A new tool called the Reduction Factor Shading has been developed by the Passive House Institute to calculate shading reduction factors for shading devices, following the ISO 52022 code. This tool also considers the effect of insect screens. In the Passive House Planning Package, the use of reduction factors is key for more precise calculations.

The best projects happen when everyone understands how it works.

The day before this year's THRIVE conference is our Practical Training Day on June 18th, a hands-on teaching of the key areas of Passivhaus design through handling materials, guided tasks, presentations and Q&As. This is valuable for all professionals interested in and working on Certified Passivhaus projects, and any interested parties involved in the process.

We’re aiming for great attendance again: this June, we’re after record numbers of attendees Thriving with us the 2025 Passivhaus Conference in Melbourne.

Helping us is very easy! We’ve created a list of five simple things you can do to increase the exposure of the 2025 THRIVE Conference.

Passivhaus construction places a strong emphasis on airtightness — a fundamental principle that ensures structural durability while increasing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. It signifies a holistic approach to building design that supports thermal performance, durability, sustainability and occupant comfort.

Extra $50 off upcoming early bird

Events by Frankston City Council for Builders

Cairn, a prominent developer, has integrated Passivhaus Principles into its green strategy, aligning its high-density housing initiatives with Ireland's objectives for carbon reduction and climate action.  

The Productivity Commission is seeking brief comments from people working in or with the housing construction sector. This work aims to investigate issues that might be weighing on productivity growth in the housing construction sector, such as: 

• barriers to the adoption of innovation and scaling up 

• government regulation at the local, state and federal level 

• characteristics of the construction workforce. 

The Australian Passivhaus Association has concerns about an emerging rhetoric which questions the validity of frequent NCC updates and positions them as an unnecessary imposition on builders. It is crucial that our industry demonstrates that;

• NCC updates are crucial for the health and welfare of all Australians, in addition to our future climate risk.

• Can be affordable to implement, and would be easier if a National commitment to implementation took place.

• That a culture of continual improvement must be fostered evenly across all professions in the built environment, to ensure that we stop falling behind global pace of construction practices.

We are encouraging our members to respond and have drafted suggested responses.

Property Developers MODEL recently released a white paper titled Tomorrow's Too Late. The paper recognises that Passivhaus Certified assets in the Build to Rent sector are “a no brainer”.

In the team’s decarbonisation strategy the Passivhaus Standard is listed as a core pillar of their strategy. The team at MODEL also recognise that the Standard will support other goals for tenants such as superior comfort, a healthier, cleaner, quieter environment for their clients.

Industry and built environment stakeholders call on Building Ministers to stay the course on the National Construction Code

APA Christmas Catch-up

This new project register will function as a comprehensive data source, also being used in research and promotion of the Passivhaus Standard in Australia.