Main technical features and functionalities
PHPP is the Passiv House calculation tool which is used to certify passive buildings. It is a complex Excel based tool which allows for detailed assessment of buildings to determine their energy performance and compliance with the Passiv House standards. It requires detailed input on building specifications.
The PHPP is based on a MS Excel workbook in the xlsx/xlsm format. Microsoft Windows XP (or higher) and Microsoft Excel 2007 (or higher) are system requirements. On Macintosh, PHPP works with Excel for Mac 2011 (or higher). As far as the authors are aware, the PHPP can also be used with current versions of OpenOffice or LibreOffice. However, depending on the platforms used and their programming, there may be limited functionality of the calculation tool or the implemented macro tools.

PHPP is only provided as single-user license, including a detailed manual. With the license the PHPP user obtains a registration code which is used to register the PHPP license. Based on this registration, the user will receive updates of the calculation tool, or upgrade discounts for new versions of PHPP or designPH.

Examples on how to use them to analyse Complex Systems
The new version (9) allows for multiple variants of building design to be entered to allow for technical and financial comparative analysis to be completed, thus ensuring that designers can determine cost effective and technically viable measures to building design/renovation.