Project Summary

Challenge

The construction industry plays a vital role in achieving the UK's net zero ambitions, yet there remains a significant skills gap in delivering buildings that perform as designed. As demand grows for low-carbon, energy-efficient buildings, employers need practical training that helps teams understand how to successfully deliver quality-assured Passivhaus and Net Zero projects.

Passivhaus is widely recognised as one of the most effective approaches to reducing energy demand, helping buildings use up to 80% less energy while delivering improved comfort, health and performance. However, many construction professionals have not received the specialist training needed to design, build and quality assure these projects.

With increasing requirements from government, clients and building standards, the industry faces growing demand for:

• Net Zero and low-energy buildings

• Demonstrable as-built performance

• Improved energy efficiency and carbon reduction

• Skilled professionals capable of delivering certified Passivhaus projects

Despite this demand, there is currently limited practical training available for construction teams responsible for delivering Passivhaus and high-performance buildings on site.

Solution

This project will develop a suite of intermediate and advanced training resources focused on delivering Net Zero buildings through Passivhaus principles.

The programme will include:

• Pre-construction and design training

• Construction delivery and site quality training

• Advanced specialist design modules

• Practical site-based training using demonstration rigs and toolkits

• Train-the-trainer resources to support long-term industry adoption

Training is designed to be practical, role-specific and directly relevant to real construction projects.

Training Modules

Module 1: Pre-construction & Design

Designed for Design Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Building Services Managers, Pre-construction teams

Topics include:

• Passivhaus principles and best practice

• Design detailing

• Risk management

• PHPP (Passivhaus Planning Package)

• Design changes and performance impacts

• Quality assurance requirements

Module 2: Construction & Site Delivery

Designed for Construction Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors, Site teams

Topics include:

• Airtightness

• Insulation continuity

• Quality control

• Site evidence and certification

• Commissioning and testing

• Performance assurance during construction

Module 3: Advanced Design

Designed for experienced design professionals and Passivhaus practitioners.

Covers:

• Timber, steel, concrete and hybrid systems

• Thermal bridging

• Airtightness detailing

• Fire, acoustic and energy performance requirements

• Advanced design challenges

Practical Site-Based Training

Hands-on learning using demonstration rigs to explore:

• Airtightness installation

• Building fabric performance

• Penetrations and junctions

• Insulation continuity

• Site supervision and quality inspection

Expected Outcomes