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Our expert valuers have extensive knowledge of property values in your area and are here to help.
Passivhaus is quickly becoming a dominant method of construction in jurisdictions with advanced low-carbon building policy, thanks to its ability to reduce carbon emissions in buildings by 75-90%. And while Passivhaus is well-known for its substantial energy and carbon savings, there are numerous told and untold benefits.
The even temperatures, quiet ambience, and constant fresh air throughout the building provide a indoor environment superior to almost any building. Occupants can sit next to the windows on the coldest winter day without feeling chilled. The obnoxious street noise is muted to a quiet hush. Occupants have even commented that they don’t even notice when it rains heavily. And the air feels and smells fresh and pleasant.
The fresh filtered air exchanged 24 hours per day provides a level of air quality rarely seen in conventional buildings. A key characteristic of Passivhaus ventilation systems is that the stale building air is never recirculated, but exhausted continuously. Not only does this avoid the recirculation of odours, it also limits the spread of viruses such as COVID-19 between apartments, offices, and other zones.
Conventional approach to ventilation. Air is continuously recirculated to offset high heat losses.
Passivhaus approach to ventilation. Air is never recirculated
Many question whether the market recognizes the extra value of Passivhaus Buildings. Well, we’re seeing more and more examples of Passive House projects earning higher returns than their counterparts.
If you’re a long-term holder of a home or building (or any asset for that matter), the initial financial picture isn’t what’s important. It’s the long-term picture. While financially saavy investors understand and act consistent with this view, many investors and homeowners sadly do not. Instead, they make short-term decisions that cost them more in the long-run. The investment in Passivhaus is no different–it provides superior long-term returns. And if you consider the monthly cost of ownership (mortgage + operational and maintenance costs), you are likely to pay less from day one (particularly with the very low interest rates we are currently experiencing).
Every consumer has purchased at least one product that made a claim it failed to meet. Whether it’s breaking within the first month, not providing a specific function or devouring batteries incessantly, we’re always left with a foul taste in our mouth. Such disappointments are often inconsequential to our financial wellbeing, but when it comes to the purchase a home or building, they can be highly disruptive.
In a market saturated with greenwashing, it’s understandable that some buyers and investors may be pessimistic about the Passivhaus promise. Yet Passivhaus has demonstrated for 30 years, through monitoring and surveys, that it consistently delivers on its promise.
Source: Passive House Institute
Despite the many good reasons for investing in a Passivhaus building, some remain unconvinced, In our experience, the best way to enroll a prospective buyer/investor in understanding that Passivhaus is the right choice, is to let them experience it first hand. Sadly, the opportunities for this experience are still limited. So if you or your prospective client would like to visit or stay in a Passivhaus, please contact us and we’d be happy to arrange.