Passivhaus expertisefor low carbon retrofit & renovation
We deliver the energy modelling and advice necessary for achieving a comfortable, healthy, and quality assured low carbon building.
ColdProof are experts in Passivhaus retrofit and energy efficient retrofit, to both the Passivhaus (EnerPHit) standard and AECB Retrofit Standard. As a Certified Passivhaus Consultant and experienced trainer, we provide a depth of knowledge mixed with practical experience in order to achieve the best results with each retrofit. Find out more about our design, training, and consultancy services below.
Benefits of Low Energy Retrofit
- A Warm & Draught-Free Home
A well-designed retrofit stops heat from escaping through a continuous layer of insulation and airtightness. The result is a comfortable home, where consistent temperatures temperatures are maintained throughout the home and all year round.
- Healthy Indoor Environment
The combination of mechanical ventilation and high thermal performance means retrofitted homes offer excellent indoor air quality along with reduced risk of mould growth, making for a much healthier internal environment than a typical home.
- Lower Costs & Carbon Footprint
Although the capital outlay for retrofit can be significant, a certified retrofit offers assurance that the completed building requires less energy to operate while needing less maintenance, meaning lower ongoing costs and a much lower carbon footprint.
Passivhaus Client Testimonials
John & Diana (Chorley)
“In addition to completing a comprehensive PHPP assessment which has given us a clear direction for our deep retrofit, Eric has been able to provide practical advice, guidance, and support as we have moved forward. It has been particularly helpful to engage Eric on a regular basis in order to discuss issues as they have arisen and talk through possible solutions”
Ruth (Manchester)
“From surveying my property to assess its particular heat-loss characteristics to seeing the refurbishment to its completion, Eric has paid attention to all the details. This had included not only the calculation of what strategies were appropriate to reduce heat loss, listing the materials required, their quantities and suppliers, but also co-ordination of the work and installing the MHVR. This joined-up thinking throughout meant a minimisation of the inevitable mess and upheaval such a radical overhaul of a house entails.”
We are Committed to Carbon Reduction
We believe in the importance of tackling climate change and understand the urgency required. That's why we re-invest 10% of our turnover to help as many builders and site managers as possible get training in Passivhaus building principles. With 26 million homes in the UK requiring retrofitting and a current skills gap in the building trades, every bit counts.
FAQs
Why use a Passivhaus Consultant?
Achieving a low energy retrofit requires team expertise in a number of different areas. While architects bring a lot of good design expertise to the table, unless they are conversant with fabric-first construction in reality many still tend to be unaware of issues around heat loss, thermal bridging and moisture risk – we often see designs drawn up for extensions that are simply not fit for purpose in terms of these issues. Building contractors also have a wealth of practical expertise, and are superb problem-solvers and troubleshooters – unfortunately they are often left to figure things out on their own due to a lack of details from the architects, and in addition are also not always conversant with all the risks associated with procedures and materials that they are normally used to using (e.g. moisture risk of using vapour-closed insulation materials, fitting rigid boards between rigid structures that create air gaps, and knowing what materials are or are not airtight).
A Passivhaus Consultant is someone that understands the detail around the different areas of heat loss, and what to do about it. A Passivhaus Consultant who is also specialised in retrofit will most likely understand about other areas that one needs to be careful about (e.g. moisture risk). In our experience as a Passivhaus Consultant, we often tend to take on the role of ‘air traffic controller’ where we act as the one with the joined-up thinking that bridges between architects, contractors and other specialists in order to arrive at a sensible and robust construction.
Where is the most heat lost in a typical home?
Based on projects that we have been involved with, on average about 55% of heat is lost through poorly insulated walls, roofs, and floors, with most of the loss occurring through externally-facing walls. Around 20% is lost through windows and doors, and 25% through air leakage.
Why is retrofitting important for the UK’s carbon reduction goals?
With 80% of homes in the UK expected to still be standing in 2050 and buildings accounting for 27% of the country’s carbon emissions, retrofitting is essential for reducing energy use and helping the UK meet its zero carbon targets.
How does a retrofit help lower energy bills?
A retrofit improves the ‘fabric’ of a building (i.e. the construction that separates inside and outside) through improved insulation, better levels of airtightness, and reduced heat loss at junctions. A retrofit also needs to address ventilation to ensure good indoor air quality and regulate moisture levels – having a ventilation system that recovers the heat from the outgoing air means less heat is lost through this route. All of this works together to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat (or cool) the home, which leads to lower energy consumption and, in turn, reduced utility bills.