Understanding the Difference between LEED, Net Zero, and Passive House

Energy efficient construction is a very broad term that can be split into many different terminologies, each with a unique meaning. Important terms include LEED, Net Zero, Passivhaus, green building, and more.

The various movements and trends that have revolutionized contemporary standards of living are characterized by different properties and objectives. This article will discuss several of the most popular green building techniques and describe their differences.

LEED

Let’s start with the LEED standard – The LEED label (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), is a standardization system created by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), in order to assess the environmental performance of buildings, houses and other types of construction. Originally, this movement was launched with the aim of increasing awareness of high environmental quality buildings in America.

The LEED Points System

LEED uses a point system for positive considerations when designing buildings and rewards each aspect with a specific amount of points. The point system used by the LEED standard does not take into account the final energy efficiency of a building and instead emphasizes the materials used for the project. For the final evaluation, LEED has four levels of certification, depending on the total number of points obtained by the project: Certified, silver, gold and platinum.

Fiberglass Windows For A LEED Building

Using fiberglass windows in a LEED project can significantly increase the number of points. Although the U coefficient, air infiltration rate, CARS coefficient and other crucial factors are not fully taken into account, fiberglass windows are much more durable, environmentally friendly and energy efficient than other materials used for window frames, including aluminum, wood and vinyl. Fibertec fiberglass windows are also Energy Star certified, which allows them to be considered by large American organizations as products with high energy efficiency.

Autonomous Building

The concept of autonomous building (Net Zero Energy) is based on the principle that the building produces all the energy it needs in a year. The objective of this type of green building is to reduce the amount of energy used by using products with high energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure. The standard for self-contained buildings is relatively recent and its platform continues to evolve. Its concept differs from the LEED standard in that it is assessed by measuring the amount of renewable energy over time, rather than awarding points to systems that can work, but which, in the long run, do not ‘will not offer as much energy savings.

Fiberglass Windows For A Self-contained Building

Fiberglass windows have been proven to help their owners save money, even in the first few months after installation. Fibertec fiberglass windows have some of the best energy ratings in the industry and U-values ​​as low as 0.13, making them an excellent option for self-contained buildings.

Passive House Construction

Passive housing is one of the most demanding organizations in the field of green building, but also the organization leading to the achievement of energy efficient living standards. Passive housing standards focus on the search for energy efficiency, while reducing daily energy consumption. The regulations and standards for the construction of passive houses are based on insulation values, the use of sunlight and a perfectly hermetic infrastructure, in order to maintain a constant temperature inside the house. year round.

Fiberglass windows can greatly contribute to the performance of a passive house when properly installed. By combining the excellent performance of fiberglass windows with low insulation values, it is possible to increase the gain of passive solar energy, while limiting cooling, when necessary. Fibertec contributes to the three construction methods mentioned because fiberglass windows contribute to each technique in a different way, depending on the requirements and standards of each type of construction technique. Choose the method based on the goal you are trying to achieve, for yourself and for your home.