The construction industry is responsible for producing more than a third of carbon emissions worldwide, making environmental sustainability an important subject for building professionals to consider.

On a local level, Hawaii Off Grid is at the forefront of sustainable building practices.

A multidisciplinary firm with over 60 years of experience in architecture and engineering and 20 years of off-grid and remote location knowledge, Hawaii Off Grid specializes in residential and commercial architecture, civil and structural engineering, and offers permitting expertise along with in-depth sustainability consulting and design services.

One of its current projects, Kupono Hale on Maui, is designed to operate at net zero. When complete, the structure won’t produce carbon emissions — and all of the building’s energy will be produced on-site.

The project also aims to reduce embodied carbon, or carbon emissions created during the construction process.

“By keeping your energy off the grid, using a combination of Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy sources and green technology, you will not only save money, but you will save needless waste of carbon,” said Hawaii Off Grid Founder and President David Sellers in a release. “Not only is it the right thing for your wallet, but we believe this is the right thing for our community and Hawai‘i’s future.”

Kupono Hale’s walls are made of insulated composite concrete forms created from recycled styrofoam, while the roof is made of glulam beams and locally sourced Cook Pine forms the roof decking and interior ceiling. The roof’s parabolic curve is created by rotating a ridge beam to align with the sun’s path, while allowing the rest of the dwelling to align with the view and prevailing winds.

Learn more about the company at hawaiioffgrid.com.