Architects and developers understand we can no longer build leaky, badly insulated homes that cost huge sums to heat and cool. Many new homes today are built airtight and with new technologies for providing thermal insulation. Ventilation comes from pumping new air into the house, and the heat from the stale air leaving the building is captured. Houses built to the Passivhaus standard don’t need central heating systems, even in cold countries, while an Activhaus is one that produces more energy than it consumes.
Only a tiny fraction of the housing stock is replaced each year. Improving the standards of new housing will do little to lower emissions from existing buildings. Countries like Germany, Denmark and Canada have introduced low-cost financing and other incentives to help encourage effective eco-refurbishments. Hundreds of thousands of homes are being improved each year, cutting emissions by several tonnes and dramatically reducing heating bills.
