Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Construction
Built By DAO: Elevating Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Construction
Built By DAO is committed to setting a new standard for energy-efficient and sustainable building practices. By incorporating world-class green building certifications and principles, we ensure that our developments benefit both the environment and the communities they serve. Below is a detailed outline of the certifications, their levels, and how Built By DAO can integrate these practices into our projects.
Passive House Standards
Passive House is the gold standard for energy efficiency, emphasizing airtight construction, superior insulation, and thermal comfort.
Passive House Standard: Reduces heating and cooling demands by up to 90%, drastically lowering energy consumption.
Passive House Plus: Achieves net-zero energy by integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.
Passive House Premium: Produces more energy than it consumes, creating net-positive energy homes.
EnerPHit Certification: Retrofitting existing buildings to meet Passive House standards, improving efficiency and thermal comfort.
Ideal For: Projects prioritizing extreme energy conservation and comfort, such as eco-friendly housing clusters or retrofitted community spaces.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED certification uses a point-based system to evaluate sustainability across multiple dimensions, from energy use to materials.
Certified (40-49 points): Meets baseline sustainability criteria.
Silver (50-59 points): Demonstrates moderate improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Gold (60-79 points): Reflects significant advancements in sustainable design and innovative materials.
Platinum (80+ points): Represents exceptional sustainability, with cutting-edge renewable energy integration and minimal environmental impact.
Ideal For: Holistic projects balancing energy efficiency, water conservation, and community well-being.
Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge is one of the most rigorous certifications, aiming for regenerative design that restores the environment.
Net Positive Energy: Produces more energy than it consumes.
Water Independence: Operates without relying on external water supplies by using water capture and treatment systems.
Material Transparency: Requires all building materials to meet strict environmental and ethical criteria.
Equity and Beauty: Ensures designs contribute positively to the community and reflect aesthetic excellence.
Ideal For: Transformative projects aiming to redefine sustainability, such as mixed-use developments with integrated renewable systems.
GreenStar Certification
GreenStar focuses on energy efficiency, health, water use, material selection, and site integration.
Bronze: Meets foundational sustainability standards.
Silver: Demonstrates enhanced energy efficiency and reduced waste.
Gold: Reflects excellence in material selection, energy performance, and waste minimization.
Ideal For: Small-to-medium-scale projects that incorporate sustainable practices, such as residential renovations or community hubs.
WELL Building Standard
The WELL certification focuses on health, well-being, and comfort for occupants.
Key Elements:
Air Quality and Ventilation: Ensures optimal air circulation and filtration.
Water Quality: Prioritizes accessibility and cleanliness of water sources.
Thermal and Acoustic Comfort: Maintains pleasant indoor climates and noise control.
Community and Innovation: Encourages community-focused designs that promote interaction and well-being.
Ideal For: Housing and community spaces that prioritize the health and well-being of residents.
ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR certification promotes energy efficiency and measurable cost savings for homeowners.
10% Better Performance: Compared to homes built to standard codes.
20% Overall Savings: Through improved energy efficiency.
Third-Party Verification: Ensures compliance with strict energy performance standards.
Ideal For: Projects focused on delivering immediate financial and environmental benefits to residents.
RELi Building Standard
The RELi standard emphasizes resilience and climate adaptability, making buildings capable of withstanding disasters.
Key Areas:
Hazard Preparedness: Ensures buildings are equipped to handle natural disasters.
Energy and Water Security: Incorporates backup systems for self-sufficiency.
Community Vitality: Designs spaces that foster strong community ties during emergencies.
Ideal For: Climate-adaptive developments and disaster-resistant housing projects.
National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
NGBS provides a framework for residential sustainability, focusing on affordability and practicality.
Core Areas:
Site Design: Integrates developments harmoniously into their environments.
Resource Efficiency: Reduces waste and optimizes material usage.
Indoor Air Quality: Ensures safe, clean, and comfortable living spaces.
Maintenance and Longevity: Prioritizes designs that are durable and easy to maintain.
Ideal For: Cost-effective, long-term housing solutions for families and communities.
How Built By DAO Can Lead the Way
Customization by Project We tailor certification standards based on project goals. For example, Passive House standards may be ideal for housing clusters, while LEED Platinum is suited for mixed-use developments.
Innovation Focus Adopt advanced technologies like smart energy systems, renewable energy generation, and modular construction to achieve the highest certification levels.
Integration of Standards Combine elements from multiple certification programs to exceed industry norms and deliver exceptional sustainability outcomes.
Community Engagement Educate residents and stakeholders about the certifications used, emphasizing measurable benefits such as reduced energy bills, improved health, and environmental restoration.
Built By DAO’s Commitment to Sustainability
By adopting and integrating these green building certifications, Built By DAO ensures its developments are not only energy-efficient but also transformative. Our goal is to set a benchmark for sustainable, resilient, and community-focused construction practices that align with the needs of the planet and its people.
Through innovation and collaboration, we are building homes and communities that thrive sustainably—today and for generations to come.
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