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New Format, Same Rigour – Starting September with Coaction

Passivhaus Designer - Exam Update

Coaction Training CIC are adopting the new compact PHI Certified Designer Exam in September 2025
The Passive House Institute (<a href="https://passivehouse.com/">PHI</a>) has updated the Certified Designer exam which will now take 1.5 hours to complete – read on to learn more about our <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER</a> taught by our network of experienced trainers and the new PHI exam which Coaction is offering in September.
Learn from those with direct experience - 3 of our 21 trainers <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/ann-marie_fallon">Ann-Marie Fallon</a>, <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/nick_grant">Nick Grant</a> and <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/sally_godber">Sally Godber</a> explain why undertaking Passivhaus training will have a big impact on how you design and deliver buildings <a href="https://youtu.be/cPwLdsshyBA">HERE</a>
<h4>Improved and updated course format</h4>
Starting in September, the Certified Passive House Designer and Consultant exam will be shortened from 3 hours to 1.5 hours. Despite the reduced duration, the exam will continue to cover all topics outlined in the PHI learning targets, and the certification’s high-quality standards will be maintained. Candidates will still need a minimum score of 50% to pass, that’s 40 points out of 80.
The shorter exam format aims to ease time pressure on students while retaining its technical rigour assessing design understanding.
<img src="/uploads/certification.png" alt="">
Instead of 31 questions, the new format will include 12 questions on key Passive House concepts such as windows, U-values, airtightness, PHPP, economics and ventilation. Most questions will be multiple choice, with a few involving calculations. The content has been revised to focus on the most relevant questions and eliminate redundancy.
<img src="/uploads/coaction_revision_only_vc010.png" alt="" title="Figure 1">
Figure 1
As before, the second part of the exam will feature three extended questions based on design examples. Students will be provided with plans, sections, and façade drawings that contain typical mistakes (Figure 1). They will be asked to identify accurate statements and recommend suitable components for each scenario.<a href="https://youtu.be/cPwLdsshyBA"></a>
The global community of certified Passive House professionals which continues to grow worldwide. Since 2007, over 16,800 Designers and Consultants have been certified, along with more than 10,200 Tradespeople since 2012.
<h4>Will you be the next to join them?</h4>
Join our <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER</a> course to learn the art of designing high-performance, low-energy buildings with our internationally recognised Certified Passivhaus Designer Course.
Through a blend of live webinars, interactive tutorials, and self-study, you'll gain a deep understanding of the Passivhaus standard, building physics, and the essential elements of designing and detailing the building envelope and services. You'll also be introduced to Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) software, completing a
whole PHPP and understanding how to use it effectively to interrogate design.
You will be taught by the UK's leading Passivhaus experts - <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/team">OUR TRAINERS</a> are all highly-experienced practitioners actively working in the sector, who will share practical insights into best practices and real-world challenges. This course will teach you how to bring this learning to your projects in addition to thoroughly preparing you for the Certified Passivhaus Designer/Consultant exam.
<h4>What's included:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Live, online teaching sessions with our experienced trainers, plus additional tutorials</li>
<li>Ongoing access to all training materials, further resources and case studies on our learning platform for 2 years, to support you in applying your new-found knowledge to your work.</li>
<li>Hard copy training manuals that you can use during the exam.</li>
<li>FREE airtightness tapes to support your practical understanding.</li>
<li>FREE enrolment in the Passivhaus Institute’s Certified Passivhaus Designer exam</li>
<li>Our foundation course Bitesize Low Energy Design is included for FREE to get you up to speed with design essentials (usual cost £398)</li>
<li>FREE access to our Introduction to THERM self-study course (usual cost £180)</li>
<li>Discounts for follow-on training with Coaction, including Passivhaus in Practice and Advanced Retrofit Delivery Courses.</li>
<li>Access to our alumni group on LinkedIn to connect with your peers, ask questions and share best practice.</li>
<li>75 hours CPD</li>
</ul>
See course structure, fees, and dates <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">HERE</a>
<h4>Funding Opportunities</h4>
If you are a CITB Registered business, contractor, or sub-contractor the local Employers Network scheme can help you access a 70% grant to train, reskill and upskill your workforce in low energy and Net Zero construction practices. Read more <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/CITBfunding">HERE</a>
If you are based in Wales the Wales Flexible Skills Programme offers a 50% Grant for Developing Skills to Tackle Net Zero Challenges. Read more <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/Welshskillsfunding">HERE</a><a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/Welshskillsfunding"> </a>
Spring Design took advantage of the 2025 scheme to upskill four of their staff in Net Zero Skills - Construction and Retrofitting of Residential Buildings. Read more <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2025/Welshskillsfundingbeneficiary">HERE</a>
<h4>What our recent Alumni say:</h4>
&quot;I now feel more confident when it comes to building fabric detailing and integrating services in projects. Having facts and data to back-up conversations with clients is also really helpful.&quot; Aurore Baulier, Architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer - Jan 2025
&quot;A couple of schemes I am currently working on in my day-to-day role are to low carbon designs and the sessions and lessons on thermal bridging, bypass and airtightness have been invaluable.&quot; Dewi Jones, Chartered Architectural Technologist, Certified Passivhaus Designer - Jan 2025
&quot;The breadth of learning was fantastic and have an overview of services design, construction practices and economics that I never expected. I would recommend it to anyone interested in sustainable architecture.&quot; Matthew Wilkins, Architect &amp; Sustainability Consultant, Certified Passivhaus Designer - Jan 2025
<h4>Further questions?</h4>
Please get in touch at hello@coaction.org.uk

