Work has started on site to transform a dated Oxford backstreet dominated by aging garages unfit for modern city centre life into a characterful, highly energy efficient modern mews that will be home to 33 students at St John’s College Oxford.

Adopting a whole-building approach to design, Passivhaus is considered the most rigorous energy-based standard with certification.

It’s a well-known fact that 80% of today’s buildings will still be in use by 2050 – the deadline for the UK government’s net zero targets – so why is the energy efficiency of our existing building stock not given as much airtime as new projects?

Passivhaus standards and sustainable design are currently at the forefront of every industry conversation, and rightly so. Companies are more concerned than ever about maintaining high levels of energy efficiency and reducing the impact of their buildings on the surrounding environment.

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Agata Kępińska, has been featured in RIBA Journal. Her article explores the importance of engaging consistently with all design and delivery partners to achieve a Passivhaus standard project, from tradespeople to architects.

The construction sector contributes to a significant amount of carbon emission – 35% of the total global energy consumption according to the Passivhaus Trust. Backed up by 30 years of evidence, Passivhaus is a sustainability-focused solution enabling builders to redefine the layers of comfort and affordability through energy efficient homes. Our director Neil Foster explores why UK construction is yet to discover Passivhaus’ fullest potential and how building professionals can become net-zero-ready with decarbonisation and green living at the forefront.