Passive houses change the carbon footprint of the construction industry! In Sweden, many houses are built from wood. This provides the best conditions for climate-friendly construction. But it is not enough to look at the material and the manufacturing process; the energy consumption of the house during its lifetime is also crucial for the climate footprint. Passive houses are designed for minimal energy consumption. They have an airtight envelope, are free of thermal bridges and are continuously well insulated. Thus, they reduce primary energy consumption by more than 50%, compared to conventionally built houses. At the same time, they deliver better quality and comfort, making them particularly sustainable. In Sweden, a network of architects, planners, construction companies, suppliers and property owners has been in place for more than 10 years to establish the Passive House concept in Sweden. The members of the Passive House Sweden interest group have been involved in the construction of over 30 Passive House buildings, including schools, preschools, sports halls and residential buildings. In addition, the Passive House Sweden interest group regularly conducts Passive House training courses. This has not only reduced the carbon footprint of the Swedish construction industry, but has also inspired and shaken up a traditional industry with new ideas. Photo: Center for Sport and Culture (CIK), Knivsta, Sweden. Certified passive house. Architect: Norconsult. Photographer: Jansin & Hammarling