Join our next Passivhaus Designer / Consultant course

The Passivhaus standard delivers comfortable, healthy environments with minimal energy requirements by emphasising quality throughout the design and construction processes.

Passivhaus Myth Busting - Jedi skills beat Zombies!

Coaction trainer <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/people/toby_cambray">TOBY CAMBRAY</a> shares his frustration at persistent ‘Passivhaus’ myths – could ‘very energy efficient buildings’ be the answer?
Read on to find out more and then explore our <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER COURSE</a> which according to <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/seb_laan_lomas">SEB LAAN LOMAS</a> could give you “Jedi levels of understanding” to beat the Zombies with!
We, (Coaction <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/team">TRAINERS</a>) spend a certain amount of time battling ‘Passivhaus Myths’. These are lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings that have arisen, but like a bad zombie movie, refuse to die and keep coming back, no matter how much we patiently explain them away.
Some of the most common myths we hear are:
<blockquote>
“Passivhaus’s are ugly” 
“The air in Passivhaus’s is too dry” 
“You have to live differently in a Passivhaus”
</blockquote>
and possibly the most pervasive:
<blockquote>
“You can’t open the windows in a Passivhaus”
</blockquote>
There are plenty more of course. This article was inspired by a strange comment in the Guardian article covering <a href="https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/projects/detail/?cId=101">GOLDSMITH STREET</a> for which <a href="https://ggbec.co.uk/">GREENGUAGE</a> and <a href="https://peterwarm.co.uk/">WARM</a> provided M&amp;E design services. The article mentioned that “Passivhaus means windows have to be raised up around half a metre from the ground”. This is not correct; although it is often a good idea to set windowsills at a certain height, there’s nothing explicitly within the standard that specifies windowsill heights.
One of the great things about Passivhaus is that it’s a descriptive, rather than a prescriptive standard. It sets out the fewest possible constraints to achieve its objectives and allows designers free rein to meet those transparent and science-based criteria.
This article suddenly galvanised a thought which had been milling around my sub-conscious for some time, a simple test for busting Passivhaus myths. It goes like this:
Take any statement you think might be a Passivhaus myth and replace the word Passivhaus with the phrase &quot;very energy efficient building”. If it sounds silly, congratulations! You have busted a myth. If it sounds perfectly sensible, also congratulations! You have made a valid observation about not just Passivhaus’s, but all very energy efficient buildings, and maybe even all buildings.
So, the examples above become:
<blockquote>
“Very Energy Efficient Buildings are ugly”
</blockquote>
Sounds silly. It’s a myth.
<blockquote>
“The air in Very Energy Efficient Buildings is too dry”
</blockquote>
Silly Myth.
<blockquote>
“You have to live differently in a Very Energy Efficient Building”
</blockquote>
Silly Myth.
<blockquote>
“You can’t open the windows in a Very Energy Efficient Building”
</blockquote>
Ridiculous!
A variation on the last example of my own concoction:
<blockquote>
“If you leave the windows in a Passivhaus open all winter, it will be uncomfortable and wasteful of heating energy”
</blockquote>
Becomes
<blockquote>
“If you leave the windows in a Very Energy Efficient Building open all winter, it will be uncomfortable and wasteful of heating energy”
</blockquote>
Both statements make perfect sense and would also apply to all buildings irrespective of their design energy efficiency. This is therefore not a myth, but simply a statement that is correct for pretty much all buildings. So, of course you can open the windows in a Passivhaus, we’d positively encourage it, but don’t be surprised if your bills are a bit high if you leave them open all the time and turn your thermostat up to 27°C…
So next time you hear someone claim something strange about Passivhaus that might be a myth, apply our handy test. We’d love to hear any Passivhaus myths you’ve busted, so do send us your ‘favourite’ examples!
<h3>Call to action:</h3>
Join us in September to hone your Passivhaus Jedi knowledge <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">CERTIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER COURSE</a>
<h3>Funding Available:</h3>
Check if you are available for current funding opportunities <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/CurrentFundingOpportunities">HERE</a>
<h3>Coaction Training CIC are a Patron member of the Passivhaus Trust:</h3>
Visit their <a href="https://passivhaus.uk/">LEARNING HUB</a> for useful Passivhaus information, knowledge and guidance
<ul>
<li>Passivhaus Principles <a href="https://passivhaus.uk/passivhaus-principles-a-primer/">A PRIMER</a></li>
<li>Certifying Passivhaus <a href="https://passivhaus.uk/certifying-a-passivhaus-tips-and-costs/">TIPS AND COSTS</a></li>
</ul>

