Understanding the Passive House Standard:
In an age where energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment are critical, the Passive House standard offers a cornerstone of innovation and efficiency. Passive House is a voluntary performance standard for buildings, drawing people in with its overall simplicity and benefits. Passive House describes a performance standard, not a specific construction method; buildings must meet specific energy targets, but designers are free to choose how those are met.
Known for creating superior energy-efficient and comfortable buildings, Passive House principles have become a leading framework in modern architecture and design. The success of Passive House buildings serves as a model for high-performance construction, influencing building codes and policies. By minimizing reliance on external energy sources and optimizing energy use, Passive House buildings not only lower utility costs but also support broader efforts to reduce carbon footprints and improve the built environment.
Why Passive House? Principles & Benefits of Passive House:
The five principles in which Passive House sets itself apart include:
- Optimal insulation
- Airtight building envelope
- Thermal bridge-free building envelope
- High-performance windows
- Heat recovery ventilation system
These principles work together to significantly reduce energy consumption by minimizing heat loss and gain, ensuring consistency in indoor temperatures, and reducing the need for conventional heating and cooling systems. The Passive House standard often leads to increased property value due to the building’s overall efficiency and durability.
How GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems support the Passive House standard:
The GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation and SMARTci building enclosure systems are engineered to support the exacting demands of the Passive House standard. By eliminating thermal bridges while providing superior structural performance, these systems ensure that buildings maintain excellent thermal performance without compromising structural integrity.
The GreenGirt CMH system represents a cutting-edge solution in continuous insulation, utilizing innovative composite metal hybrid technology. Featuring a robust sub-framing design with interlocking continuous steel inserts, the system enhances structural integrity and effectively eliminates thermal bridging, significantly improving thermal efficiency. It accommodates both mineral wool and spray foam insulation, is tailored to specific project needs, and meets stringent NFPA 285 and ASTM E84 standards for superior fire resistance and safety. GreenGirt CMH’s integration of advanced sub-framing and compatible accessories offers a comprehensive, structurally sound, and energy-efficient solution, making it an ideal choice for achieving the Passive House standard/certification while supporting modern construction goals of sustainability and performance.
SMARTci building enclosure systems provide an air- and water-tight envelope that excels in thermal management. The SMARTci system is designed for hassle-free installation and can be adapted to both closed and open framing. This flexibility not only saves time but also reduces material and labor costs while providing added versatility and increased energy efficiency. The system is comprised of GreenGirt CMH sub-framing, integrated custom-profiled rigid insulation panels, necessary accessories, and engineering support. By eliminating both thermal bypasses and thermal bridging, SMARTci building enclosure systems accelerate the achievement of the Passive House standard for your next project.
Essential Features for Passive House Success — Windows & Walls:
Windows:
Windows are often the weakest link in a building’s thermal performance, presenting significant challenges in Passive House design. For a building to achieve the Passive House standard, it is key that windows and their framing systems are of high quality and high thermal efficiency.
The GreenGirt CMH XO™ system addresses these critical challenges by providing a refined continuous insulation solution specifically designed for windows. The streamlined system tackles the issue of thermal loss at building openings by eliminating issues associated with through-wall metal, through-insulation fasteners, conductive metal angles, and inefficient wood-blocking.
By allowing the window to align with the thermal plane of the insulation, GreenGirt CMH XO enhances the overall efficiency of the building envelope. Constructed with a structural composite metal hybrid sub-framing and complemented by compatible accessories, the system not only improves thermal performance but also reinforces structural integrity. Supported by expert engineering, the GreenGirt CMH XO system integrates seamlessly into the building façade, ensuring superior window and opening performance in line with the Passive House standard.
Walls:
The resilience of walls is crucial for achieving the energy efficiency and comfort goals of the Passive House standard. Effective wall design is pivotal in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and reducing heating and cooling demands.
The SMARTci® building enclosure system, featuring GreenGirt CMH™ technology, offers a straightforward solution to modern construction challenges and supports the Passive House standard. GreenGirt CMH, the core of this system, provides an innovative continuous insulation solution that enhances structural integrity and eliminates thermal bridging, vital to achieving high energy efficiency.
The system’s key components include composite metal hybrid Z-girt sub-framing, providing for a powerful structural base that works seamlessly with both mineral wool and spray foam insulation for project-specific customization. Interlocking continuous steel inserts add further strength, stability, and fastener retention, ensuring a durable and robust build. Additionally, GreenGirt CMH meets stringent NFPA 285 and ASTM E84 standards, delivering superior fire resistance and safety compliance, essential for aligning with Passive House principles.
SMARTci integrates these components into a fully unified enclosure system. Custom- routed insulation panels form a 360-degree air and water seal, crucial for preventing thermal losses and moisture issues — both imperative to maintaining Passive House performance. With compatible accessories and expert engineering support, GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci provide for a comprehensive, energy-efficient solution that simplifies the building process while ensuring that sustainability and performance objectives are met.
Real Results: Passive Houses Enhanced by Advanced Architectural Products
Betances Residence
The Betances Residence in New York City, designed by COOKFOX Architects, is a prime example of sustainable urban living. This Passive House project uses GreenGirt CMH XO insulation for windows, meeting energy efficiency standards while blending with modern urban design. Windows play a crucial role in Passive House construction, as they are often the weakest point in a building’s envelope. The GreenGirt CMH XO system addresses this challenge by providing high-performance, thermally efficient window installations that minimizes energy loss. The building uses airtight construction and advanced insulation solutions to further reduce energy use. Sustainable materials and methods enhance its environmental benefits, supporting the city’s revitalization. The Betances Residence not only sets a standard for energy-efficient homes but also shows how thoughtful design can boost comfort and community well-being.
669 St. Marks
Brooklyn’s 669 St. Marks is a standout Passive House project, recognized by NYSERDA’s Buildings of Excellence competition. Designed by Cycle Architecture + Planning, the building achieves low-to-zero carbon emissions with the help of GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation system. This innovative system aids in meeting the Passive House standard by reducing thermal bridging and enhancing thermal performance. GreenGirt CMH boosts energy efficiency, supported by a 16 KW PV array and efficient equipment. This project demonstrates how leading-edge insulation solutions like GreenGirt CMH support exceptional energy efficiency in Passive House construction.
Ready to Build Passively: Achieving Success with Systematic Solutions
Achieve Passive House standards with innovative systems that boost energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation system and the SMARTci building enclosure system are crafted to help you reach the Passive House standard.
GreenGirt CMH provides a high-performance continuous insulation solution that effectively eliminates thermal bridging with its composite metal hybrid Z-girt sub-framing. SMARTci system integrates GreenGirt CMH and custom-profiled insulation for a complete, air- and water-tight building envelope.
This approach achieves 92-99% thermal efficiency and effective R-values up to 50% better than conventional insulation methods. By integrating these advanced solutions with other high-performance components, achieving the Passive House standard becomes more straightforward.
For more information on how GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci can enhance your next Passive House project. Visit our website or call 269-355-1818.
