Can I call it a Passivhaus? Here’s what the Australian Passivhaus Association says
When you see a home labelled as a Passivhaus, what does that really mean? Is it a guarantee of comfort and efficiency, or just a buzzword?
The Australian Passivhaus Association (APA) earlier this year released updated guidance on how and when buildings can be described as meeting the Passivhaus Standard.
We’re going to break down these guidelines so you can make informed decisions and better understand what you’re getting when it’s your turn to build.
What is Passivhaus? Or is it Passive House?
Passivhaus (pronounced the same as “Passive House”) is a rigorous building standard developed in Germany. It’s based on measured performance, not just good intentions or clever design. The standard ensures exceptional thermal comfort, airtightness, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor air quality.
You can read more about it here.
The APA encourages using the original German spelling of “Passivhaus” to distinguish it from similar terms like “passive solar”. Around the world, including in Europe and North America, “Passive House” is still commonly used. Whatever the spelling, what matters most is how a building performs.
What the new APA guidelines actually say
Here’s the crux of it: A building can be described as meeting the Passivhaus Standard without being certified, but only if it meets all the performance and quality assurance criteria of the standard.
It’s a nuanced yet important distinction.
Any claim of “Passivhaus” must be defensible in a court of law. In other words, if someone says a home is a Passivhaus, they need to be able to prove it meets the full standard, not just the intent or some of the targets.
“Can I call it a Passivhaus?” decision tree
Here’s a handy visual from the APA to help us decide which terminology to use. You can also find it in the official guidelines linked at the end of this blog post.
What about Passivhaus certification?
Certification isn’t mandatory. But it is the only (and most reliable) way to independently verify a building meets the Passivhaus Standard.
Here’s why certification is encouraged by the APA:
It involves third-party testing and review, reducing the risk of missed performance goals
International research shows certified buildings more consistently meet energy and comfort targets than self-verified ones
It adds confidence and potential resale value for future owners
It’s a structured way to document and track quality assurance throughout the project
Some homeowners may choose not to certify for personal reasons, such as privacy. Others may build to the standard but skip certification to save a small portion of the budget. That’s okay too, as long as the claims are made transparently and with care.
Amity Builders’ approach
At Amity Builders, we’ve taken Passivhaus courses, been tested on our knowledge, and apply it every day as certified Passive House tradespeople. We also collaborate closely with certified Passive House designers and architects to build custom homes with exceptional performance.
Some of our clients pursue certification. Others choose not to. Either way, we build with the same rigour and transparency.
Our role? To help you feel informed and empowered as we build you a home that’s healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Final thoughts: clear language, clear expectations
As the Passivhaus movement grows in Australia, clarity matters more than ever. Homeowners deserve to know what they’re getting. And as builders, we have a responsibility to use terms like “Passivhaus” thoughtfully and truthfully.
Whether or not you pursue certification, we believe that building to a higher standard is always worth it. Because everyone deserves a home that supports their comfort, health and peace of mind.
Interested in reading the official guidelines? Download them here.
Hi, we’re Amity Builders
We’re a passionate bunch who are tired of seeing homeowners around Australia settle for subpar living conditions. We combine our love for building, building science, and building relationships to create healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient living experiences for people. We’d love to get to know you!
