Support to build a Passive House
Homes are a significant contributor to carbon emissions in the UK. People building or renovating their own home are increasingly using alternative materials, innovative construction techniques and renewable energy sources to maximise energy efficiency, reduce running and maintenance costs and to optimise the sustainability of their home.
We promote the building of environmentally-friendly homes as part of our self-build mortgage service and offer clients support to build or renovate a home that attains the Passive House (also known as Passivhaus) accreditation.
What is a Passive House?
A Passive House is a building which meets exacting standards for energy efficiency and thermal comfort, achieved through the five construction principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany:
- High levels of insulation
- High performance windows
- Airtight fabric
- Mechanical ventilation
- Thermal bridge-free construction
By implementing these design principles, Passive House buildings achieve a high level of energy efficiency and only use around 10% of the energy used in conventional buildings. To achieve full accreditation from the International Passive House Institute, the total heating and cooling demands of a new build must remain under 15kWh/m²/year.
The benefits of a Passive House
There are a number of benefits that could be achieved by building a Passive House:
Low impact on the environment
Home uses less energy and is less reliant on unsustainable sources
Reduced running costs
The required high standard of build quality minimises energy use and protects against rising energy prices
Health and comfort
Environment is enhanced by continuous clean fresh air, moderated temperatures and soundproofing
Investing in your home
As well as a reduction in your mortgage arrangement fee, a high quality build could reduce maintenance costs and maintain or increase resale values
Support to develop your Passive House
As well as working in partnership with you and your other advisers as you develop your Passive House, we offer a partial refund of your original mortgage arrangement fee, payable when your build achieves Passive House accreditation from an authorised certifier.
Get in touch to discuss how we could help you to finance your project.
Find out more about Passive House
All borrowing is subject to status and is available to persons of 18 or over. Security might be required for borrowing in the form of a charge or standard security over land, or other forms of security over your investments or other assets.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.