How to get Passive House certification
Passive House certification is a quality assurance process that determines whether a project meets all of the requirements of the Passive House standard.
It confirms that the building has been designed to achieve high levels of occupant comfort and energy performance.
The primary criteria for achieving Passive House certification:
- Space Heat Demand: Maximum 15 kWh/m²a or heating load maximum 10 W/m²
- Air Tightness: Maximum 0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa (pressurizing and depressurizing)
- Total Primary Energy Renewable (PER): Maximum 60 kWh/m²a
Learn more about the Passive House standard 
and certification process .
Passive House in Rezoning
All rezoning applications submitted after May 1, 2017, will be required to meet near zero or low emissions buildings. This requirement can be met by constructing to the Passive House standard.
Read more details in the Green Buildings Policy for Rezoning - Process and Requirements Bulletin 
(360 KB).
Passive House and the Building Bylaw
A number of accepted alternative design solutions are available for Certified Passive House projects to meet the intent of the Building Bylaw. Acceptable VBBL Solutions for Certified Passive House projects. (165 KB)
Passive House in Zoning
We are continually working to remove barriers within the regulatory framework to facilitate Certified Passive House designs.
Applicants are required to meet the Passive House standard and successfully certify the project as a Certified Passive House in order to be eligible for related relaxations.
Benefits of a Passive House
A Passive House produces very low operating emissions relative to standard buildings and creates:
- High air quality levels
- Even temperature distribution
- Low noise levels
- Reduced heating and cooling costs
What is a Passive House?
Passive House Explained in 90 Seconds from Hans-Jörn Eich on Vimeo.
The Passive House standard:
- Results in a more comfortable, quiet, and healthy home
- Is an effective means of meeting our Zero Emissions Building Plan targets
Passive Design Toolkit
This toolkit outlines passive design practices fundamental to achieving the Passive House standard criteria in Vancouver.
Online resources, training, and case studies
Learn more
Building a new house energy requirements and resources
All homes must be designed for energy efficiency. Learn how to comply with the Vancouver Building Bylaw for your new home up to 6 storeys.
Zero emissions buildings
We are working to have no GHG emissions from all new buildings by 2030. Learn how we’ll get there. Review policies and code requirements.
