Kennisinstituut KERN

What Kennisinstituut KERN does

Kennisinstituut KERN (legally Stichting KERN) is an independent Dutch nonprofit foundation founded in 2013 and headquartered in Ede, Gelderland. The organization functions as the Dutch knowledge hub for integral sustainable and passive building, channeling scientific building-physics expertise into practical training, tools, and certification for construction professionals. Its core technical offering revolves around the Passive House (Passiefhuis) methodology and the energy-balance calculation tools PHPP (locally branded nZEB-tool) and designPH (a SketchUp plugin), for which KERN holds exclusive Dutch distribution rights from the Passive House Institute (PHI). The portfolio spans approximately 20 professional courses — from practical passive-building basics to advanced PHPP computation and morphological design facilitation — plus the three-tier KERN Connect membership platform (Particulier, Professional, Plus), passive-house and EnerPHit certification services for designers, craftsmen, buildings, and products, and free reference tools such as the KBA cost-benefit analysis tool.

The company generates revenue through a hybrid model combining one-time course and service fees (e.g., practical courses priced at €1,899-€2,434; the morphological design engagement at €2,400), recurring annual software subscriptions (PHPP €220-€460; designPH €240-€420), annual membership subscriptions (Connect Plus €100-€300), certification fees, and book/publication sales. Distribution is direct and primarily digital via an e-commerce website, supplemented by in-person classroom training at partner locations or client sites, custom in-house programs for housing corporations and government, and event-driven thought leadership (International Passive House Conference, Lowtech Congress, CondoReno Symposia, webinars). Customer segments span architects and energy advisors, construction contractors and craftsmen, housing corporations and real-estate developers, VvE homeowner associations, installation companies, and regional training centers (ROC). The organization is a partner in the EU LIFE-funded CondoReno project (2022-2026) alongside TU Delft, Stichting WNR, Embuild, and UIPI, extending its footprint into Belgium and France.

Geographically, KERN serves the Netherlands as its primary market and is expanding into the broader Benelux region through the CondoReno partnership. The firm employs approximately 6 people, is governed as a non-profit foundation without institutional shareholders, and is self-sustaining through course fees, product sales, and EU project funding. Its brand positioning emphasizes neutrality, scientific rigor, and integral quality over isolated efficiency measures, with passive-house outcomes such as heating energy demand reduced to as low as 10% of existing-building levels and airtightness values as low as n50 0.41/h cited as quantifiable proof points of the methodology it teaches.

Name

Kennisinstituut KERN

Legal name

Stichting KERN

Website

https://kennisinstituutkern.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kennisinstituut KERN is an independent Dutch nonprofit foundation that trains and certifies building professionals in passive-house construction, distributes the Passive House Institute's PHPP and designPH software for the Dutch market, and runs a tiered membership community serving architects, contractors, housing corporations, and VvE associations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ede

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course and Training Fees: Revenue from practical courses on passive building, PHPP calculation, designPH, energy-neutral construction and renovation. Courses range from basic to advanced levels, including summer schools and certification preparation courses.
2. Software Tools (PHPP, designPH): Sales of PHPP and designPH software tools for energy balance calculations and building design. Tools are essential for passive house certification and BENG compliance.
3. Membership Platform (KERN Connect): Three-tier membership platform: Connect Particulier (public), Connect Professional (for course attendees/DNA members), and Connect Plus (for iPHA members). Provides exclusive content and networking.
4. Publications and Books: Sale of books and publications including 'Stap voor stap naar een succesvolle renovatie' and AZEB-Doeboek. Also offers free downloads and tools.
5. Certification Services: Quality assurance and certification services for passive house designers, building professionals, and products. Includes examination and certificate renewal services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kennisinstituut KERN is an independent Dutch knowledge foundation that delivers professional training courses, software tools (PHPP/nZEB-tool and designPH), and certification services for passive and energy-efficient building. It serves as the Dutch representative of the Passive House Institute, translating and distributing PHPP/designPH software, and offers certified designer and craftsman credentials. The institute also delivers morphological design facilitation services, publications, and runs the KERN Connect membership platform for building professionals.

