EECA recently published guidance for businesses weighing up commercial PV generation. As always, the devil lies in the detail, and understanding the methodology used to assess the viability of solar energy is important for businesses weighing up possible on-site PV generation. The report, Commercial-scale solar in New Zealand: Information for businesses considering investing in solar energy highlights several crucial considerations. …
Tech overview for ECCHO now available
The technical overview for the NZ Green Building Council Energy and Carbon Calculator for Homes is now available. The guide was put together by me and NZGBC’s Sam Archer. It’s a free download, available here, plus there’s general information about the guide here. We developed the first version of ECCHO in Excel using PHPPv9 as the engine, then Sam Archer …
Primary Energy Renewable (PER) is misunderstood
How PHI calculates eligibility for Passive House Plus and Premium certifications seems to be unclear, even to some experienced Passive House designers. There are many factors that impact the amount of energy generated by a specific renewable energy system on a day-to-day basis. But none of that matters for PH Plus or Premium certification. It’s about Primary Energy Renewable. And …
Help coming for PHPP heat pump worksheet
Every Passive House designer who has modelled in PHPP10 knows what a pain it’s become to enter heat pump data. To solve this, we’re developing a heat pump webinar with a whole lot of building physics behind it. (Save the date: 5 March 2025, 12.30 – 2.00pm) PHPP9 allowed standard data to be used, but PHI changed that with the …
What’s to like in the MBIE H1 consultation document?
After painstakingly researching, consulting on and citing improvements to thermal performance in the NZ Building Code for years, MBIE was directed by its incoming minister to investigate rolling back changes. Chris Penk cited anecdotes from a couple of Tauranga group home builders that more insulation was causing overheating as his rationale, all while banging on the housing shortage drum. In …
Wanted: Passive House champions
We want more Passive House champions! Resources will be released this summer to make it easier for select professionals to present the benefits and details of the Passive House standard. I’m currently working on a PowerPoint presentation—full slides, plus speaker’s notes—that will be available for certified Passive House professionals to use. Basically, we want to make it easier for you …
The independence of Passive House certifiers
Jessica Eyers was the architectural designer and Passive House designer for this month’s featured case study, a groundbreaking prefab straw home. Jessica ran her own architectural design company from 2012 to 2023, when she wound up the practice and we welcomed her to the Sustainable Engineering Ltd team. The independence and impartiality of Passive House certifiers is absolutely vital. The …
Climate data resource page
For Passive House calculations members of iPHA can use their tool to generate files for PHPP An indicative climate file can be generated here with this tool. Remember that the file is defined for the northern hemisphere and must be altered using the Climate data tool for the Southern Hemisphere. https://www.building.govt.nz/getting-started/climate-change-work-programme/resources/weather-files-aotearoa-new-zealand The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released updated weather …
ByggaF standard addresses moisture risks in a systematic process
I field questions often that go something like, what is the best way to build a CLT roof or an ICF window install or handle a three-way junction between heavy cladding, slab edge insulation and a thermally broken aluminium sliding door. My answer to all these questions is very often the same: It depends. I say this knowing it’s not …