AECB shapes new PHPP course around member feedback

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As long-standing resellers of PHPP and its associated tools, the organisation says demand is growing for practical training that helps users work more efficiently while maintaining the rigour low-energy design requires. “The course is designed to allow learners to design with confidence, model with accuracy and build better buildings using PHPP,” said Trish Andrews, CarbonLite training centre manager at the AECB.

To shape a course that reflects the needs of the UK's passive house and low-energy building community, the AECB recently surveyed members and practitioners on preferred content, delivery format, and the challenges they face when using PHPP. The feedback, it says, has been instrumental in determining the programme's structure and focus.

Tim Martel, who has a decade of experience as a certified passive house designer, will deliver the course. Training will begin with live online sessions where participants can work through examples, ask questions, and receive direct support. On-demand recordings are planned, with self-paced exercises to follow in future courses.

The AECB says its training offers three distinctive elements. First, participants will be guided in using the PHribbon Build PHPP tool, which is bundled into the training for free, and which simplifies early-stage modelling, includes data libraries, and supports quicker, more accurate workflows. Second, examples follow the AECB CarbonLite Standard, giving participants grounding in that approach alongside passive house principles.

Third, the course shows how the same PHPP file can be used to calculate whole life carbon using PHribbon.

The course covers the full domestic project process, from heat loss and primary energy tabs through to components, shading, ventilation, domestic hot water and services. Advanced tuition for commercial projects may follow.

The first offering of the course in March sold out, but places are available for the course in June.

The course, which includes 10 hours of live teaching over four weeks, costs £270, with discounts for AECB members.