FAQs positive home

Positive Home meaning

  • What is a positive home? 

Positive home design focuses on creating environmentally conscious and energy-efficient houses that minimise their impact on the environment.

  • What are the key benefits of building a new positive home?

Building a positive home offers many benefits, including: lower energy bills, reduced water usage, improved indoor air quality, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Additionally, positive homes provide enhanced comfort and well-being.

  • What is a positive home, and how does it differ from a conventional home?

A positive home, also known as an eco-friendly or sustainable home, is designed and built with a focus on reducing its environmental impact. Unlike conventional homes, positive homes incorporate energy-efficient features, eco-friendly materials, and renewable energy sources to promote a healthier living environment while conserving resources.

  • What is a net-zero energy home, and how are they achieved? 

Net-zero energy homes generate as much energy as they consume, often through a combination of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design.

Positive Home investment

  • Can positive home design save me money on utility bills? 

Yes, positive home design can significantly reduce utility bills thanks to lowering energy consumption and the use of renewable energy.

  • Can positive home design increase the property value of my home? 

Yes, positive home design and construction can enhance the property value by appealing to eco-conscious buyers and reducing long-term operating costs.
Note that building regulations on becoming more energy efficient are exponentially increasing. Your future building investment will be forced to prove its value according the new positive parameters.

  • Will building a new positive home require a higher budget?

While the upfront costs of positive home construction might be slightly higher than conventional homes, the long-term savings in energy bills often make it a cost-effective investment.

  • How long does it takes to build a positive home? 

The construction time for a positive home can vary depending on its size, complexity, and the availability of eco-friendly materials, but it often aligns with standard construction timelines. In Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain, city halls must give construction permits after the architect has designed your positive home. The architect may take between 2-6 months to define your design and deliver all the paperwork to the city hall. City halls take between 2 and 18 months to give an approved permit. Some city halls like Barcelona, Sant Cugat, Sitges or Sant Just Desvern could even take longer than that. Then construction starts and it takes between 6 to 24 months to finish (prefabricated systems take less than conventional). So in the Barcelona metropolitan area, the average time that it takes to design and build a new positive home is between 12 months and 4 years.

  • What are the key features of an eco-friendly house plan? 

Eco-friendly house plans incorporate energy-efficient designs, use of sustainable materials, and often include renewable energy options such as solar energy.

  • Can I integrate smart home technology into my new positive home?

Absolutely! Smart home technology, such as programmable thermostats and energy monitoring systems, can further enhance energy efficiency and allow you to control and optimize various aspects of your positive home.

Positive Home architect

  • What role do positive architects play in sustainable home design? 

Positive architects specialize in designing homes that prioritize environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly construction methods. Some professionals keep on learning and certifying their knowledge to fight climate change. This is the case of architects who are also Passive House designers.

  • Are there any certifications or standards for new positive homes?

Yes, there are various certifications and standards for positive homes, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Bream, Passive House and Energy star. These certifications validate the eco-friendly features and sustainability of your home.

  • How can I ensure that my new positive home is eco-friendly throughout its lifespan?

Certifying your new positive home is always a guarantee that your home is sustainable. To ensure ongoing eco-friendliness, focus on regular maintenance, energy-efficient habits, and using sustainable products and materials in any future renovations or additions.

  • How do I get started with building a new positive home?

To start building a new positive home, consider consulting with a reputable sustainable architect who specialises in eco-friendly construction. The architect should be also certified by some positive home relevant entity, for example the Passive House (then being an architect and a passive house designer). The architect can guide you through all the process, make your positive home design, recommend energy-efficient technologies and materials and search for a reputable builder also certified as a positive builder.

Passive house meaning

  • What’s a passive house?

A passive house is an energy-efficient and sustainable building standard that prioritizes exceptional thermal performance and airtightness to significantly reduce energy consumption. It maintains a comfortable and healthy indoor environment through passive design principles, minimizing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. Passive houses use innovative construction techniques, superior insulation, high-performance windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to achieve remarkable energy savings and create eco-friendly living spaces.

Passive house architect

  • What is a passive house architect, and what do they do? 

A passive house architect specializes in designing energy-efficient and sustainable homes that follow passive design principles, focusing on minimizing energy consumption and maximizing comfort.

  • What are the key benefits of hiring a passive house architect? 

Hiring a passive house architect ensures that your home will be designed to be energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and provide a high level of indoor comfort and air quality.

  • What qualifications should I look for in a passive house architect? 

Look for architects with specialized training or certifications in passive house design, experience in sustainable architecture, and a portfolio showcasing successful passive house projects.

  • How can a passive house architect help me save on energy costs? 

A passive house architect can design your home to require significantly less energy for heating and cooling, resulting in reduced energy bills and long-term savings.

  • Can a passive house architect incorporate renewable energy solutions into the design? 

Yes, a skilled passive house architect can integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal systems to further increase your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

  • What sets a passive house architect apart from a traditional architect? 

A passive house architect has specialized knowledge in passive design techniques and software to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, making them ideal for eco-conscious homeowners.

