Building design is continually evolving, improving, and becoming more complex as designs optimize energy efficiency, durability and comfort. The intention is to build better, more resilient, and healthy buildings. Codes, policies, and regulations are all trending towards more sustainable construction methods; and owners are experiencing the long-term life cycle benefits of this approach.

Zachau is uniquely positioned to facilitate sustainable construction projects. The complexity of these projects requires an engaged, knowledgeable team that share these goals. We have multiple staff that are certified Passive House builders, we were the first to use mass timber (CLT) in Maine, and we have built to the most rigorous sustainability standards (Living Building/Community Challenge). One of the many living building challenge (LBC) requirements was tracking and approving close to 8,000 different products and materials to ensure everything that was used on the project was free of the “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious health and ecosystem risks.

We are working on projects that are seeking passive house certification, and we are working on many more where the owners want to build to passive house standards, but don’t require to full certification. There are many different approaches to achieving sustainable design/construction (e.g. Lean, Passive House, LEED, Living Building Challenge, etc.); And whichever one is selected, Zachau’s relationship oriented, collaborative approach to project delivery will help realize these goals.

• Living Building Challenge/Community

• Passive House

• Solar Panels

• Geothermal Heating and Cooling

• Cross Laminated Timber