Passive Houses will they catch on?

[mairteenpak]

How much more would you pay for a passive House, let say a four bed urban terraced or semi 140 square meters on two or three floors as opposed to a house of the same size dating from 1970?


One of the key aspects is that in conventional housing the Heating ventilation losses for a house of 140 sqm with a volume of 350Cubic meters would typically loose 5Kw per our in ventilation losses this could be cut by 90% with ventilation heat revovery.

Heat losses through the floors walls roof would be cut to 10% of that of a 1970 uninsulated house with a U Value of 0.1

Will the market pay a premium for such houses to reflect superior energy efficiency and superior comfort levels?

Should the state continue to allow tax relief to landlords on non passive houses?

[TheBear]

Passive houses? Huh?

[Squire Allworthy]

Passive houses? Huh?

They are the ones that don't bite postmen.

[Eddiepops]

They're self contained houses that are so efficient they're energy neutral. The OP could have been a lot clearer

[Victor Meldrew]

They're self contained houses that are so efficient they're energy neutral. The OP could have been a lot clearer

Looks like great technology, but invariably these are showcased in programmes where a "green" family wants to do the sustainable living thing and decides that a one off house on a few acres is the way to go. the result is invariably quirkey and lovely, but they are stuck in the middle of nowhere and are dependent on two cars and have to drive everywhere. The govt (and the greens) recently showcased a new building code that was super efficient but the houses were low density bungalows.

Now, I live in a early 80's house, and despite good (ish) insulation and good windows etc, it still costs a bit more to heat than the late 90's house I lived in previously. (and now gets really hot in summer/ spring). But, I can walk/cycle/take the bus everywhere save for the run to the creche and the big weekly shop.

My point is this: A house's "Passivity" is only part of the occupants carbon footprint, and we need to encourage these technologies, but they will not be credible until they are incorporated into medium / high density developements in areas where a community is also built / enabled.

Two alleged tree huggers living with 2 kids in a 2000 sq foot house with two cars in a (previously) un spoilt location is the last thing the green movement needs to promote, but this tends to be all we see.

[ryano]

The govt (and the greens) recently showcased a new building code that was super efficient but the houses were low density bungalows.

What are you referring to here, specifically?

The general point is good, though. If you believed the telly you'd think that the most sustainable way to live was to build a one-off house as far away from civilisation as possible. Grand Designs, much as I enjoy the programme, is one of the worst offenders.

[ManOfReason]

The govt (and the greens) recently showcased a new building code that was super efficient but the houses were low density bungalows.

What are you referring to here, specifically?

The general point is good, though. If you believed the telly you'd think that the most sustainable way to live was to build a one-off house as far away from civilisation as possible. Grand Designs, much as I enjoy the programme, is one of the worst offenders.

Hey I love watching programms where a wealthy couple with no kids build a 5,000 sq ft 'environmently friendly' country cottage.

[code twinkle]

Passive? Catching on??

[TheBear]

I'm not sure I'd pay more for such a house, partially as I can't see myself coming across one on the Dublin property market, and I doubt they're great on the public transport front.

However, I do intend to install solar panels, and possibly a wood pellet stove, when I eventually buy a house. And it's not as if many people who know me would consider me particularly 'green'.

[EoinMn]

I can't see myself coming across one on the Dublin property market

Though I don't know of any passive apartments, they do tend to be far more efficient than your average house.