A straightforward grant that provided Wales-based business Spring Design the opportunity to consider a holistic training programme for our staff.

50% Welsh Government Skills Grant – Notes from a Beneficiary

<a href="https://www.spring-consultancy.co.uk/">Spring Design</a> a Passivhaus Trust and AECB member whose expertise covers architecture, urban design, infrastructure, structures and transport planning took advantage of the 50% Welsh Government flexible skills grant to upskill their staff. Our Development Manager Tabitha Binding caught up with Associate
Director Sustainability Jonathan Davies to find out more…
How did you find out about the Wales Flexible Skills Programme (FSP)?
We were alerted to the FSP by an industry contact who identified the opportunity to support investment in additional training. Read more <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/Welshskillsfunding">HERE</a>
Talk us through the application process
The process starts with a straightforward Expression of Interest submitted under our area of interest Net Zero Skills - Construction and Retrofitting of Residential Buildings.
Within 24 hours we were contacted with 4 forms: this varied from requiring company details and accounts to narrative descriptions of the anticipated benefits for individuals and the business. While taking a little while to resolve the training programme and compile the necessary information, this process was probably no more than half a day.
While advertised as taking significantly longer, we were pleasantly surprised to receive the grant award letter within 24 hours of submission.
Which Coaction courses did you select and why?
Spring is a multidisciplinary practice of Architects, Architectural Technicians &amp; Technologists, Passivhaus Designers, Civil and Structural Engineers advocating demand-based metrics and PHPP-based energy modelling for the Welsh social housing sector. We are responsible for engaging Welsh Government directly to offer an alternative to EPC A which relies on a fabric-first approach to embed affordable warmth and climate resilience into homes.
Colleagues attended <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/therm">Introduction to THERM</a>, <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/designer">PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER</a> and <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/courses/retrofit">PASSIVHAUS RETROFIT DELIVERY</a> courses.
Upskilling <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/bethan_griffiths_she_her">Beth Griffiths</a> (Senior Architectural Assistant) and Carl Roland (Senior Architectural Technologist) in thermal bridge modelling was designed to complement our existing energy modelling capabilities and allow us to assess
and optimise junction details in-house.
Chartered Architectural Technologist Dewi Jones took on the Passivhaus Designer course with the intention to add further depth to our Passivhaus team, ensuring detailed design packages are produced with the appropriate deference to airtightness and thermal continuity and heightening awareness more generally through the technical team.
Passivhaus Retrofit Delivery was attended by Senior Architect Chris Lewis with a long-standing passion for retrofit and conservation, offering him an opportunity to develop his expertise in this area of interest.
How has their new knowledge fed into the practice?<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3TLk-9nqDN8fWUPKs2b0XLjX_z9pCjnCzKkfrEk6NdaVrqQ/viewform"></a>
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3TLk-9nqDN8fWUPKs2b0XLjX_z9pCjnCzKkfrEk6NdaVrqQ/viewform"></a>Newly certified Passivhaus Designer Dewi is implementing his new knowledge on technical packages for a number of schemes targeting the AECB CarbonLite Standard, interrogating supply chain options to deliver the best
performance outcomes.
“Discussions and engagement with the trainers and course members via Zoom, helped very much with the learning process. The knowledge gained on the Coaction Designer course around construction detailing required
for low energy (Passivhaus and Carbonlite) dwellings has given me a niche in the industry I've longed searched for. A couple of schemes I am currently working on in my day-to-day role are to low carbon designs the sections on
thermal bridging, bypass and airtightness have been invaluable.”  <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/dewi_jones_1">Dewi Jones</a> Certified Passivhaus
