Commentary: LEED vs. Passive House: What's the difference?

• Published in: Daily Journal of Commerce
• Main Author: Monique Lee Hawthorne
• Format: Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: Portland, Or BridgeTower Media Holding Company 24.02.2010
• Subjects: Certification; Cost control; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Environmental impact; Green buildings; Hawthorne, Robert; Leadership; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 0896-8012

"Passive" does not refer exclusively to passive solar heating, often a component of Passive House. The standard goes beyond and requires very high levels of insulation with minimum thermal bridges and thorough consideration of the utilization of solar and internal gains. Passive House looks to exceptional levels of air tightness, which differs from other building techniques. Contrary to what some may think about air tightness, all Passive House buildings boast first-class indoor air eminence because most of them use heat recovery ventilation systems. Unfortunately, Passivhaus is victim to a poor translation. The German word "haus" is not limited to single-family residences. For example, a "gasthaus" is an inn or hotel, not literally a "guest house" as a direct translation might infer. The Passive House standard can be used for all types of buildings, as is the case in Europe. LEED and Passive House do not preclude each other - a building can obtain LEED certification and also meet the Passive House standard. Some have said LEED is ahead simply because it has been around longer.