From a retrofit home to an entire Passive House District, the idea of homes so well built they use a minimal amount of energy for heating and cooling is taking hold.
Building with an eye to energy efficiency is not only cost-effective, it can also augment architectural design. This was proven by the winners of the 2014 Passive House Award. Six buildings and one region were recognized at the opening of the International Passive House Conference in Aachen, Germany.
Energy efficient construction and refurbishment often sets the stage for appealing aesthetics, in addition to its benefits for the climate. In the words of Sigmar Gabriel, German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy and patron of the Award, "The Passive House Standard serves as a global benchmark for energy efficient construction and refurbishment. I am especially pleased to see that the Standard is now underpinning more than just individual buildings, serving as the basis for building complexes and even entire neighborhoods."