Designer &amp; Chartered Architectural Technologist
Following completion of the Passivhaus Retrofit Delivery course, Chris has been developing retrofit strategies for an estate regeneration project retaining no-fines concrete constructions from the 1970s.
“The Retrofit Delivery course is collaborative; throughout the sessions there was ample opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions. The information presented was derived from practical experience, it was clear that the process has and will continue to be a learning exercise, continually improving knowledge and execution. Knowledge
from this course has been applied to a number of current projects and is informing approaches on emerging projects too.” <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/testimonial/christopher_lewis">Chris Lewis</a> Senior Architect
How easy was it to reclaim the 50% training cost and what proof is required?
A claim form and proof of course attendance (whether certificates of attendance or a signed attendance list) were required to reclaim the 50% training cost. We submitted all documentation and received the grant within 2 weeks
Was the Wales Flexible Skills Program grant worth applying for and will you apply in 2025/26?
FSP was absolutely worth the effort and provided Spring as a business the opportunity to consider a holistic training programme for our staff. We are hoping to apply for another round of funding this year, however
because only one application can be made per financial year, we are having to strategically assess the availability of courses and plan a training schedule that works around people’s project and personal commitments.
Thank you, Jonathan.
In person meeting...
If you would like to catch up with Jonathan Davies in person why not join the newly formed <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13256038/">AECB
&amp; PHT Local Group: South and West Wales</a> group.
<h3>Further information:</h3>
For information on our course eligible for the Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme visit <a href="https://coaction.org.uk/blog/2024/Welshskillsfunding">COACTION COURSES</a>
The Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme Application Process <a href="https://businesswales.gov.wales/form/recruit-and-train-flexible-skill"></a>
1. Submit an Expression of Interest Form: Businesses can submit an initial form on the
Business Wales website, with the option of assistance from a Relationship
Manager. <a href="https://businesswales.gov.wales/form/recruit-and-train-flexible-skill">Complete the Expression of Interest form today</a>.
2. Eligibility Check: The Welsh Government will review the Expression of Interest form to ensure the business meets the full criteria.
3. Application Submission: If eligible, businesses will be invited to submit a detailed application. The application pack consists of:
<ul>
<li>An application form</li>
<li>A MERIT self-assessment form that evaluates the employer against a number of exemplar
employer criteria: Management, Equality and Diversity, Remuneration, Industrial
Relations and Training</li>
<li>A PL8 form – the information requested on this form is to ensure that the employer’s bank
details are set up correctly on our finance system in order that claims can be
paid on completion of the training.</li>
</ul>
4. Approval and Funding: Successful applicants will receive funding and begin the training
programmes. Decisions will typically be made within 10 working days.
5. NOTE: No contractual commitment should be entered into with a training provider until
you have been notified of the outcome.

Bath University

Cundal

East Ayreshire Council

ECD Architects

Edinburgh Council

Kier

Kingerlee

Royal Borough of Kesington and Chelsea

Southampton City Council

Stride Treglown

Willmott Dixon

Learn from the UK's Passivhaus experts

Practitioner-led Passivhaus training

Proud to be official partners of the Passivhaus Trust.

Training construction professionals to meet the climate emergency.

buildtoperform

Build to Perform

This course will fundamentally transform your approach to sustainable design, giving you knowledge which can be brought to every one of your projects, no matter the brief. Join our community of Certified Passivhaus Designers and become a catalyst for positive change in the construction industry.

