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About Enerphit Australia

Enerphit Australia brings together a group of industry professionals to create a holistic, turnkey delivery partner who can upgrade your current building stock in the key areas to meet the EnerPHit standard retrofit. Utilising our group of experts and our range of products, services, engineers and trades people, we can tailor a complete retrofit package that meets your unique requirements whilst also Project Managing your job and certifying your upgrade upon completion. 

Key areas we include are - 

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  • Insulation: Enhance internal and external insulation to meet the high thermal performance standards.

  • Windows: Replace existing windows with high performance double and / or triple glazed systems, meeting specific U-value thresholds.

  • Thermal Bridges: Minimize thermal bridges through careful design and insulation techniques.

  • Airtightness: Improve airtightness by selecting windows with robust seals and employing best practices to reduce air leaks.

  • Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): Install an efficient MVHR system to ensure continuous fresh air supply with heat recovery.

  • Renewable Energy Sources: Integrate or upgrade renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps.

  • Structural Considerations: Assess and address any structural issues to ensure the building can support the retrofit measures.

  • Moisture Control: Implement measures to control moisture and prevent surface condensation-related damage and mold growth.

  • Energy Efficiency Systems: Upgrade heating and cooling systems for optimal energy efficiency.

  • Airtight Construction Techniques: Employ airtight construction techniques throughout the building envelope.

  • Ventilation System Design: Design and install a ventilation system that meets EnerPHit standards, providing adequate air quality.

  • Property Envelope Improvements: Consider over-cladding concepts and weather-proofing measures to enhance the building envelope.

  • Uplift in Property Value Considerations: Evaluate and enhance aspects of the property that could contribute to an increase in its market value.

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure the economic viability of the retrofit over the building's lifespan.

  • Certification and Documentation: Follow the EnerPHit Retrofit Plan provided by the Passive House Institute and use the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) for accurate energy performance calculations.

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By addressing these areas, a retrofit project can successfully meet the EnerPHit standard, achieving substantial energy savings and creating a more comfortable, energy-efficient building.

The EnerPHit Standard – What You Need to Know

EnerPHit is a building standard developed by the Passive House Institute specifically for retrofits of existing buildings. It aims to achieve high levels of energy efficiency in older structures, taking into account the challenges posed by the retrofitting process. Here are some key points about the EnerPHit standard:

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  1. Adaptation of Passive House Principles:

    • EnerPHit is based on the principles of the Passive House standard, which emphasizes ultra-low energy consumption, high-quality insulation, airtightness, and efficient ventilation.

    • While achieving the same rigorous performance goals as Passive House, EnerPHit recognizes the constraints and limitations of retrofitting existing buildings.

  2. Performance Targets:

    • EnerPHit sets specific performance targets for energy efficiency in retrofitted buildings. Although not as strict as the Passive House standard, it still requires a substantial reduction in energy demand compared to traditional building standards.

  3. Energy Consumption Criteria:

    • The standard defines energy consumption criteria in terms of heating demand, primary energy use, and airtightness levels. These criteria are tailored to the challenges posed by retrofitting, making them achievable for existing buildings.

  4. Flexibility for Renovation Challenges:

    • EnerPHit acknowledges that retrofitting existing buildings can be complex, considering structural constraints, architectural heritage, and other challenges. As a result, it allows for some flexibility in meeting the criteria.

  5. Certification Process:

    • Similar to the Passive House standard, achieving EnerPHit certification involves a rigorous process of design, construction, and testing. The building must meet specific performance criteria to obtain certification.

  6. Benefits of EnerPHit Retrofit:

    • Retrofits to EnerPHit standards can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of existing buildings, reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and operating costs.

    • Improved thermal comfort and indoor air quality are additional benefits, contributing to healthier living environments.

  7. Cost Considerations:

    • Retrofitting to EnerPHit standards may involve higher upfront costs compared to traditional renovations. However, the long-term energy savings and environmental benefits often justify the investment.

  8. Contributing to National and Global Goals:

    • EnerPHit aligns with broader sustainability goals, such as national targets for reducing carbon emissions and the global initiative for Net Zero by 2050.

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As the construction industry moves towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability, EnerPHit offers a viable solution for upgrading existing buildings to meet the evolving standards and regulations.

