Dual Certification Secured by BakerHicks for Passive House Design Standards
BakerHicks, a leading construction company, is taking strides towards a greener future by supporting their team members in pursuing Passive House accreditation. This commitment to sustainable practices is a response to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly buildings, driven by new net zero targets set by both the UK and Scottish Governments.
The Passive House approach focuses on reducing carbon levels and improving energy efficiency, resulting in healthier spaces for occupants. This methodology has proven to be a clear driver for cleaner building design, with Passive House buildings requiring very little energy to achieve a comfortable temperature year-round, making conventional heating and air conditioning systems obsolete.
The Passive House standard encompasses a fabric-first approach, focusing on 'superinsulation', airtight envelopes, high-performance window installation, minimal thermal bridging, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. This comprehensive approach offers space-related heating and cooling energy savings of up to 75% compared to average new builds.
Morgan Sindall Group, of which BakerHicks is a part, has recently announced its goal to achieve net zero by 2030. This initiative aligns with the company's commitment to setting sustainable practices. Laura James, Head of Scotland at BakerHicks, expresses this commitment, stating, 'We are committed to setting sustainable practices, and the Passive House qualification gives us the knowledge and tools to design buildings to the Passive House standard.'
BakerHicks' Scottish architectural team has already seen success in this area, with Michael Edgar and Katherine Gibson achieving certified Passive House designer status. Their accomplishment was the result of passing an international written exam with the Passive House Institute.
In addition, four members from the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering team have registered for the exam this year, with more expected in 2022. The number of team members registering for the Passive House exam is expected to increase, reflecting the company's growing commitment to sustainable construction.
Katherine Gibson, Senior Architect at BakerHicks, expresses her enthusiasm for applying Passive House design principles to future projects. Michael Edgar, Principal Architect at BakerHicks, emphasizes the importance of early collaboration and attention to detail in achieving Passive House standards.
The Passive House standard can be applied to various building types, including residential properties, schools, and offices. As BakerHicks continues to expand its expertise in sustainable and energy-efficient construction, it positions itself as a leader in the industry, contributing to a greener future for all.
