Frequently Asked Questions
We are currently updating our FAQ page to help answer some of the most common questions about Passive. Anything you’d like to see answered here?
Emu's Passive House Training
For which Passive House accreditations does Emu offer training and why?
Emu offers Certified Passive House Tradesperson (CPHT) training for PHI accreditation.
We decided to focus on the hands-on, implementation side of high performance construction.
What’s the difference between CPHT, CPHB, CPHD, and CPHC accreditations?
CPHT: Certified Passive House Tradesperson accreditation under the international Passive House Institute (PHI). In the US, this is often referred to as the “Core Passive House Training“. The CPHT training is a key component of Emu’s Passive House Boot Camps, the leading hands-on Passive House training program in the US.
CPHB: Certified Passive House Builder accreditation under the Passive House Institute US (Phius). Most of the training is offered online, with no hands-on component.
CPHC: Certified Passive House Consultant accreditation under the international Passive House Institute (PHI).
CPHD: Certified Passive House Designer accreditation under the international Passive House Institute (PHI). The training and exam is exactly the same as the CPHC accreditation. The only difference is that internationally (e.g. in Europe) one cannot call themselves a designer unless they are a registered architect or engineer. In other words, architects and engineers get accredited as CPHDs, and everybody else is accredited as CPHCs.
CPHC©: Certified Passive House Consultant accreditation under the Passive House Institute US (Phius).
What is a CPHT?
CPHT = Certified Passive House Tradesperson. At Emu, we consider the CPHT training as the “core Passive House training” for builders, architects, and other construction professionals.
Is this Phius or PHI?
The CPHT accreditation is curated by the international Passive House Institute (PHI). It is the international equivalent of Phius’ Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB) accreditation.
Emu’s CPHT training is often paired with a hands-on workshop (most of Phius’ CPHB builder curriculum is just theoretical, with no hands-on experience).
PHI and Phius are separate organizations, and this exam will not qualify for Phius accreditation.
I’m a builder, is the Passive House Tradesperson training relevant for me?
The CPHT accreditation is the international certification for Passive House builders.
More than half of participants in Emu’s CPHT training are builders and general contractors.
The “Tradesperson” designation is a translation from the German term, but the course is really intended for builders and general contractors, more so than for actual tradespeople.
Is it relevant to Phius / Passive House / Net Zero goals?
Yes. The hands-on skills that a participant acquires during this building science training are invaluable for builders and architects working on Passive House, Phius, and high-performance building projects.
I’m an architect, is Emu's Passive Design/Build™ training relevant for me?
Emu’s proprietary Passive Design/Build™ curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between design and construction, and to foster communication between architects and builders.
Most architects prefer this format over the traditional Passive House Consultant training (CPHC©), as the Consultant training involves complex energy modeling and building physics.
Passive Pod Workshop - Emu's Hands-on Passive House Training
Is prior Passive House experience required?
Because of the advanced nature of this training, Emu requires workshop participants to have prior knowledge of Passive House.
Participants of Emu’s Boot Camps go through the CPHT training prior to the hands-on workshop.
Additionally, people with prior certification with PHI or Phius are eligible to attend Emu’s Passive Pod Workshop.
Does the workshop include hands-on experience?
Absolutely. This is a 2-day hands-on workshop that covers the most advanced high-performance building science with practical, real-life exercises.
Can we host a private real-life workshop for our team?
Yes, for events of 24+ participants.
Please read more about this on our Private Boot Camp page.
Is this relevant for non-residential applications?
Yes. The hands-on workshop covers a number of construction methods for commercial and non-residential construction.
Passive House Certification Exam
Is prior Passive House experience required?
Because of the advanced nature of this training, it is required for participants to have prior knowledge of Passive House building science.
Does the workshop include hands-on experience?
Absolutely. This is a 2-day hands-on workshop that covers the most advanced high-performance building science with practical, real-life exercises.
If I pass the CPHT exam, can I call myself a Passive House Builder?
Yes. Once you pass the CPHT exam, you can call yourself a Passive House Builder, or Passive House Professional.
Renewal of Your Passive House Certification
Is prior Passive House experience required?
Because of the advanced nature of this training, it is required for participants to have prior knowledge of Passive House building science.
Does the workshop include hands-on experience?
Absolutely. This is a 2-day hands-on workshop that covers the most advanced high-performance building science with practical, real-life exercises.
Can we host a private real-life workshop for our team?
Yes, please read more about this on our Private Boot Camp page.
Is it relevant to Phius / Passive House / Net Zero goals?
Yes. The hands-on skills that a participant acquires during this building science training are invaluable for builders and architects working on Passive House, Phius, and high-performance building projects.