Passivhaus certification is a growing area of activity for Greengauge. Paul Smith Greengauge Director and Certified Passivhaus Certifier shares his top tips for how to streamline the certification process.
Passivhaus certification involves detailed review of planning documents and supporting evidence. As a certifier working on projects from large-scale schools to one-off selfbuilds, I’ve noticed how proper documentation can make the journey smoother for everyone involved.
How can we make evidence submission more effective? The key is understanding that certifiers can only verify what they can see – think of us as detectives who need a clear trail to follow. Quality documentation isn’t about extra work, it’s about showcasing your meticulous planning and design. When checking heat loss area calculations, for example, we need dimensioned drawings that show your methodology clearly. Without these, we hit roadblocks that lead to extra back-and-forth, slowing down the certification journey for everyone
The PHI Certification Platform can help streamline this process. It provides a structured approach for submitting and reviewing documentation.
When using the platform aim to:
- Include dimensions on all drawings
- Show clear heat loss area calculations
- Document your methodology for calculations
- Submit files in accessible formats
- Use consistent naming conventions
The goal isn’t just ticking boxes – it’s creating transparency that helps validate your great work. When evidence is clearly presented, we can focus on ensuring your building achieves its Passivhaus performance targets rather than chasing missing information.
This collaborative approach helps us work together effectively toward certification. Whether you’re new to Passivhaus or an experienced practitioner, clear documentation makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
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