Join the RIBA South East Sustainability Group for top tips on achieving Passivhaus certification for small-scale newbuild and retrofit projects. Our speakers will look at how to satisfy requirements as simply and efficiently as possible and to minimise certification pain-points.
Francisco will speak about newbuild projects, sharing his key recommendations for first-time architects pursuing Passivhaus certification and focusing on lessons from recent consultancy work.
Paul will explore how the requirements for EnerPHit certification are different.
This lunchtime meeting is online and free to attend.
About the speakers
Francisco Cerezuela
Associate, Passivhaus Consultant and Certifier, ECD Architects
BSc (Hons), MSc (Hons), CEPHD
Francisco Cerezuela is a highly experienced architectural technologist with over a decade dedicated to Passivhaus projects. With a background spanning architectural leadership, construction management, and timber frame specialism, Fran has played a key role in delivering high-performance, energy-efficient buildings. He holds both a degree and a master’s in Construction Management and is also a certified Passivhaus consultant.
Committed to continuous professional development, Fran has steadily expanded his expertise. He became a certified Passivhaus Expert in 2022, a Passivhaus Construction Verifier in 2023, and most recently, a certified Passivhaus Building Certifier in early 2024.
Over the past three years, Fran has led ECD Architects’ Passivhaus consultancy services for educational and community buildings across Scotland, guiding projects from early design through to certification. He now heads ECD’s Passivhaus certification services, bringing a deep understanding of both technical delivery and quality assurance. His specialist knowledge and hands-on experience make him a valuable leader in sustainable, low-energy construction.
Paul Smith
Director at Greengauge Building Energy Consultants
Paul is an experienced Building Physics Consultant with over nineteen years’ experience in low energy building design and has been certified with the PHI as a Passivhaus Consultant for the past 8 years. Paul has an MSc in Sustainability and Adaptation in the Built Environment from the Centre of Alternative Technology.
He has amassed a broad range of experience and technical skills across the design and implementation of low energy products, materials, and systems and utilises a range of software and his understanding of fabric performance to deliver robust, simple building design. Paul is a qualified Passivhaus Certifier.
About RIBA South East Sustainability Group
The RIBA South East Sustainability Group supports climate literacy among RIBA members and the wider built environment community by providing free, open-access events that are inclusive, informative, and action-focused.
Through online and in-person sessions—ranging from introductory series to deep dives, tools, strategies, and case studies—we aim to foster meaningful conversations and equip professionals and students alike with the knowledge to make a positive climate impact.
Our programme aligns with the RIBA Core Curriculum and extends beyond, welcoming members, students, and non-members to take part.
