At Benjamin Henry Limited, we don’t just build homes – we build the future. We’re passionate about sustainability & where possible, will always do our best to use responsibly sourced materials that are kind to the environment, as well as your pocket.
The construction industry has a huge impact on the environment & is a big user of natural resources (in fact, it accounts for 35% of worldwide energy usage & 40% of CO2 emissions!), however advances in technology means it’s becoming easier to embody energy use within building whilst also being sympathetic to the environment.
Our aim is to ensure our projects minimise energy consumption, whilst also benefiting our clients in the long term with reduced running costs. We always do our utmost to make sure buildings are as insulated & economical as possible, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on comfort or quality.
We’re proud to be a Passivhaus accredited builder & lead the way in sustainable construction to ensure we limit our impact on the environment, but also to shape a brighter future for generations to come. Passivhaus are the leading body for energy efficient buildings.
But what exactly is the Passivhaus concept all about?
Developed in Germany in the early 1990s, the Passivhaus (or Passive House) standard is one of the most rigorous energy efficiency standards in the world. It’s focused on creating buildings that use very little energy for heating or cooling. This is done by smart design, excellent insulation, airtight construction & ventilation systems that recover heat.
In simple terms: a Passivhaus stays warm in the winter, cool in the summer & drastically reduces the need for conventional energy sources such as heating or aircon.
Here’s why we’re passionate about building to this standard:
- ✅ Ultra-low energy consumption: Passivhaus homes use up to 90% less heating and cooling energy than traditional buildings. That means huge savings on your energy bills & greater protection against rising energy prices.
- ✅ Incredible comfort: Consistent indoor temperatures & superior air quality make for healthier, more comfortable living no matter what the weather outside. Plus the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems ensure that your home has a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, removing dust, pollen, and pollutants. This is great for families with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues.
- ✅ Quiet living: The triple glazing and airtight construction provides superior acoustic insulation, making your home peaceful & quiet, even in noisy urban or roadside locations.
- ✅ Tried & tested: The standard is based on decades of research & rigorous quality assurance.
- ✅ Future proof investment: As the UK moves toward net-zero targets, building regulations are becoming more stringent. A Passivhaus-certified home already meets or exceeds many of these targets, meaning you’re ahead of the curve, with a home that will hold its value for decades to come.
Essentially lower bills. Better air. Consistent comfort & a home that’s built to last.
Passivhaus is a flexible approach that can be applied to a wide range of projects, including:
- New-build homes – Tailored designs from the ground up
- Extensions & retrofits – Dramatically improve the performance of older homes
- Large developments – Ideal for developers seeking low-carbon credentials
- Commercial buildings & schools – Not just for homes!
Last year we completed a retrofit of a large Victorian home, reconfiguring & renovating to help meet the EnerPHit standard. Our goal for this project was to create a home that not only respects its heritage but is also future-proofed with modern energy-efficient standards. Key improvements included:
- Significant insulation upgrades in the floor, ceilings & walls to enhance thermal performance.
- Installation of UPVC triple-glazed PassivHaus certified windows throughout, dramatically improving energy efficiency.
- Maximizing airtightness using specialized tapes & air barriers, particularly in sealing floors to walls behind the skirting, ensuring minimal energy loss.
Finally, we redecorated the property, blending modern functionality with its timeless character. You can read more about this on our case study here.
We are also currently mid-way through our first full new build Passivhaus – Mill Bank. This is due to be completed in March 2026 so stay tuned to see the outcome!
As certified Passivhaus professionals, Benjamin Henry Limited brings deep expertise in sustainable building practices. Whether we’re working on new homes, retrofitting existing properties or advising on design from the ground up, we apply Passivhaus principles at every stage. We understand that sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we work closely with our clients, architects & planners to tailor every project to meet performance targets while reflecting the unique needs of each home & homeowner.
We have the knowledge, training & experience to guide your project from concept to completion. Our team has worked on everything from bespoke new builds to retrofitting older properties, always with the same commitment to quality, transparency & sustainability.
So whether you’re planning a new build, a renovation or a full retrofit or want to explore the benefits of Passivhaus, we’d love to hear from you. Do get in touch with our friendly team today!