Certified Designer

Certified Passivhaus Designer

Discover a proven fabric-first approach to low-energy building with our Contractor & Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson course, designed for contractors in supervisory or management roles. along with their supply chains. You'll develop skills to deliver successful Passivhaus builds on-site, whether large or small, and the knowledge to achieve the internationally recognized Passivhaus Tradesperson certificate, backed by UK-specific expertise.

Certified Tradesperson

Contractor & Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson

Exclusive for Coaction Training CIC Alumni and Students!  Join our expert trainers live as they share insights from 12 real-world Certified Passivhaus, deep retrofit, and EnerPHit projects they've worked on. Earn 1 PHI point for every live session you attend!

Trainer Case Studies 2025

Coaction Trainer Case Studies - Webinar Series 2025

This introductory level course explores sustainable construction design through lessons learnt from Passivhaus, offering a quality-assured route to achieving healthy, high performance buildings, with a focus on reducing energy use, while also addressing embodied energy and construction waste.

Bitesize

Bitesize Low Energy Design

Are you a Built Environment Lecturer looking to future-proof your career? Coaction Training CIC is excited to announce a specially discounted Passivhaus Designer summer course open to all UK university students and academics in built environment disciplines!  This course will fundamentally transform your approach to sustainable design, giving you knowledge which can be brought to every one of your projects, no matter the brief. Join our community of Certified Passivhaus Designers and become a catalyst for positive change in the construction industry.

Lecturer Designer Course

Passivhaus Designer for Lecturers

Are you a Built Environment student looking to future-proof your career? Coaction Training CIC is excited to announce a specially discounted Passivhaus Designer summer course open to all UK university students in built environment disciplines!  This course will fundamentally transform your approach to sustainable design, giving you knowledge which can be brought to every one of your projects, no matter the brief. Join our community of Certified Passivhaus Designers and become a catalyst for positive change in the construction industry.

Student Designer Course

Passivhaus Designer for Students

For contractors and building professionals in Cornwall, this in-person training offers a unique opportunity to upskill in low energy construction techniques that play a pivotal role in delivering Passivhaus and other high-performance building standards such as Cornwall Council's Net Zero policy for new homes.

Passivhaus for Contractors

Our new programme Design Performance for Climate Action aims to equip all UK architecture students to tackle the climate emergency.                                

Passivhaus for Universities

Passivhaus in Practice is a hands-on course at BE-ST, Scotland, designed to bridge the gap between design and construction. Using life-size training rigs, it builds the practical skills needed to deliver high-performance, low-energy buildings. The course is accredited by the Passivhaus Trust and is worth 6 PHI credit points towards certification renewal.

Practical

Passivhaus in Practice

Gain the knowledge needed to deliver successful deep fabric retrofits on-site to PAS 2035. This course focuses on the practical challenges and best practices in retrofit projects, equipping you to manage unforeseen changes and ensure quality.

Retrofit Delivery

Learn how to use THERM software to understand 2D thermal bridges and generate Psi-values, through this self-study course worth 16 PHI Credit Points, which can be completed at your own pace.

THERM

Introduction to THERM

I really enjoyed the course and what's more, many of my clients are very intrigued by the whole concept and are looking to embrace it.

The webinar was very useful and provided us a way to apply our newfound knowledge in real-life situations. 

The course has taken me outside of my comfort zone, which is good because it means I am learning!

Housing Development Manager 

Adam Harper

Testimonial - Retrofit Delivery

If you have done some pre-existing retrofit such as AECB Carbonlite Retrofit or Passivhaus training and want to extend your retrofit knowledge further this will be a great course for you.

Architect

Alan McKay

Testimonial - Bitesize Passivhaus Course

&quot;The Bitesize course is very helpful to reassess basic design approach to any project, small or large.&quot;

Retrofit Programme Manager

Amy Somerville

A great refresher on building physics. I enjoyed applying this to the in depth case study and detailing discussions on risks, benefits, buildability and sequencing whilst hearing about others' experiences and creative solutions.

Learn from the UK's Passivhaus experts

Practitioner-led Passivhaus training

Proud to be official partners of the Passivhaus Trust.

Training construction professionals to meet the climate emergency.

Popular Passivhaus courses

Certified Passivhaus Designer

Contractor & Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson

Bitesize Low Energy Design

Latest Blog Posts...

Passivhaus Designer - Exam Update

Passivhaus Myth Busting - Jedi skills beat Zombies!

50% Welsh Government Skills Grant – Notes from a Beneficiary

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