NEW joint CPD – Qoda + Internorm | Passivhaus: Design Principles – Building Fabric and Role of Windows

CPD Learning Objectives

This CPD session provides architects and design teams with a practical understanding of how Passivhaus
principles influence building design, delivery and long-term performance.

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand the core principles of the Passivhaus standard, including airtightness, insulation, thermal
    bridge mitigation and controlled ventilation.
  • Explore why Passivhaus is gaining momentum in the UK, including its role in addressing the performance
    gap, operational energy and fuel poverty.
  • Understand how early design decisions influence Passivhaus viability, including building form,
    orientation, glazing strategy and thermal envelope performance.
  • Examine the impact of Passivhaus design on structure, materials and building services, including how
    simplified systems can reduce operational energy demand.
  • Understand the relationship between thermal comfort, airtightness and ventilation, and how these
    factors affect occupant wellbeing
  • Explore how thermal bridging, insulation and material conductivity influence building performance and
    energy demand.
  • Thermal comfort – temperature asymmetry & temperature stratification
  • How thermal comfort comfort requirement affects the Uw value of Passivhaus windows
  • Surface temperature factors. Hygiene criterion for windows. Risk indicator of mould growth. Another qualitative criterion for high-performance windows
  • Recommended Uw values for Passivhaus windows
  • Installation and glazing edge thermal bridge effect
  • Learn how fenestration design and orientation affect both heating demand and overheating risk in
    Passivhaus buildings.
  • Understand the importance of ventilation strategies and MVHR system design, including commissioning
    requirements and performance implications.
  • Review how Passivhaus principles apply to large-scale residential, commercial and retrofit projects, not
    just individual homes.

CPD Development Outcomes

Following the CPD, participants will be able to:

  • Apply a clearer understanding of Passivhaus principles within architectural design and building
    performance strategy.
  • Learn how windows affect the energy balance and thermal comfort in buildings in both winter and summer scenarios
  • Recognise how form, orientation and envelope design influence operational energy demand and
    comfort.
  • Identify key risks associated with late-stage Passivhaus adoption, including cost increases and
    certification challenges.
  • Understand the importance of integrated design collaboration between architects, engineers and
    contractors in delivering successful Passivhaus projects.
  • Apply practical lessons from real Passivhaus design and delivery experience, improving project
    outcomes and reducing performance risk.
  • For local authority officers, housing teams and estate managers, the CPD will also support a better
    understanding of how Passivhaus can be used to deliver high-quality, low-energy public buildings and
    housing at scale.
  • Recognise how Passivhaus can help reduce fuel poverty and improve occupant comfort, particularly in
    social housing and community buildings.
  • Understand how Passivhaus helps address the performance gap between predicted and actual building
    energy use, providing greater certainty around operational performance.

To book this CPD for your practice, please email office@internorm.co.uk. Passivhaus Designers will receive two learning points. The CPD is available in-person or online via Teams.

Vasilis Giannopoulos
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Categories: News, Sustainability, Uncategorised, Windows

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