How to meet the EnerPHit Standard

To meet the EnerPHit standard for your retrofit project, you should consider several key factors. Here's a breakdown of the suggested pointers:

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  1. Insulation:

    • Use internal and external insulation to enhance the building envelope.

    • Consider an over-cladding concept for additional weather-proofing.

    • Aim for high-quality insulation materials to achieve the required thermal performance.

  2. Windows:

    • Replace existing windows with high performance double and triple glazed window systems.

    • Ensure the windows meet the EnerPHit U-value standards. 

    • Consider using Passive-standard windows with a U-value of 2.0 W/m²K or lower.

  3. Thermal Bridges:

    • Minimize thermal bridges by carefully designing and implementing insulation.

    • Overlap areas of external and internal insulation to reduce heat transfer points.

    • Include a breathable airtight membrane in floor insulation to prevent thermal bridging.

  4. Airtightness:

    • Improve airtightness by selecting windows with robust seals.

    • Install windows using best practice methods to minimize the potential for air leaks.

    • Implement airtight construction techniques throughout the building envelope.

  5. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR):

    • Integrate an efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.

    • Ensure proper installation and maintenance of the MVHR system to maximize energy recovery.

  6. Renewable Energy Sources:

    • Install or upgrade renewable energy sources to further reduce reliance on traditional energy.

    • Explore options such as solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps to contribute to on-site energy generation.

  7. Passive House Approach:

    • Apply a Passive House approach, considering thermal performance, airtightness, and ventilation in an integrated manner.

    • Strive for optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort through a holistic design and construction process.

  8. EnerPHit Retrofit Plan and PHPP:

    • Use the EnerPHit Retrofit Plan provided by the Passive House Institute to guide your project.

    • Employ the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) to ensure accurate energy performance calculations.

    • Leverage resources like Passipedia for additional knowledge and guidance on renovation best practices.

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Remember, achieving the EnerPHit standard requires careful planning, collaboration with experienced professionals, and adherence to Passive House principles. Consider consulting with certified Passive House consultants and designers to ensure your retrofit project meets the required standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.

The Benefits of Retrofitting to the EnerPHit Standard

The decision to retrofit a building to the EnerPHit standard offers a range of compelling benefits, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability and energy efficiency. Here's a summary of why retrofitting to EnerPHit is advantageous:

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  1. Substantial Energy Savings:

    • Achieve energy savings ranging from 75% to 90% compared to un-refurbished or non-Passive refurbishments. This leads to a drastic reduction in energy consumption and associated costs.

  2. Enhanced Comfort and Living Environment:

    • Increased insulation and airtightness contribute to improved thermal comfort within the building.

    • The retrofit creates a more pleasant living environment, addressing issues such as drafts and temperature variations.

  3. Continuous Fresh Air Supply:

    • Implementing a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery ensures a consistent supply of fresh air throughout the building.

    • This results in higher air quality, promoting a healthier and more hygienic indoor environment.

  4. Improved Structural Integrity and Durability:

    • EnerPHit reduces the risk of surface condensation-related damage and mold growth by optimizing surface temperatures and controlling moisture.

    • The retrofit contributes to the overall structural integrity and durability of the building.

  5. Lower Heating and Cooling Costs:

    • The improved building envelope retains heat more effectively, leading to lower costs for heating and cooling.

    • Reduced reliance on electric or gas heating further contributes to energy cost savings.

  6. Economic Benefits and Return on Investment:

    • While there may be initial costs associated with the retrofit, the long-term energy savings ensure a return on the investment over the building's lifespan.

    • Lower energy demand and operational costs contribute to economic sustainability.

  7. Potential Property Value Uplift:

    • Retrofitting to EnerPHit standards may result in an increase in property value, reflecting the enhanced energy efficiency and overall desirability of the building.

  8. Contribution to Emission Reduction Goals:

    • By significantly reducing energy consumption, EnerPHit aligns with national and global goals to mitigate climate change by lowering carbon emissions.

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In summary, choosing EnerPHit for retrofitting represents a commitment to achieving the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. The associated benefits go beyond immediate energy savings, extending to improved comfort, indoor air quality, and long-term economic viability. EnerPHit not only addresses the challenges of existing building stock but also contributes to the broader imperative of reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector.

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