A HERS rating tells you if a building passes code. PHPP tells you if it actually performs.

Most builders are familiar with HERS raters. But on high-performance projects, compliance and performance are two very different things. PHPP models heat loss, solar gain, internal loads, and airtightness together — giving you a complete picture of how the building will actually behave. That's the foundation of everything we do at Point 6.

Essentially, a HERs is a good indication if your project will meet the minimum requirements set forth by your building department and checks off a list of requirements. However, a HERs does not take a holistic approach to building science providing you with the actual insights into the performance of your project. The Passive House approach is more comprehensive not only taking into account energy performance, but also comfort and hygiene. More granular information helps an project team address issues of ascetics, budget and constrqstructability without sacrificing performance durability and comfort.

At POINT6 we focus the PHPP on all projects we work on, making it the core truth of the project. We are also sensitive to the fact that many municipalities use the HERs as a way to ensure projects meet the energy code requirements. That is why we work with Megan Ring from PassivSure to provide permit documentation directly form the PHPP as an alternative to the HERs.