Icebox Challenge in St Enoch Square, Glasgow. Photo © Matt Bridgestock
The Icebox Challenge is designed to raise public awareness of the importance of energy efficiency and the carbon-saving potential of Passivhaus buildings. It calls into question whether our existing building standards are adequate given the Climate Crisis we now face.
The results were decisive. At the end of the two week period, 121kg of ice still remained inside the hut built to Passivhaus standards. However, the hut built to Scottish Building Regulations saw all its ice melt away 5 days before the conclusion of the experiment.
PHT research & policy director, Sarah Lewis: Thumbs up at the Passivhaus box – Photo © Passivhaus Trust – Kirsten Priebe
PHT research & policy director, Sarah Lewis: Thumbs down at the Scottish Building Standard box – Photo © Passivhaus Trust – Kirsten Priebe
The prevention of uncontrolled heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer is a key principle of Passivhaus design. The better the fabric of the building is at maintaining a comfortable internal temperature, the less energy is required to provide additional heating or cooling.
And less energy use means lower fuel bills and lower carbon emissions, a true win-win situation.
The Passivhaus Performance Standard originated in Germany. Developed in conjunction with the Passivhaus Institute, BecoWallform has been meeting Passivhaus standards for the last 25 years.
You can see more about the Icebox Challenge on the Passivhaus Trust website.