Climate-Active Passive House

Climate-Active Passive House is a building concept that combines the principles of the passive house (extreme minimization of heat loss) with active energy-generation technologies (photovoltaics, solar thermal, heat pumps), so that the building produces more energy than it consumes-in other words, it is a net-energy house. The term is not used uniformly according to any standard; related terms include “active house,” “plus-energy house,” or “zero-energy house.” The concept aims to cover both heating energy and household electricity through on-site generation and feed surpluses into the grid.

Construction Principles of the Climate-Active Passive House

A climate-active passive house is based on four pillars: (1) Passive House standard for the building envelope: Very high insulation (U-values < 0.15 W/m²K), thermal bridge-free construction, triple-pane glazing, and controlled residential ventilation with heat recovery. This reduces the heating energy requirement to less than 15 kWh/(m²a). (2) Active energy generation: A photovoltaic system on the roof, often supplemented by solar thermal for hot water. (3) Intelligent storage: Battery storage and hot water storage buffer generation peaks. (4) Smart control: Energy management systems optimize consumption and feed-in.

Comparison: Passive House, Plus-Energy House, Active House

• Passive House: Minimizes energy demand but does not generate energy itself. Heating demand max. 15 kWh/(m²a).
• Zero-energy house: Produces exactly as much energy as it consumes-balanced energy balance.
• Plus-energy house/Climate Active Passive House: Produces more energy than it consumes-positive annual energy surplus.
• Active House: Brand name for a Scandinavian-inspired concept focusing on transparency, daylight, and comfort, combined with energy self-sufficiency.

Costs and Cost-Effectiveness

The additional cost of a Climate-Active Passive House compared to a conventional KfW 55 building amounts to 15-30% of construction costs, depending on the design. For a single-family home with 150 m² of living space, this translates to additional costs of approximately €60,000-100,000. This is offset by permanently very low or no energy costs, as well as feed-in tariffs from the photovoltaic system. Over a 30-year period, such buildings generally pay for themselves-depending on energy prices and subsidies.

Impact on Property Value and Rentability

A Climate Active Passive House has clear market advantages. While buyers and tenants pay a premium for the building itself, they benefit from permanently low energy costs. As energy prices rise, this advantage increases. Studies show that highly energy-efficient buildings (energy efficiency classes A and A+) in Germany command purchase prices 10-20% higher than comparable buildings in class C or lower.

For investors, net-zero energy buildings in the multifamily sector are still rare but are gaining importance: tenants benefit from very low rent including utilities, which ensures the property’s long-term competitiveness. Furthermore, such a property is well-positioned to meet future energy efficiency requirements from the EU and German lawmakers (tightening of the GEG regulations)-no renovation risk, no risk of value loss due to a poor energy class.

Subsidies and Legal Framework

Climate-active passive houses benefit from various funding instruments: The KfW Efficiency House 40 standard (highest funding tier) is achievable for new buildings using this concept and provides the maximum repayment subsidy. Photovoltaic systems are funded through the EEG (feed-in tariff) and KfW loans. Battery storage systems are eligible for funding through BAFA programs. In addition, municipal subsidy programs (e.g., City of Nuremberg) and the Bavarian LfA development bank can be utilized.

Practical Tip for Homeowners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In the Nuremberg metropolitan region, there are individual examples of climate-active passive houses, particularly in new construction and in eco-friendly developer projects. The sunny Franconian climate (approx. 1,700 hours of sunshine per year in Nuremberg) favors photovoltaic production and makes the concept attractive. The concept is particularly economical in the southern areas of Nuremberg and in towns such as Schwabach, Neumarkt, or Ansbach, where plots with optimal southern exposure are available.

At my-home.de, we know the regional new-construction market and can assess which new-construction projects in the region meet Passive House or Plus-Energy standards-and what that means for the purchase price and long-term operating costs. Ask us about the energy performance certificate for existing properties as well-it provides insight into how far they fall short of the Passive House standard and their renovation potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a climate-active passive house eligible for government subsidies?

Yes. The KfW EH 40 standard (Efficiency House 40) is the subsidy tier available to buildings with high energy standards that come close to the passive house standard. In addition, photovoltaic systems and battery storage are subsidized through separate KfW and BAFA programs. Subsidy programs offered by the City of Nuremberg or the Bavarian LfA Development Bank can also be utilized.

Is a Climate Active Passive House also suitable for retrofitting existing buildings?

To a limited extent. The Passive House standard is significantly more difficult and expensive to achieve in existing buildings than in new construction. However, individual Passive House components (controlled ventilation, triple-pane windows, enhanced insulation) can also be integrated into renovation projects and combined with photovoltaics to gradually move toward a plus-energy house.

How realistic is complete energy self-sufficiency with a Climate Active Passive House?

On balance over the entire year, energy self-sufficiency is achievable. In winter, when solar production is low, grid power must generally be used; in summer, surpluses are fed back into the grid. Complete grid independence is only possible with very large battery storage systems or a combined heat and power plant using renewable fuel.

What are the ongoing costs of a climate-active passive house?

Heating costs drop to nearly zero (residual energy needs are usually covered by controlled ventilation with heat recovery and a small heat pump). In return, there are costs for maintaining the ventilation system (filter changes every 3-6 months, annual service approx. €150-300), maintaining the heat pump, and, if applicable, the solar thermal system. The additional investment costs should be recouped through energy savings within 15-25 years-sooner if energy prices continue to rise.

Climate-Active Passive House and GEG Requirements for 2026

The Building Energy Act (GEG) has set stricter minimum standards for new heating systems since 2024, thereby driving demand for energy-plus houses. Since January 1, 2024, new buildings must be constructed with heating systems that are powered by renewable energy sources for at least 65%. A climate-active passive house with a heat pump and photovoltaic system far exceeds this requirement and is thus well-positioned to meet future stricter regulations.

In the Nuremberg metropolitan region, Stadtbau Nürnberg GmbH supports individual new construction projects with enhanced energy efficiency standards. The regional network of tradespeople, including specialized passive house designers and certified ventilation technicians, is well-established, which facilitates the implementation of such projects. The KfW development bank subsidizes climate-active passive houses that meet the EH-40 standard (Efficiency House 40) with a repayment subsidy of up to 20% of the loan amount-which corresponds to a subsidy of up to 60,000 euros for a construction loan of 300,000 euros.

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