A dome from ABC Domes easily meet all LEED® energy-saving criteria.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency) Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. We are also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and understand the LEED Green Building Rating System™.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, sustainable buildings are those, which:
- Save energy, water, and materials
- Preserve the local surroundings
- Assure the health of their occupants
- Require little maintenance.
Buildings that earn the LEED certification are additionally recognized for being constructed of recycled or long-lasting materials, for employing efficient lighting, and for their location near public transportation sources.
Survivability Today. Sustainability Tomorrow
Monolithic Concrete Domes are extremely sustainable on many levels. First, the durable construction of the rebar-enforced concrete shell enables them to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, or other crisis situations. Secondly, domes require significantly less building materials than regular structures. While they are made primarily of concrete and steel, they use much less of it compared to other buildings – up to 50-70% less. And because they are nearly indestructible, if a disaster does occur, there may be no need for expensive replacement materials.
Regular maintenance on monolithic domes is minimal, with energy and maintenance costs generally running 50% less than other conventional buildings. In fact, many studies have revealed that when amortized over 20 years, the energy savings of a dome often recoup a major portion of the facility’s original cost.
Domes: The Shape of Things to Come in Energy Efficiency
The spherical nature of a monolithic dome is one of the reasons for significant energy efficiency — there is simply less surface area per square foot to heat or cool. A dome has approximately one-third less surface area to the outside than a box-style structure The lower the total outside surface area, the greater the energy-efficiency savings for heating and cooling.
Because monolithic domes are fully insulated with a monolithic layer of polyurethane foam, they are micro-energy users, meaning they need 50% to 70% of the energy used by traditionally shaped buildings to maintain a comfortable interior.
Further energy savings result from the efficient airflow inside the dome, since the curved surface provides for natural circulation of internal air.
