'PassivHaus UK Status for AM Profiles'

'PassivHaus' is a specific construction method developed in Germany in 1990 which results in an ultra-low energy residential building. The timber aluminium composite curtain wall available from AM Profiles meets the 0.8 W/m2K required to be listed on the PassivHaus UK web site. AM Profiles is one of a small and select group of UK based manufacturing businesses offering a PassivHaus compliant product and a range of high performance, sustainable composite windows, doors and curtain wall to target this growing market.

In English 'Passive House' or 'Passive Solar Houses' harness solar energy, have high levels of insulation and excellent ventilation methods which ensure a comfortable living space is achieved in both winter and summer with the benefit of minimum energy consumption. As our UK housing takes up to 25% of our energy needs the nearer we can get to homes that meet the 'PassivHaus' standard and have renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power the quicker we can cut our carbon emissions and at the same time save on rising energy costs.

The principle behind 'PassivHaus' is that space heating and cooling needs are less than 15kWh/m2/year and the total energy use for all appliances is less than 120kWh/m2/year. Further information on the PassivHaus principles is available on their website at www.passivhaus.org.uk Whilst this standard is gaining some enthusiastic followers in the UK the move towards Zero Carbon homes is on the increase and government legislation will be at the forefront in ensuring UK builders meet ever increasing targets for construction.