Monday, June 29, 2026

Net Zero vs. Passive House

 Net Zero vs. Passive House Clarified - EP #2 - YouTube @EkoBuilt Passive Homes


Designer builds efficient off-grid Passive House in Colorado - YouTube



Exploring Passive House Design - 90% Energy Savings! - YouTube
Undecided with Matt Ferrell

Numbers & Facts: Passive House vs Code-Built Homes - YouTube

This video from EkoBuilt Passive Homes compares code-built homes to passive houses, highlighting significant differences in insulation, efficiency, and cost.

Key Comparison Points:

  • Building Envelope & Insulation (R-Values): Passive houses utilize superior insulation to maintain a stable environment. While code-built homes often rely on standard fiberglass or rock wool, passive houses use materials like cellulose (which is 100% recycled/renewable and can be made fire/mold-proof with borate) to reach significantly higher R-values (0:56 - 5:51).
    • Walls: R-24 (code) vs. R-75 (passive)
    • Floors: R-10 (code) vs. R-40 (passive)
    • Windows/Doors: R-3 (code) vs. R-12 (passive)
    • Roofs: R-36 (code) vs. R-110 (passive)
  • Window Performance: Passive house windows are triple-glazed, thermal bridge protected, and engineered to maximize solar heat gain in winter (6:02 - 8:05).
  • Cost & Savings:
    • Incremental Build Cost: Building a passive house is roughly 5-10% more expensive initially due to the high-performance envelope (2:19).
    • Utility Savings: While the average Canadian utility bill is ~50/month** (with net metering) or $100/month without it (8:20 - 10:28).


Passive homes have gained significant recognition in recent years for their innovative and sustainable design principles. These houses are not just another architectural trend, but rather a response to the pressing need for energy-efficient and eco-friendly living spaces. With an emphasis on reducing energy consumption, passive houses have become a beacon of hope for mitigating the environmental impact of residential buildings.






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