Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow.

Inclusive Learning, Global Impact – Bringing Passivhaus Training to Everyone. At Smart Plus Academy, we’re not just educators, we’re catalysts for change. Our passion lies in empowering homeowners, designers, and builders to revolutionize the construction industry through the power of Passivhaus design and construction.
At Smart Plus Academy, our logo is more than just a symbol—it’s a visual reflection of our ambition, values, and purpose. Here’s a closer look into what our logo represents.
Our icon is the shape of a house, a symbol that resonates deeply with the building industry. This house protects what’s inside, signifying comfort, safety, and security. This structure also serves as a testament to our commitment to improving building standards through the principles of Passivhaus, contributing towards healthier and more sustainable living spaces.

Our Story

Our journey began with our founder, Daniel, a visionary engineer and a firm believer in the transformative potential of sustainable building.
His dream was to make the principles of Passivhaus accessible to everyone, breaking down the complex into the comprehensible. This vision is what gave birth to Smart Plus Academy.

Our Mission

We’re here to shape the future of sustainable construction. Our goal is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to create energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings.
We’re not just teaching a course – we’re inspiring a movement towards a greener, more sustainable world.
1. Environmentally Conscious:
We see ourselves as stewards of the planet, committing to sustainable practices and a green future. This forms the backbone of our mission: to educate on and implement Passivhaus principles for a healthier, more sustainable world.
2. Lifelong Learners:
Growth and improvement are in our DNA. Embracing cutting-edge technologies, we adapt and evolve continuously, fostering an environment that encourages learning and innovation.
3. Agile and Resilient:
We're not afraid of making mistakes; they're steppingstones to our growth. Understanding the urgency of climate change, we're committed to rapid action and iterative improvements, keeping our pace with the planet's needs.
4. Dedication and Determination:
Fuelled by a profound sense of purpose, we're unyieldingly dedicated to our mission. Our belief in a sustainable future propels us to forge ahead, regardless of the challenges we face.
5. Outcome-Oriented
We're not just task-completers; we're change-makers. Always keeping the end goal in sight, we focus on generating impactful outcomes that bring us closer to a sustainable future.
6. Compassionate Team Players:
Respect and collaboration are at the heart of our team. We value every contribution and understand that our collective strength lies in our shared passion and diverse expertise.
7. Integrity:
Trust, honesty, and ethical conduct are the pillars of our work. We uphold these principles in all our interactions, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and accountability.
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Our Method

Learning is at its best when it’s interactive, engaging, and practical. Our courses are designed to demystify the science behind Passivhaus design, turning theoretical concepts into real-world applications. We offer a step-by-step journey, guiding our students from the fundamentals all the way to advanced techniques.

Our Community

When you join Smart Plus Academy, you become part of a vibrant community. Here, you’ll meet like-minded professionals, share ideas, and learn from each other. We believe in the power of collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, which is why our network of students, alumni, and faculty is a key part of what makes us special.

Our Impact

From our beginnings, we’ve proudly been a key contributor to the growth of certified Passive House professionals in Australia. Today, we’re reaching further, inspiring and training more individuals across the globe, all committed to sustainable building practices.

Our Team

Learning is at its best when it’s interactive, engaging, and practical. Our courses are designed to demystify the science behind Passivhaus design, turning theoretical concepts into real-world applications. We offer a step-by-step journey, guiding our students from the fundamentals all the way to advanced techniques.
Daniel Kress
Daniel, founder and head trainer at Smart Plus Academy, is known for his engaging, conversational teaching style. As a visionary engineer, entrepreneur, and educator, he excels at simplifying complex concepts and connecting industries.

With experience in construction and sustainable building, Daniel has a dual master’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering, specializing in building physics and science.

His passion for sustainability led him to contribute to a European Union research project on sustainable building practices. At 37, he founded Smart Plus Academy (SPA), which has educated the majority of Australia’s certified Passivhaus professionals.

Daniel’s mission is to make Passivhaus knowledge accessible globally, promoting sustainable building practices and creating a lasting, positive impact on the construction industry and a greener, more sustainable world for all.

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Julia Kiefer
Julia is a senior trainer and passionate architect who has been sharing her expertise in Australia since 2006. She has worked for leading architectural firms in Melbourne, Perth, and Darwin, gaining invaluable insights into Australia’s diverse geographic regions and unique climate challenges.

Julia is deeply committed to sustainability and energy-efficient building design and became a Certified Passivhaus Designer in 2018. Since then, she has been dedicated to driving change in the building industry and educating Australians on creating comfortable, healthy, and eco-friendly living spaces.

In 2020, Julia joined Smart Plus Academy as a senior Passivhaus trainer, expanding her impact by educating building professionals across Australia about the Passivhaus standard. She shares her passion and expertise to inspire a new generation of sustainable building practitioners. Julia is excited about the global expansion and impact envisioned by SPA and remains committed to empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting, positive difference in the building industry and the world at large.

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Louvy Gallaza
With a background in psychology and over seven years of experience in HR recruitment, Louvry brings a unique perspective to the Smart Plus Academy team. A firm believer in the ripple effect, she understands the profound impact of taking steps, however small, to improve the world around us.
In 2019, Nalla joined Smart Plus Academy as a Virtual Assistant and quickly evolved into an invaluable Student Support and Admin professional. Here, she discovered an even deeper passion for combating climate change, becoming more attuned to the global climate issues we face today.

Nalla’s role is pivotal in ensuring a smooth and enriching journey for every student at Smart Plus Academy. She consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to student success and satisfaction.

A dedicated team player, Nalla exemplifies our mission to shape a sustainable future through Passivhaus education. Her contributions continue to propel us forward, making a greener, more sustainable world a tangible reality for all.
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Nalla Yuson
Armed with a decade of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry and a professional background as an Electronics Engineer, Nalla brings a wealth of knowledge to the Smart Plus Academy team. Always guided by a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices, she has found her calling in championing climate-conscious actions and education.

Julia is deeply committed to sustainability and energy-efficient building design and became a Certified Passivhaus Designer in 2018. Since then, she has been dedicated to driving change in the building industry and educating Australians on creating comfortable, healthy, and eco-friendly living spaces.

In 2020, Julia joined Smart Plus Academy as a senior Passivhaus trainer, expanding her impact by educating building professionals across Australia about the Passivhaus standard. She shares her passion and expertise to inspire a new generation of sustainable building practitioners. Julia is excited about the global expansion and impact envisioned by SPA and remains committed to empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting, positive difference in the building industry and the world at large.

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