightness and thermal continuity and heightening awareness more generally through the technical team.
Passivhaus Retrofit Delivery was attended by Senior Architect Chris Lewis with a long-standing passion for retrofit and conservation, offering him an opportunity to develop his expertise in this area of interest.
How has their new knowledge fed into the practice?<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3TLk-9nqDN8fWUPKs2b0XLjX_z9pCjnCzKkfrEk6NdaVrqQ/viewform"></a>
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3TLk-9nqDN8fWUPKs2b0XLjX_z9pCjnCzKkfrEk6NdaVrqQ/viewform"></a>Newly certified Passivhaus Designer Dewi is implementing his new knowledge on technical packages for a number of schemes targeting the AECB CarbonLite Standard, interrogating supply chain options to deliver the best
performance outcomes.
“Discussions and engagement with the trainers and course members via Zoom, helped very much with the learning process. The knowledge gained on the Coaction Designer course around construction detailing required
for low energy (Passivhaus and Carbonlite) dwellings has given me a niche in the industry I've longed searched for. A couple of schemes I am currently working on in my day-to-day role are to low carbon designs the sections on
thermal bridging, bypass and airtightness have been invaluable.”  <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/dewi_jones_1">Dewi Jones</a> Certified Passivhaus
Designer &amp; Chartered Architectural Technologist
Following completion of the Passivhaus Retrofit Delivery course, Chris has been developing retrofit strategies for an estate regeneration project retaining no-fines concrete constructions from the 1970s.
“The Retrofit Delivery course is collaborative; throughout the sessions there was ample opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions. The information presented was derived from practical experience, it was clear that the process has and will continue to be a learning exercise, continually improving knowledge and execution. Knowledge
from this course has been applied to a number of current projects and is informing approaches on emerging projects too.” <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/christopher_lewis">Chris Lewis</a> Senior Architect
How easy was it to reclaim the 50% training cost and what proof is required?
A claim form and proof of course attendance (whether certificates of attendance or a signed attendance list) were required to reclaim the 50% training cost. We submitted all documentation and received the grant within 2 weeks
Was the Wales Flexible Skills Program grant worth applying for and will you apply in 2025/26?
FSP was absolutely worth the effort and provided Spring as a business the opportunity to consider a holistic training programme for our staff. We are hoping to apply for another round of funding this year, however
because only one application can be made per financial year, we are having to strategically assess the availability of courses and plan a training schedule that works around people’s project and personal commitments.
Thank you, Jonathan.
In person meeting...
If you would like to catch up with Jonathan Davies in person why not join the newly formed <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13256038/">AECB
&amp; PHT Local Group: South and West Wales</a> group.
<h3>Further information:</h3>
For information on our course eligible for the Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme visit <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/Welshskillsfunding">COACTION COURSES</a>
The Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme Application Process <a href="https://businesswales.gov.wales/form/recruit-and-train-flexible-skill"></a>
1. Submit an Expression of Interest Form: Businesses can submit an initial form on the
Business Wales website, with the option of assistance from a Relationship
Manager. <a href="https://businesswales.gov.wales/form/recruit-and-train-flexible-skill">Complete the Expression of Interest form today</a>.
2. Eligibility Check: The Welsh Government will review the Expression of Interest form to ensure the business meets the full criteria.
3. Application Submission: If eligible, businesses will be invited to submit a detailed application. The application pack consists of:
<ul>
<li>An application form</li>
<li>A MERIT self-assessment form that evaluates the employer against a number of exemplar
employer criteria: Management, Equality and Diversity, Remuneration, Industrial
Relations and Training</li>
<li>A PL8 form – the information requested on this form is to ensure that the employer’s bank
details are set up correctly on our finance system in order that claims can be
paid on completion of the training.</li>
</ul>
4. Approval and Funding: Successful applicants will receive funding and begin the training
programmes. Decisions will typically be made within 10 working days.
5. NOTE: No contractual commitment should be entered into with a training provider until
you have been notified of the outcome.

Are you planning, designing, or undertaking a deep retrofit? Join us to find out how the Coaction Training CIC Retrofit Delivery course could benefit your project.

