The term passive house refers to the rigorous, voluntary, Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency in buildings. This can be achieved by a mixture of energy conservation technologies and the use of renewable energy sources. However, in the absence of recognized standards, the mix between these - and consequently the energy-use profile and environmental impact of the building - can vary significantly. It results in many new types of buildings.
a) ultra-low energy buildings
b) a near-zero energy building
c) an energy autarkic house
d) energy-plus buildings
e) an autonomous building
f) zero energy buildings
g) beyond ultra-low energy buildings
h) a low-energy house
1. Such buildings require little energy for space heating or cooling.
2. It is a general term applied to buildings with no net energy consumption and no carbon emissions annually. They are autonomous from the energy grid supply - energy is produced on-site.
3. It is a building approaching zero energy use.
4. Buildings that produce a surplus of energy during a portion of the year.
5. It is a building concept where the balance of the own energy consumption and production can be made on an hourly or even smaller basis. Such houses can be taken off-the-grid.
6. It is any type of house that uses less energy than a regular house.
7. Such houses use, on average over the course of a year, no imported energy, or even those that generate a surplus, both of which are being built.
8. It is a building designed to be operated independently from infrastructural support services such as the electric power grid, municipal water systems, sewage treatment systems, storm drains, communication services, and in some cases, public roads.