Product overview

Kennisinstituut KERN is an independent knowledge institute for integral sustainable and passive building, offering a comprehensive portfolio of courses, tools, and certification services. The core offering consists of PHPP/nZEB-tool (energy balance calculation software) and designPH (SketchUp plugin for early-stage energy modeling) as the primary professional tools, complemented by approximately 20 training courses covering passive building design, renovation techniques, and quality assurance. Membership platforms (KERN Connect Plus, Professional, and Particulier) provide tiered access to knowledge resources and networks. KERN also offers professional services including morphological design facilitation and certification programs for passive house designers, builders, and building products. Free resources include calculation tools for heat loss analysis and cost-benefit renovation assessments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KERN Connect Particulier: Online platform access for individual members
• KERN Connect Professional
• KERN Connect Plus
• CondoReno
• WNR
• TRIK

Products and services

• PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) / nZEB-tool Energy balance calculation and design tool for highly energy-efficient building and renovation. The Dutch version is called nZEB-tool. Developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI), it enables architects and energy advisors to calculate energy needs, heating loads, and optimal building design. Distributed by KERN as the Dutch representative.
• designPH SketchUp plugin that enables quick energy balance calculations during schematic design phases. Allows architects to visualize and optimize passive house designs directly within their 3D modeling workflow. Distributed by KERN for the Dutch market.
• KERN Connect Plus Premium annual membership tier offering exclusive content and networking opportunities, specifically designed for iPHA (international Passive House Association) members.
• KERN Connect Professional Professional annual membership tier for construction professionals who have completed KERN courses or are members of DNA in de bouw. Provides access to specialized knowledge resources and professional network.
• KERN Connect Particulier Open membership tier accessible to anyone interested in future-proof building knowledge. Provides general resources and community access for self-builders and housing association members.
• In 4 weken van Beeldvorming naar Besluitvorming (Morphological Design Service) Service that guides multidisciplinary project teams through a structured morphological design decision-making process over 4 weeks, from project visualization to informed building decisions for integrated sustainable projects.
• Praktijkcursus passief bouwen en renoveren Practical course on passive building and renovation covering energy-neutral construction techniques, airtightness testing (blower door test), and real-world project applications. Target audience: construction professionals, contractors, and installers.
• Summer school Passiefhuisontwerp en -constructie Intensive summer program teaching building physics principles, cost-effective design techniques, and practical skills for creating comfortable, energy-efficient buildings.
• Cursus Passiefhuisontwerp en -constructie Comprehensive course on passive house design and construction methods for architects and building professionals.
• Rekenen met PHPP Course on using PHPP/nZEB-tool for energy balance calculations in highly energy-efficient buildings.
• Energiebalans met DesignPH Training on using designPH for energy balance calculations and SketchUp-based passive house design optimization.
• Verdiepingscursus Rekenen met PHPP Advanced course deepening PHPP/nZEB-tool calculation skills for experienced building professionals.
• Renoveren met gegarandeerde gebouwprestaties Course on renovation with guaranteed building performance, teaching cost-neutral renovation approaches for VvE apartment buildings based on passive house technology.
• Communicatie in het bouwproces Communication skills course for construction professionals covering stakeholder engagement and project communication in building processes.
• Risicomanagement Course on identifying and managing risks in energy-efficient renovation projects.
• Integrale kwaliteitsborging Course on integrated quality assurance covering verification and validation across all project phases for future-proof construction.
• Ketensamenwerking Course on supply chain collaboration and contractor coordination in integrated renovation projects.
• AZEB-training Training as part of the AZEB (Almost Zero Energy Buildings) European project, providing knowledge for affordable BENG (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) implementation.
• Certificering passiefhuisontwerper Certification program for passive house designers, validating expertise in passive building design methodology and aligned with Passive House Institute standards.
• Certificering passiefhuis-bouwprofessionals Certification program for passive house construction professionals and craftsmen, with examination and certificate renewal services.
• Passiefhuis-productcertificering Product certification service for passive house building elements and components.
• Passiefhuiscertificering (Building Certification) Building certification service for Passive House and EnerPHit renovation standards, including EnerPHit gebouwcertificering and PHI Energiezuinig gebouw standards.
• AZEB-Doeboek (Publication) Guidebook for affordable BENG implementation, part of the AZEB (Almost Zero Energy Buildings) European project.
• Stap voor stap naar een succesvolle renovatie van jouw VvE-appartementengebouw (Publication) Step-by-step guide for successful renovation of VvE apartment buildings, developed within the CondoReno project framework.

