As designers of Passivhaus buildings it’s a question we are frequently asked in the early stages of a project. Generally local authorities have a local development plan with policies which promote sustainability, but regrettably few prioritise the Passivhaus principals, so a sustainability argument shouldn’t be relied on in isolation. It is important, as always, to ensure that all policies can be met to give a project the best possible chance of success.
Yesterday this was not the case, with a resolution to grant permission for our latest Passivhaus project in central Worcester forthcoming. Aided by our Tom Locke speaking strongly in support of the scheme, the planning committee clearly not only understood Passivhaus, but welcomed the holistic sustainable credentials of the project. The Passivhaus standard's health and environmental benefits were a key part of their positive decision and overall a contemporary design welcomed.
This was incredibly refreshing, and hopefully we see much more of this as truly sustainable homes continue to become more commonplace.
CGI of the Passivhaus proposal (left) against the existing context (right and far right).