This course teaches key skills and knowledge required to confidently and efficiently build high-performance structures. Passive House requires novel construction details and methods not found in Code-minimum buildings. The quality of construction is crucial to obtaining Passive House certification. Passing the exam entitles the student to call him or herself a certified Passive House tradesperson, a badge of competence to proudly display in the marketplace.
This online version provides an alternative pathway to achieving Passive House Tradesperson certification. Eight live two-hour sessions start at 7.30am, allowing attendees to promptly get back on the tools.
Sustainable Engineering Ltd will continue to offer the course in person (the next is in Auckland later in 2025), mixing theory and practical. We provide different pathways so that builders and other tradies can choose the option that best suits them and their employees.
Dates & location
The course is taught live on a cohort basis, with the next intake beginning on 22 July 2025 and concluding on 14 August. The (optional) PHI exam takes place on 19 August. This is also conducted online, with appropriate safeguards to ensure the integrity of the results.
Detailed course outcomes
The course is designed to prepare qualified students for the PHI Certified Passive House Tradesperson exam. Understand the theory and practical application of:
- building science
- how heat and moisture move through building assemblies
- the overall Passive House concept
- thermal envelopes
- the three construction layers
- high-performance windows and doors
- airtightness
- ventilation
- thermal bridging
- building services for high-performance buildings
- shading and overheating
Course structure
The course is designed to make it as accessible as possible for busy workers in the construction industry. The dates for online sessions are as followed (two per week, 7.30-9.30am, for four weeks).
22 July 2025
24 July 2025
29 July 2025
31 July 2025
5 August 2025
7 August 2025
12 August 2025
14 August 2025
In addition, 45 minute small group coaching sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings, with the final session on Monday 18 August. This is immediately before the exam, which will take place on 19 August.
Printed resources will be mailed to students in advance of the course start date. This pack includes a copy of the presentation slides, a handy reference for the exam and a guide to the exam software. We can’t guarantee these materials will arrive before the first class in the case of last minute registrations.
Included in the course is the opportunity to participate in the practical training sessions held in Auckland later in 2025. Cost of travel and accommodation (if necessary) is not included. Dates will be advised shortly.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for tradespersons—builders primarily but key sub-trades will also benefit eg plumbers and electricians. It is also suitable for suppliers of key components such as ventilation systems and high-performance windows. Students are usually a mix of business owners and employees.
Investment
Details can be found on the PHANZ website.
Recommended resources and knowledge
This course is designed for New Zealand tradespeople. In order to fully benefit from this learning opportunity, students needs to be motivated and enthusiastic, to have understanding and experience of New Zealand construction systems and proficiency in mathematics to senior secondary school level.
How to apply
Please enrol via the Passive House Academy of New Zealand (PHANZ) website.
Limitations, liability and copyright
There will be no refunds once the course has been accessed so it is important that students understand the prerequisites and what is expected of them. This course involves mathematics and physics (high school level); this will not be taught in class.
The course materials such as handouts represent a significant investment in intellectual property. They are copyright and provided for your own use. They may not be published, copied or distributed.
In general, this course material is provided under our website terms and conditions. We wish to highlight the following:
The authors of the information in this course have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. While reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information, the author(s) and Sustainable Engineering Ltd make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information provided being suitable for any particular purpose. The information presented must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing. The author(s) and Sustainable Engineering Ltd shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising from, the use of the information contained in this course.