Quantifiable outcome

• Heating energy demand can be reduced to as low as 10% of existing building levels with proper integral building shell renovation.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TU DelftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Research partner in the CondoReno EU project (LIFE-2021-CET-HOMERENO). TU Delft contributes project managers and researchers to develop Integrated Home Renovation Services (IHRS) models for VvE apartment buildings in the Netherlands and Flanders.
• Stichting WNR (WoonlastenNeutrale Renovatie)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Market-oriented partner in CondoReno project. WNR is developing an IHRS (Integrated Home Renovation Service) that serves as an inspiration source. KERN provides training and quality assurance for WNR renovation processes.
• CondoReno European Partners (Belgian and French)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partners in the EU LIFE-funded CondoReno project including Belgian partners (Antwerpen, Mechelen, Oostende municipalities) and French partners, combining market-driven IHRS models from Netherlands with government-led IHRS from Flanders.
• EmbuildminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Belgian contractors association involved in CondoReno project. Contributes to dissemination of knowledge about passive house renovation approaches across the Benelux region.
• UIPI (International Union of Property Owners)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Association of real estate owners participating in CondoReno project. Represents property owner interests in developing Integrated Home Renovation Services for apartment buildings.
• Passive House Institute (PHI)coreTechnology or IntegrationKERN serves as the Dutch representative for Passive House Institute tools and methodologies. Distributes PHPP, designPH, and other PHI-developed software in the Dutch market. Handles translations and localization of PHI tools.
• iPHA (international Passive House Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERN is an official iPHA affiliate/partner. Participates in Passive House Bootcamp events and offers exclusive KERN Connect Plus membership tier for iPHA members.
• TRIK (Toekomstbestendige Renovatie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in TRIK project for future-proof renovation with integral quality assurance for ground-bound dwellings. Partially funded by RVO (MOOI subsidy). KERN offers TRIK training with 10% discount.
• DNA in de bouw (De Nieuwe Aanpak)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation of building companies using morphological design methodology. Member companies regularly utilize KERN training and tools for integrated sustainable project approaches.
• AZEB (Almost Zero Energy Buildings)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean project partnership. KERN provides AZEB training and published the AZEB-Doeboek (handbook) for affordable BENG construction. Collaborated on research published in Passivhauskompendium 2020.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• iPHA (international Passive House Association): International membership network of passive house stakeholders. KERN is an affiliate and routes iPHA members into its KERN Connect Plus tier; iPHA provides the global membership scaffolding that complements KERN's national training and certification work.

Broad incumbents

• DGMR: Dutch consulting firm in acoustics, building physics, and environmental engineering. Comparable to KERN as a Dutch technical consultancy serving the built environment, with broader scope but overlapping customer base of building professionals.
• Builddesk: Dutch consulting firm specialized in sustainability and energy performance for the built environment. Provides advisory services, training, and BENG-related expertise to architects, contractors, and developers—directly adjacent to KERN's professional audience.
• Passive House Institute (PHI): The German-based international developer of the Passive House standard, PHPP, and designPH. KERN operates as the Dutch national representative/distributor; PHI is the methodology owner and global certifier, making it the closest comparable but with broader international scope.
• TVVL: Dutch knowledge network and professional association for building services and installation technology. Comparable to KERN as a Dutch knowledge platform providing training, publications, and networking for building professionals, with broader installation/HVAC focus.
• Nieman (Nieman Raadgevende Ingenieurs): Dutch consulting engineer specializing in building physics, acoustics, fire safety, and sustainability. Provides training and advisory to Dutch building professionals on high-performance building—overlapping with KERN's audience and energy-efficiency agenda.
• ISSO: Dutch knowledge institute for building installations and energy performance. Comparable as a Dutch non-profit training and publication organization serving building professionals, with overlapping topics (BENG, energy efficiency) but broader installation system scope than passive house.

Direct peers

• Passive House Institute US (PHIUS): The US national affiliate of the Passive House movement, providing training, certification, and adapted tools for the North American market. Functions as a direct structural analog to KERN in a different geography—national affiliate delivering PHPP-style training, certification, and consulting.
• BouwNext: Dutch construction innovation partnership developing cost-neutral renovation models for VvE apartment buildings. Directly partnered with KERN on the CondoReno project to deliver integrated renovation services, making it a tight operational peer in the same renovation methodology.

Emerging players

• Cenergie: Dutch advisory firm specializing in sustainable energy and energy efficiency in buildings. Provides consulting and training on BENG, NZEB, and energy retrofit—an emerging professional-services peer with partial overlap to KERN's energy-neutral training portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLEnWEucghraXrskYhEhKJSwKV4XSDGvHY
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stichting-kern

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kennisinstituut KERN