FAQ
The courses are open to anyone with a basic technical background (engineers, architects, surveyors, and technical specialists). Although the course is designed to cover and explore the main topics in building physics in depth, it is recommended that participants arrive with a basic understanding of subjects such as heat transfer, thermal bridges, the basics of Excel, and the fundamentals of architectural and services design.
ZEPHIR Passivhaus Italia offers specialist courses for Passivhaus Site Operators, i.e. for all professionals working on a construction site. In particular, for employees of construction companies, the course provides basic knowledge of the Passivhaus standard and nZEB design, as well as important technical and practical information for resolving key construction issues. The course also includes an 8-hour practical training day, involving the construction of building details and the installation of Passivhaus components.
No, certification is tied to the individual, and a company does not automatically become certified simply because it employs a certified professional. Furthermore, the Passivhaus standard does not provide for the certification of a company. For partnership opportunities or research and development initiatives, please see the Services<Consultancy page.
The certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue and can be renewed before it expires in two ways: either by designing a Passivhaus building or by accumulating Passivhaus credits over the course of the five years. For further information, please visit the Services-Training page.
The course is open to all, even if you do not intend to sit the final exam. Furthermore, participants may sit the exam at any time, including in subsequent exam sessions. Even if you do not intend to sit the exam, the training provided during the course will equip you with the tools needed to design a nZEB building or one that meets the Passivhaus standard. At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
The course can be attended freely even if you do not intend to sit the final exam. Furthermore, the exam can be taken by the student at any time, including in subsequent sessions. If the professional does not intend to sit the exam, the preparation provided
Certifying a building in Italy may seem unrealistic, given the high number of construction standards that have developed over the years and the progressive devaluation that so-called “energy certification” has undergone.
However, “Passivhaus” certifications for new constructions and “EnerPHit” for renovations instead represent a guarantee of quality for the client, whether public or private, making it possible to achieve the highest level of satisfaction, corresponding to only 6% dissatisfaction according to the highest class of the US ASHRAE 55 standard.
The costs of certification are extremely affordable (a few thousand euros) and allow for verification by a third-party body accredited by the Passivhaus Institut (see the list of accredited bodies). Our research institute is one of approximately thirty institutes accredited at an international level to certify new buildings and renovations according to the Passivhaus and EnerPHit protocols.
The certification process can also take place once the building is completed; however, at this stage there is a high risk of not meeting the strict limits required for comfort in a Passivhaus, and further modifications to the building can no longer be made or can only be carried out to a limited extent.
A more sensible approach, on the other hand, is to engage with the Passivhaus Certifier from the very beginning, in order to ensure compliance with Passivhaus requirements and avoid surprises after the certification phase.
ZEPHIR Passivhaus Italia organizes and participates in various outreach events throughout the national territory. The main event organized annually by ZEPHIR is the National Passivhaus Conference, where ample space is dedicated to exhibiting companies. If you would like to actively participate with your company, please contact us at conferenza@zephir.ph
The PHPP 9.6 software has a simple interface, as it is a standard Excel file. From a technical perspective, it therefore does not require any special skills other than basic proficiency with the software. In terms of its use, to make the most of the programme’s potential, a basic understanding of building physics and nZEB building design is recommended (though not essential). To deepen your knowledge of using the PHPP software (in conjunction with the DesignPH software), ZEPHIR offers a specific three-day course. Further details can be found on the Courses page
The topic of nZEB buildings, and consequently the Passivhaus standard, is becoming increasingly relevant, partly as a result of regulatory changes. ZEPHIR offers its expertise both in identifying a specific training programme within university modules and in organising sessions on sustainable building. Lecturers wishing to consider adopting the PASSIVHAUS textbook (link to the book) are kindly requested to submit a request to info@zephir.ph
To take part in the specific PHPP&DesignPH course and the Certified Passivhaus Designer course, you must hold a valid licence for the PHPP software. The software can be purchased directly from our website and includes a comprehensive printed manual in Italian, featuring technical insights and practical examples. If you hold a licence prior to the current version (9.6 in Italian), you can purchase upgrades