Passive House vs NZEB vs BER A — Three Standards, Three Costs, One Decision
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Three standards for an Irish self-build: Passive House (the strictest), NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building, the Part L 2022 backstop), and BER A1 (the best mainstream rating). Passive House requires airtightness ≤0.6 m³/m²·hr at 50 Pa and primary energy demand ≤60 kWh/m²/yr. Costs 20–40% more than a standard build. €700k–€900k for a 180–220 m² coastal Passive House. NZEB is the regulatory minimum for new dwellings under Part L 2022. BER A1 is 25–50 kWh/m²/yr primary energy, achievable with fabric first and a heat pump, costing 5–10% more than NZEB backstop. Most self-builders target BER A1; Passive House is for those with the budget and the conviction.
TL;DR
Passive House: airtightness ≤0.6 m³/m²·hr, energy demand ≤60 kWh/m²/yr. 20–40% more than standard build. €700k–€900k for a 180–220 m² coastal Passive House.
NZEB: Nearly Zero Energy Building, Part L 2022 backstop. Currently the regulatory minimum for new dwellings.
BER A1: 25–50 kWh/m²/yr primary energy. Achievable with fabric first and a heat pump. 5–10% more than NZEB backstop.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to choose a target standard.
When this doesn't apply
You've already chosen a target and started design.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Passive House and NZEB?
Passive House is airtightness ≤0.6 m³/m²·hr and primary energy ≤60 kWh/m²/yr. NZEB is the Part L 2022 backstop, the regulatory minimum. Passive House is much stricter.
How much does a Passive House cost in Ireland?
20–40% more than a standard build. €700k–€900k for a 180–220 m² coastal Passive House. The premium is offset by lower running costs and higher value.
Is Passive House worth it in Ireland?
Yes, if you can afford the upfront premium and you value the airtightness, comfort, and energy performance. For most self-builders, BER A1 is the better target: 80% of the benefit at 30% of the cost.
Sources
Passive House Association of Ireland. https://www.phai.ie/
Building Regulations 2023, TGD Part L. https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Passive House and NZEB?
Passive House is airtightness ≤0.6 m³/m²·hr and primary energy ≤60 kWh/m²/yr. NZEB is the Part L 2022 backstop, the regulatory minimum. Passive House is much stricter.
How much does a Passive House cost in Ireland?
20–40% more than a standard build. €700k–€900k for a 180–220 m² coastal Passive House. The premium is offset by lower running costs and higher value.
Is Passive House worth it in Ireland?
Yes, if you can afford the upfront premium and you value the airtightness, comfort, and energy performance. For most self-builders, BER A1 is the better target: 80% of the benefit at 30% of the cost.