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Savings of over 70% in embodied carbon

Compared to a standard masonry build PH15 saves over 70% on the embodied carbon. If using our concrete free, needle pile system with timber cassette floor this increases further. This low impact foundation system is particularly suitable for sloping sites and around trees as the needle piles have minimal impact on the roots. It also has no effect on ground water movement.

There are many claims for timber frame systems that they are carbon neutral or even carbon negative. The latter seems especially enticing and leads to the assumption that using more timber, for instance in CLT construction, is better for the environment.

We believe this is absolutely wrong. Building with timber does not in itself sequester any CO2. That has already been sequestered in the trees we are currently felling. And as we move towards using more timber in buildings we need to use it more efficiently to reduce the burden on our forests. This is why we use small section LVL I-joists. Per m² of wall or roof they are 300% more efficient than sawn timber in resource use and a massive 1000% more efficient than CLT

We believe that only CO2 that is sequestered at the time of the build should be included in the carbon balance. That is why we are introducing hemp based insulation for all our projects from late 2024 onwards. We will be reporting on how much this can off-set the embodied carbon in the rest of the build next year when we have gathered sufficient data.

PH15 meets the standards set out in RIBA 2030, LETI and the Whole Life Carbon Network.

Please checkout the Design Guide for more information about PH15.

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Passivhaus Trust Member
Anti-greenwash Charter - a structured framework to ensure transparent and honest environmental communications.
Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) was developed to address the concerns and perceived risks associated with innovative construction. BOPAS is recognised by the principal mortgage lenders as providing the necessary assurance underpinned by a warranty provision, that the property will be readily mortgageable for at least 60 years.
certified passivhaus consultant
Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) was developed to address these concerns and perceived risks associated with innovative construction. BOPAS is recognised by the principal mortgage lenders as providing the necessary assurance underpinned by a warranty provision, that the property will be readily mortgageable for at least 60 years.