Passivhaus as a decarbonization driver: from luxury product to accessible and profitable solution

The construction sector is undergoing a transformation driven by the need to meet European decarbonisation targets and the requirement to achieve nearly zero-energy or zero-emission buildings, leaving behind its more traditional past. Under these conditions is the Passivhaus standard, a construction standard with one of the most rigorous methodologies to guarantee maximum energy efficiency, excellent interior comfort and a drastic reduction in the environmental impact of both the existing building stock and future developments (Schnieders et al., 2015).Despite its benefits, there is still a belief or perception that construction under this standard entails an unaffordable cost, preventing access to middle-income households (García-Lamarca & Kaika, 2016) and hindering its scalability in the real estate market. In conclusion, Passivhaus housing should not be considered a luxury product, but a viable and accessible solution for Middle-Income Households in Madrid. The study confirms that the right combination of management of the initial investment with long-term financial benefits and subsequent advantages in terms of habitability transforms the acquisition of an efficient home into a sustainable, profitable and necessary decision to promote the energy transition of the existing building stock in Spain.