  • How can I ensure my passive house architect designs a comfortable and healthy indoor environment? 

Passive house architects focus on providing excellent indoor air quality and thermal comfort through proper ventilation and insulation, leading to healthier living spaces. Certifying your new passive house will provide an exterior entity to audit the architect’s designs and construction. That will guarantee your investment.

  • Are there any certifications or accreditations that a passive house architect should have? 

Look for architects with certifications such as “Certified Passive House Designer”. Mind that this title is lost after 5 years.
Architects that want to keep on being certified passive house designers can either certify one work during those 5 years or take an exam. Most architects take the exam once and hardly ever certify. So mind to watch for those who certify currently since that means they have an outer entity auditing their work so they can guarantee your future home is a passive house successfully.

  • Can a passive house architect customize the design to suit my preferences and lifestyle?

Yes, passive house architects work closely with clients to create custom designs that align with their aesthetic preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget.

  • How long does it typically take for a passive house architect to complete the design process? 

The design process timing varies a lot based on the complexity of the project, the architect’s workload, and specially the client reviews and decision making. But most designs are completed within a few months.
If you want to shorten that down, you need to give clear indications based on references at the beginning, check the layout, give firm decisions, not hesitate back and forth and not make changes after the design phase is passed. Avoiding the last one is crucial to avoid incidents on site and endless extensions on calendar as well as on budget.

  • What are some examples of passive house features that a passive house architect may include in the design? 

Passive house features may include: high-performance windows, superior insulation, airtight building envelopes and heat recovery ventilation systems.

  • Will a passive house architect consider the local climate when designing my home?

Yes, passive house architects take the local climate into account to optimize the home’s energy performance and ensure it meets the specific climate conditions.

  • Can a passive house architect help me obtain any available incentives or rebates for passive home construction? 

Yes, an experienced passive house architect will guide you through available incentives and help you take advantage of subsides or rebates offered for energy-efficient construction. In 2023 there are subsidies from EU countries, but this will change over time and also depends on the each region.

  • How can I find a reputable passive house architect in my area? 

Look for local passive house architects through online directories such as google search engine and contrast their reviews. 

  • Is it more expensive to hire a passive house architect compared to a traditional architect? 

While initial design costs may vary, the long-term energy savings and benefits of a passive house design often outweigh any upfront additional costs.

Passive house costs

  • Does the cost of a passive house differ from traditional building, and how?

Yes, the cost of a passive house typically differs from traditional building in several ways. While the upfront construction costs of a passive house are often higher compared to a conventional home, the long-term savings and benefits make it a compelling investment.
Passive house construction requires a meticulous design approach proved by a special software simulation and the use of specialised materials, systems and technologies to achieve exceptional energy efficiency. The need for high-quality insulation, airtight building envelopes, and energy-efficient windows contributes to the initial cost difference.
However, where the cost equation changes is in the long run. Passive houses are designed to minimize heating and cooling needs, relying on passive design principles to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. As a result, they substantially reduce energy consumption, leading to significantly lower utility bills over time.
Additionally, the reduced reliance on traditional heating and cooling systems in a passive house means fewer maintenance and operational expenses. The longevity of energy-efficient components also leads to reduced replacement and repair costs, making the overall lifecycle cost of a passive house more budget-friendly compared to a traditional building.
Furthermore, various governments and organisations currently offer incentives, tax credits, subsidies or grants for energy-efficient construction, which can offset the initial cost difference between a passive house and a conventional home. However note that those incentives will more probably be over in the next 7-15 years when all existing buildings will be obliged to go positive.
In conclusion, although the initial cost of a passive house may be higher than traditional building, the long-term savings and potential incentives make it a financially viable and environmentally responsible choice in the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient living.

  • What is the cost of building a passive house?

The cost of building a passive house can vary depending on several factors, such as location, size, design complexity, and the specific features and materials used. Generally, passive houses tend to have slightly higher upfront construction costs compared to conventional homes due to their focus on energy efficiency and sustainable materials. However, it’s important to note that the long-term savings in energy bills and potential incentives or tax credits often offset the initial investment, making a passive house a cost-effective choice over time.
Passive house construction cost can be influenced by the location of the project, as labor and material costs may differ based on regional factors. The passive house design cost is affected by the complexity of the architectural plans and the level of customization required to meet the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.
Despite the initial investment, many homeowners find that the passive house price is justified by the substantial energy savings achieved through passive house construction. Passive homes are designed to minimize heating and cooling needs, reducing reliance on HVAC systems and lowering utility bills significantly.
It’s crucial to consider passive house financial considerations in the decision-making process. While passive house building expenses may be higher, the return on investment in terms of ongoing energy savings and potential incentives can make the cost of a passive house a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Positive Home Renovation FAQs

  • What is positive home renovation?

Positive home renovation refers to the process of upgrading or remodeling a house using environmentally-friendly materials and practices to reduce its environmental impact and increase energy efficiency.

  • Why should I consider positive home renovation? 

