Passive House Institute

Component Award 2026 – Retrofitting with Passive House Windows

Retrofitting plays a central role in climate protection and energy efficiency strategies, yet it remains a challenge when it comes to technical feasibility and cost. This is particularly true for window replacements in existing buildings, which often face barriers in planning, logistics, and execution.

With this award, the Passive House Institute invites manufacturers, system providers, craftsmen, and interdisciplinary teams to rethink how Passive House windows can be integrated into existing façades with minimal disruption, high energy performance, and smart prefabrication strategies. The aim: practical solutions that simplify the retrofit process and demonstrate that step-by-step renovation using high-performance components is not only possible—but scalable.

Aim

Thermally improved windows for all

Method

Comparison with a baseline window

Participants had to provide a certified Passive House window solution, including installation and shading.
Each window was compared by its life cycle costs and CO2 savings with a baseline window, which is standard at the participant’s location.
A specialist jury evaluated the topics innovation, practicability, and aesthetics and made the final decision regarding categories and winners.

Participants

Manufacturers, system providers, craftsmen, and interdisciplinary teams to rethink how Passive House windows can be integrated into existing façades with minimal disruption, high energy performance, and smart prefabrication strategies. The aim: practical solutions that simplify the retrofit process and demonstrate that step-by-step renovation using high-performance components is not only possible—but scalable.

Conditions of participation

Participation is free for manufacturers with certified components. Others may opt for certification or parameter assessment at a reduced fee as part of the competition process.

Submissions

Register by 30 September 2025

Email your participation to components@passiv.de with the subject line “Component Award” and indicate your chosen category.

Jury

Winners

Winners will be presented at the International Passive House Conference 2026 in Essen and featured in the Passive House Component database. Participants using certified products may also qualify for the EnerPHit Component Seal.