Das Haus Real-World Demonstration of High Energy Efficiency Technology Kicks Off North American Tour in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American tour of Das Haus, a world-class exhibition that connects industry professionals in North America with the latest market-ready renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions from Germany, will open in Atlanta on October 17th.  The tour will traverse North America with 12 stops in the U.S. and Canada and will conclude in November 2012.

Presented by the German American Chambers of Commerce and the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the pavilion is an integrated, multifaceted structure that demonstrates real-world technologies and solutions for meeting ultra-low energy building standards. It draws inspiration from the Technical University of Darmstadt's 2007 and 2009 first-place entries in the Solar Decathlon, an international solar house competition presented by the U.S. Department of Energy.

"Das Haus demonstrates high efficiency energy technologies that are ready to go to market," said Mark Tomkins, vice president, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, based in Chicago.  "Our primary goal is to open a dialogue that will help local professionals create international partnerships. Das Haus is a rallying point for that discussion."

The tour begins in Atlanta on October 17, then continues to Houston, Phoenix, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York, Washington DC, Chicago and Denver.

Several special events and presentations by thought leaders on sustainability, green building and new methods of integration for ultra-low energy buildings will be part of the Das Haus pavilion in each location.

The Atlanta pavilion opens to the public on Monday, October 17th at 10 a.m., at The World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place, located at 121 Baker Street NW in Atlanta.  The exhibition, including guided tours, will be open from 10 am – 6 p.m. on days of operation and admission is free.

"Germany has made significant strides in sustainable design and renewable energy," said Carsten Jacobi, senior consultant, projects and renewable energies for the German American Chamber of Commerce for the Southern U.S.  "More than 20 percent of Germany's energy consumption derives from renewable resources, and there is a strong appetite for sustainable technology. We're bringing to Atlanta a unique pavilion that demonstrates these technologies for meeting ultra-low energy building standards."

Das Haus incorporates a multitude of sustainability technologies including:

• Thin film photovoltaic roof, facade and louvered panel systems
• Heat-recovery climate control and ventilation systems, Passive House Standard triple-pane windows
• Solar-powered LED lighting systems and high-efficiency appliances
• Vacuum insulated panel systems
• VRLA battery systems
• Advanced wall construction materials and methods

"Das Haus goes beyond a single building," said Tomkins. "It's the convergence of technology with integration and ideas with activation. We hope to use this pavilion as a rallying point for experts and thought leaders here in the U.S. to connect with their counterparts in Germany to ensure that the sustainable building practices in Das Haus are only the beginning."

For more information on Das Haus and to register for guided tours and events, visit www.DasHausTour.com. For more information on the German American Chamber of Commerce, visit www.ahk-usa.com/en/.

Jointly, the German American Chambers of Commerce form one of the largest bilateral trade organizations worldwide.  With 2,000 member companies and office locations in Atlanta, Chicago and New York as well as branch offices in Houston, Philadelphia and San Francisco, the GACC offers experience in facilitating connections and services between German industry and its partners in the U.S.

SOURCE German American Chamber of Commerce