LIVE Q&A Session - Retrofit Delivery Course - Tuesday 1st July  (1pm - 1:30pm)

What will you learn on Coaction Training CIC's <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/retrofit">RETROFIT DELIVERY</a> course? You are invited to join a 30 minute lunchtime session with our trainers <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/sally_godber">SALLY GODBER</a> <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/kirsty_maguire"></a>and <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/will_south">WILL SOUTH</a> <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/will_south"></a>on Tuesday 1 July at 1pm online to hear more - bring your questions!
<h3>Catch up on the recording of our LIVE Q&amp;A session held on 1 July : <a href="https://youtu.be/-MfWE2Jbr_g">HERE</a></h3>
Gain the knowledge needed to deliver successful deep fabric retrofits on-site and focus on the practical challenges and best practices in retrofit projects.
This advanced-level course is the first of its kind in the UK and has been specifically tailored for contractors and installers, but is also valuable for retrofit coordinators and assessors, and design professionals. Successful retrofits require close collaboration between design and construction, and this course provides the essential knowledge and tools to bridge that gap.
This course teaches us how to manage retrofit risks, reduce unintended consequences and deliver quality retrofit using tried and tested techniques. It follows the PAS2035/2030 process, guidance and principles, which were developed in response to the unintended consequences uncovered by the Solid Wall Insulation BRE study in 2016, and in the Each Home Counts review in 2017.
You'll learn the key elements of delivering deep fabric retrofits, moisture management, airtightness, and more, while tackling the unique challenges of retrofit projects.
Designed and taught by experienced trainers with hands-on retrofit expertise, the course is suited for those with a foundational understanding of Passivhaus, the low-energy, comfort and health standard, which can be obtained by taking our <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/bitesize">BITESIZE LOW ENERGY DESIGN </a>course.
For Contractors: Retrofits are full of risks but with the right approach it can be managed. Learn how to plan, manage, and execute a successful retrofit ensuring high-quality outcomes.
For Designers, Coordinators, Assessors &amp; Consultants: Gain insights into assessing buildability, supporting contractors effectively, and understanding the practical implications of your designs.
<h3>Further information and to book your place on an upcoming course visit the <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/retrofit">RETROFIT DELIVERY</a> page.<a href="https://coaction.arlo.co/register?sgid=f6b50e824b7745d7b002f29ad9807460"></a></h3>
What do our past participants say:
&quot;The course is technically just what I wanted. A good mix of hypothermal and building physics theory but also plenty of case studies and architectural details to understand the application of the theory.
The experience of the trainers was second to none. We need to consider retrofit design and specification in a holistic and considered way, taking into account a building's history, constrains and defects.
The course has complimented my existing retrofit knowledge and has provided a lot of food for thought to challenge our architects to produce more robust retrofit designs. If you have done some pre-existing retrofit such as AECB Carbonlite Retrofit or Passivhaus training and want to extend your retrofit knowledge further this will be a great course for you.&quot;
Adam Harper, Housing Development Manager, City of York Council Retrofit Delivery - Autumn 2024
&quot;It's great to learn alongside so many passionate people who are wanting to improve the industry and have open discussion about it. I've learnt more about the risks that designers and architect face. The course has given me the confidence to ask the right questions if I feel the design isn't the most efficient and cost-effective way for the client.&quot;
Steve Hall, Manager W T Hall Builders Retrofit Delivery - Autumn 2024
&quot;A greater refresher on building physics and I really enjoyed applying this to the in-depth case study and detailing discussions on risks, benefits, buildability and sequencing whilst hearing about others' experiences and creative solutions. The course has really benefitted me in understanding how to apply EnerPHit principles to the retrofit of our social homes and to be able to talk confidently about risks and considerations to be able to gain buy-in with
colleagues.&quot; Amy Somerville, Retrofit Programme Manager, Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Retrofit Delivery - Jan 2025
&quot;The course was a good mix of sound theory and good practice, including strategies which work when things don't turn out quite as planned when the building has been opened up. I fully expect this course will benefit my practice hugely going forward and now feel ready to get back into this sector with a fresh set of knowledge and skills to match my extensive experience.&quot;
Stuart Clark, Director - Architect - Passivhaus Designer, Fifteen 10 Architects Ltd Retrofit Delivery - Jan 2025

Bath University

Cundal

East Ayreshire Council

ECD Architects

Edinburgh Council

Kier

Kingerlee

Royal Borough of Kesington and Chelsea

Southampton City Council

Stride Treglown

Willmott Dixon

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Exclusive for Coaction Training CIC Alumni and Students!  Join our expert trainers live as they share insights from 12 real-world Certified Passivhaus, deep retrofit, and EnerPHit projects they've worked on. Earn 1 PHI point for every live session you attend!

