Passivhaus Overlay
The Passivhaus Overlay (February, 2023) was jointly commissioned by the Passivhaus Trust and the RIBA . It sets out key actions and processes needed at each work stage for clients and project teams wishing to deliver Passivhaus certified projects. It outlines key differences between Passivhaus workflows and 'conventional' project approaches, and aims to help clients and project teams avoid risk and make informed, intelligent decisions at the right time to achieve streamlined and cost effective certification.
The guidance draws on the expertise of experienced Passivhaus designers and certifiers and synthesises the lessons learned from delivering projects across scales and typologies to highlight crucial windows of opportunity and workflow interactions. Also highlighted are the synergies afforded by the Passivhaus design process in reducing whole life carbon the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets.
To download the Passivhaus Overlay to the RIBA plan of work visit here
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BIM outline plan of work.
- Comparison of BIM work stages.
- Comparison of work stages.
- Digital plan of work.
- Designing Buildings Wiki project plans.
- Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP).
- OGC gateway review.
- Plan of work
- Project lifecycle for major road projects.
- RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety.
- RIBA plan of work v project plans v OGC gateways.
- RIBA.
- RIBA plan of work.
- The construction playbook.
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.