Net Zero vs Passive House – What’s the Difference?

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Net Zero vs Passive House What’s the Difference?

A lot of people assume that net zero and passive house mean the same thing.
They don’t. Let’s clear up the confusion.

Net Zero = Energy In = Energy Out

A net zero home produces as much energy as it consumes over a year. You can get there by bolting on solar panels, installing a heat pump, and switching to LED bulbs and triple glazing.

And here’s the part that surprises people:

ANY house can become net zero – even an old, leaky Victorian terrace.
All you need is enough solar panels and renewable energy generation. That’s the good news.
The bad news?
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That energy might be leaking straight out your windows, roof, and walls. So your panels are doing all the work while your house wastes energy. Which brings us to…
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Passive House = Built-In Efficiency

A Passive House (or Passivhaus, if you’re feeling European) is a design standard that focuses on extreme energy efficiency.
Think:
  • Insanely good insulation
  • Airtight construction
  • Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
  • South-facing windows that warm the house naturally in winter
Passive houses use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to standard homes. That means they’re almost net zero right out of the box—even before you add solar.

But here’s the catch:

Not every house can become a Passive House affordably.

Retrofitting a draughty old home to Passive House levels? That can cost more than rebuilding it. For new builds, it’s easier—but still requires careful planning and upfront investment.

So, Which Is Better?

That depends on your goals.
  • Want to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint? Net zero is a great target.
  • Want to live in a home that barely needs heating or cooling? Passive House is the gold standard.

But the smartest approach?

Combine both. Build or retrofit to Passive House principles, then add renewables. That’s how you get true, low-cost, long-term sustainability.
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Whether you’re planning a new build or thinking of upgrading your current home, it’s worth knowing where you’re starting and where you’re aiming to go.
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