Trainer Case Studies 2025

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This introductory level course explores sustainable construction design through lessons learnt from Passivhaus, offering a quality-assured route to achieving healthy, high performance buildings, with a focus on reducing energy use, while also addressing embodied energy and construction waste.

Bitesize

Bitesize Low Energy Design

Are you a Built Environment Lecturer looking to future-proof your career? Coaction Training CIC is excited to announce a specially discounted Passivhaus Designer summer course open to all UK university students and academics in built environment disciplines!  This course will fundamentally transform your approach to sustainable design, giving you knowledge which can be brought to every one of your projects, no matter the brief. Join our community of Certified Passivhaus Designers and become a catalyst for positive change in the construction industry.

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Passivhaus Designer for Lecturers

Are you a Built Environment student looking to future-proof your career? Coaction Training CIC is excited to announce a specially discounted Passivhaus Designer summer course open to all UK university students in built environment disciplines!  This course will fundamentally transform your approach to sustainable design, giving you knowledge which can be brought to every one of your projects, no matter the brief. Join our community of Certified Passivhaus Designers and become a catalyst for positive change in the construction industry.

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Passivhaus Designer for Students

For contractors and building professionals in Cornwall, this in-person training offers a unique opportunity to upskill in low energy construction techniques that play a pivotal role in delivering Passivhaus and other high-performance building standards such as Cornwall Council's Net Zero policy for new homes.

Passivhaus for Contractors

Our new programme Design Performance for Climate Action aims to equip all UK architecture students to tackle the climate emergency.                                

Passivhaus for Universities

Passivhaus in Practice is a hands-on course at BE-ST, Scotland, designed to bridge the gap between design and construction. Using life-size training rigs, it builds the practical skills needed to deliver high-performance, low-energy buildings. The course is accredited by the Passivhaus Trust and is worth 6 PHI credit points towards certification renewal.

Practical

Passivhaus in Practice

Gain the knowledge needed to deliver successful deep fabric retrofits on-site to PAS 2035. This course focuses on the practical challenges and best practices in retrofit projects, equipping you to manage unforeseen changes and ensure quality.

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Learn how to use THERM software to understand 2D thermal bridges and generate Psi-values, through this self-study course worth 16 PHI Credit Points, which can be completed at your own pace.

THERM

Introduction to THERM

The webinar was very useful and provided us a way to apply our newfound knowledge in real-life situations. 

It’s good to go through the course with an open mind and air any thoughts / reservations you may have - the discussion with the tutors and students helped me to let go of some of my pre-conceptions. – Alan McKay

It was great to have trainers with a wealth of practical passive house experience.

Architect

Alan McKay

Testimonial - Bitesize Passivhaus Course

&quot;The Bitesize course is very helpful to reassess basic design approach to any project, small or large.&quot;

Director

Louise Charlton

Testimonial - Certified Passivhaus Designer

The knowledge gained from this course is now integrated into the design and detailing of all practice projects. We have expanded the practice’s reach, attracting a broader range of clients and project types.

Chartered Architectural Technologist

Dewi Jones

Testimony - Certified Passivhaus Designer Course

A couple of schemes I am currently working on in my day-to-day role are to low carbon designs and the sessions and lessons on thermal bridging, bypass and airtightness have been invaluable.

Learn from the UK's Passivhaus experts

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Proud to be official partners of the Passivhaus Trust.

Training construction professionals to meet the climate emergency.

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Passivhaus Myth Busting - Jedi skills beat Zombies!

50% Welsh Government Skills Grant – Notes from a Beneficiary

LIVE Q&A Session - Retrofit Delivery Course - Tuesday 1st July (1pm - 1:30pm)

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