As an environmentally friendly business, DAE is interested in helping other businesses achieve LEED certification. Basic information about the LEED certification process can be found below or at the US Green Building Council’s website.

USGBC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® Green Building Rating System™.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

The Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

LEED Certification

What is the importance of getting certified?

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest performance standards. The LEED plaque is recognized nationwide as proof that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to live and work. LEED-certified buildings:

• are leading the transformation of the built environment.
• are built as designed and perform as expected.
• have lower operating costs and increased asset value.
• are healthy and comfortable for their occupants.
• reduce waste sent to landfills.
• conserve energy and water.
• reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
• demonstrate an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs)

LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process. The LEED AP program is administered by the GBCI, which was established with the support of USGBC to allow for objective, balanced management of the credentialing program. Members of DAE’s key leadership are LEED APs.

DAE specializes in off grid power and plumbing installations. Our services include turnkey green packages for a variety of green services; from rainwater catchment and lighting retrofits, to solar panel installation. DAE’s turnkey green packages streamline the process for the building owner, after we design your project, we select and work with contractors that specialize in that specific field. It is simplified for you, because all you need to do is contract with DAE and we do the rest.

In general, a net-zero building is a very energy efficient building that produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. The concept is that buildings can meet all their energy requirements from low-cost, locally available, non-polluting, renewable sources.

Net-Zero Buildings

Net-zero buildings can use traditional energy sources from the local utilities when on-site generation does not meet the building loads. When the on-site generation is greater than the building’s loads, the excess electricity produced is exported to and stored in the utility grid. Later, when energy use is higher, the stored energy is able to offset the difference.

Net-Zero Energy

Net-zero energy relates to whole building design and sustainability, including reduced water usage. Rainwater catchment and grey water recycling help reduce the usage of this valuable resource.

Typically, there are four net-zero energy definitions that the design team and building owner can pursue. As defined by the DOE, the net-zero energy definitions are:

Net-Zero Site Energy

Net-Zero Site Energy – A building that produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, when accounted for at the site. The measurement time frame is annual.

Net-Zero Source Energy

Net-Zero Source Energy – A building that produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, when accounted for at the source. “Source energy” refers to the primary energy required to generate and deliver the energy to the site. To calculate a building’s total source energy, imported and exported energy is multiplied by the appropriate site-to-source conversion multipliers.

Net-Zero Energy Costs

Net-Zero Energy Costs – A building where the amount of money a utility pays the building’s owner for the energy the building exports to the grid is at least equal to the amount the owner pays the utility for the energy services and energy used over the year.

Net-Zero Energy Emissions

Net-Zero Energy Emissions – A building that produces at least as much emissions-free renewable energy as it uses from emission-producing energy sources annually. Carbon, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides are common emissions that net-zero energy buildings offset.

A fifth definition recognizes grid-independent buildings that cannot achieve net-zero status.

Near Zero Energy

Near Zero Energy – A building that produces at least 75% of its required energy through the use of on-side renewable energy. Off-grid buildings that use some nonrenewable energy generation for backup are considered near zero energy because they typically cannot export excess renewable generation to account for fossil fuel energy use.

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These definitions were developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy to use as design goals. These goals are intended to take the mind set from designing a low-energy building with a percent energy savings goal and into the realm of a sustainable energy endpoint.

DAE can work with you to design a net zero building. To begin the process, contact us or fill out the form.

The increasing need for potable water does not just occur in desert areas or in third world countries. It is a problem that affects many people around the world and will increasingly affect Americans over the next decade. With costs for clean water rising dramatically, it only makes sense for businesses to look to alternative methods for their water needs. Capturing and using rainwater can save money and help preserve a dwindling resource.

MCCSC Building Rainwater Project

DAE has over 30 years experience with rainwater catchment systems. A recent project was with the Monroe County (Indiana) Community School Corporation. The MCCSC’s transportation center was designed with Earth-Friendly features that will reduce energy and water bills. Most of the bus repair shop is below ground level, which will provide natural heat in winter and cooling in summer. Windows on the south and west provide both natural light and solar thermal properties for additional energy saving. The building’s roof is white, which reflects sunlight, also helping to cool the big garage. Building materials are all natural including masonry construction. Floor construction is 100 percent bio-based and 46.5 percent post-industrial waste.

A high-tech rainwater catchment system provides water for toilets and urinals and a sink in the repair shop for washing hands and tools, saving on the district’s water bill.

ReNEWW House – Purdue University

Design-Aire Engineering designed a water and wastewater storage and distribution system for Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. This project, in conjunction with Whirlpool Corporation, aims to offset all its energy use with solar power, to only rely on locally available water sources, and to have waste handling systems in place. For more information on this project, click here.