The voluntary construction standard Passivhaus movement is gaining momentum in Europe and proponents say it is now spreading in Australia.
Passivhaus buildings typically use 90 per cent less energy than similar houses.
As part of the Sustainable Living Festival, the environmental design firm Sustainable Built Environments will share its expertise and understanding of the rigorous and voluntary construction standard developed in Germany.
SBE senior associate Jane Toner said Europe had about 25,000 Passivhaus buildings and SBE had been exploring the suitability of such a system for Melbourne’s climate.
Toner said Passivhaus resulted in ultra-low energy buildings that required little energy for space heating or cooling.
“Passivhaus is about delivering huge improvements in energy use without compromising human comfort and we believe it is an idea whose time has come,” she said.
The introduction to what Passivhaus is about takes place 3pm, 25 February, 2011. Tickets are $5 at the door, Level 7, 525 Flinders Street, Melbourne.
