As standardization and transparency become hallmarks of the construction industry, the companies who commit to high levels of 3rd party verification will be seen as industry pioneers.
PHI Component Certification for Opaque Construction Systems
What is it?
An “opaque construction system”, in the context of PHI’s Certified Component Database, is a collection of assemblies and junctions that make up the thermal envelope. Typical assemblies include external wall, roof, floor on basement, or slab on grade. The construction system also includes at least one specific type of window and door, along with their installation details.
Where is it?
As with the spread of the Passive House Standard in general, the majority of activity in certified construction systems also has its roots in Western Europe. With several more systems in the planning phase for international markets, we believe that the inevitability of standardization in construction will allow advanced building science to make its way into mainstream buildings worldwide.
Advantages to a PHI Certified Construction System:
Establishes company as industry leader
By being one of the first companies to certify a construction system, you would be taking part in creating a marketplace of similarly performing systems.
Verifies the system through rigorous 3rd party verification
Certifying a construction system with PHI means complying with the requirements of the Certification Protocol, for a selected climate zone. The value of this certification lies in 3rd party verification of performance of the components, including insulation materials (λd values), assemblies (U values) and junctions (PSI values for thermal performance, and fRsi values for design internal temperatures and prevention of mold/condesnation).
Adds the system to the PHI Database, PHPP, and DesignPH
Certified construction systems are included in the PHI Component Database. They are also made available to Passive House Designers and Consultants in the built-in libraries of PHPP and designPH (which is the Sketchup Plugin for architects and designers).
Reduces liability and streamlines processes for project teams
Once the construction system is certified, it can be applied to any building within the same climate zone. This allows for considerable savings on design and consulting fees, as well as a streamlined certification process for individual buildings.
Maintains IP privacy, while offering accessibility
Only the numerical values of the construction systems are made public (U values, PSI values, fRsi values). All other information and documentation (drawings, calculations etc.) remains confidential, in order to protect the intellectual property of the company that certifies the system.
Provides marketing leverage
As the industry shifts more and more towards advanced building science, certifications provide an opportunity for companies to back up their marketing claims with data. Having the research integrity of PHI behind a system provides a wealth of information that can be used to communicate more effectively with perspective clients.