Positive home renovation offers several benefits, such as lower energy bills, improved indoor air quality, reduced carbon footprint, and increased property value. Additionally, it promotes sustainability and supports a healthier living environment.

  • What are some popular positive home renovation ideas? 

Popular positive home renovation ideas include installing energy-efficient windows and doors, using eco-friendly insulation materials, upgrading to energy-saving appliances, incorporating solar panels, and implementing smart home technologies to manage energy consumption.

  • How can I find a reputable positive home renovation contractor? 

To find a reputable positive home renovation contractor, consider seeking referrals from friends or family, checking online reviews and ratings, verifying their certifications in eco-friendly construction, and asking for references from their previous positive renovation projects.

  • What types of eco-friendly materials can I use in a positive home renovation? 

There are various eco-friendly materials available for positive home renovation, including recycled or reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, low-VOC paints, recycled glass countertops, and natural stone with sustainable certifications.

  • How can I make my home more energy-efficient during a positive renovation? 

To enhance energy efficiency, consider improving insulation, sealing air leaks, using energy-efficient LED lighting, installing a programmable thermostat, and opting for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

  • Can positive home renovation help me save money on utility bills? 

Yes, positive home renovation can significantly lower your utility bills by reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient upgrades and eco-friendly practices.

  • Are there any tax incentives or rebates for positive home renovation projects? 

In many regions, there are tax incentives and rebates available for positive home renovation projects. Check with your local government or energy providers to find out about potential financial incentives.

  • What impact does positive home renovation have on the environment? 

positive home renovation helps reduce the overall environmental impact of buildings by conserving energy, reducing positivehouse gas emissions, and minimizing waste generation.

  • How long does a typical positive home renovation take to complete? 

The duration of a positive home renovation can vary depending on the scope of the project, the size of the home, and the availability of eco-friendly materials. It’s best to discuss timelines with your chosen contractor.

Positive Home Renovation Cost

  • What is the COST of a positive home renovation all included in Barcelona? 

The cost of a positive home renovation project & construction can vary widely depending on the scope of the renovation, the size of the property, and the specific eco-friendly features incorporated. A full positive home renovation cost in the city of Barcelona (apartment of 90m2), starts at €180,000 (June 2023). This starting price includes project, permits, building costs (with materials and manpower) and 21% of taxes (IVA). But larger projects with more extensive upgrades can exceed easily €500,000. That would be the case of a positive home renovation of a house also close to Barcelona.

  • Are positive home renovations more expensive than traditional renovations? 

Initially, positive home renovations have a higher upfront cost due to the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies. However, they can lead to significant long-term savings in utility bills and maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective choice over time.

  • Do positive home renovations qualify for any financial incentives or tax credits? 

Yes, in many regions, positive home renovations qualify for various financial incentives and tax credits. These incentives can help offset the initial investment and make eco-friendly renovations more affordable. Homeowners should check with local government agencies or energy providers to explore available programs. In Barcelona, some architects offer a study of the existing subsidies once they are hired for the design of a positive home renovation.

  • Which positive home renovations offer the best return on investment (ROI)? 

Upgrades that improve energy efficiency, such as installing solar panels, upgrading insulation, and using ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, typically offer the best ROI. These improvements not only save money on utility bills but also increase the overall value of the property.

  • How can I keep the cost of a positive home renovation within my budget? 

To control costs during a positive home renovation, consider prioritizing upgrades based on their impact on energy efficiency and sustainability. Work with a reputable positive renovation architect and contractor who can suggest cost-effective eco-friendly materials to reduce overall expenses.

  • Can positive home renovation help me save money in the long run? 

Yes, positive home renovation can lead to significant long-term savings. By using energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, and harnessing renewable energy sources, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption and, consequently, lower utility bills over time.

  • Are there any hidden costs associated with positive home renovation? 

While positive home renovation can offer substantial benefits, homeowners should be aware of potential hidden costs. These may include additional expenses for specialized positive building materials or unforeseen issues that arise during the renovation process. It’s essential to work closely with your architect to anticipate and budget for any potential additional costs. Mind to hire an architect that takes her own team, so she can take full responsibility so you get 100% guarantee.

  • How can I find a cost-effective positive renovation contractor? 

To find a cost-effective positive renovation contractor, seek referrals from friends or family, research online reviews and ratings, and request multiple quotes from different contractors. Look for architects with experience in positive building practices who can help you balance cost and sustainability.

  • Can energy-efficient upgrades offset the initial cost of positive home renovation? 

Yes, energy-efficient upgrades can significantly offset the initial cost of a positive home renovation. By reducing energy consumption, homeowners can experience ongoing savings on utility bills, making the investment in eco-friendly upgrades financially worthwhile in the long run.

  • Is it worth investing in a positive home renovation for a short-term stay? 

While the benefits of positive home renovation extend beyond financial gains, the true value lies in long-term ownership. If you plan to sell the property shortly after the renovation, consider focusing on upgrades that appeal to potential buyers and maximize the home’s resale value.