About this methodology
The “BC Reference Procedure” published in September 2019 is the first methodology using LBL THERM software to be recognized by the Passive House Institute for use in certifying Passive Houses to the International Passive House Standard. The use of a uniform reference procedure is intended to allow PHPP window performance values using this methodology to be trusted and compared.
This methodology enables window manufacturers to report the performance of their existing products in Passive House terms, and to design next-generation windows for the growing Canadian and North American Passive House building market.
The methodology presented in this document was developed jointly by RDH Building Science Inc. and Peel Passive House Consulting Ltd. It was created specifically to clarify the differences between North American and Passive House window thermal energy performance standards, and to provide a way for North American window manufacturers and energy simulation practitioners to accurately determine the energy performance parameters required to qualify them for use in Passive House buildings designed to the International Passive House Standard (IPHS). It shows how the industry-standard and publicly available LBL THERM software, together with a Microsoft Excel worksheet, can be used to accomplish this in a manner recognized by the Passive House Institute.
This project was produced with financial support from the BC Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund, administered through the Fenestration Association of BC. Established in 2007, the ICE Fund is designed to support the province’s energy, economic, environmental and greenhouse gas reduction priorities and advance BC’s clean energy sector.