Rolf Disch
Rolf Disch is a German architect, solar energy pioneer and environmental activist. Born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Disch has dedicated particular focus to regional renewable and sustainable energy.
Rolf Disch | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1944 |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma mater | Structural Engineering School Freiburg, University of Applied Sciences Konstanz, Guest Professor National School of Design Karlsruhe |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Awards | 1997 Eco-manager of the Year 2002 European Solar Prize 2003 Global Energy Award 2006 Germany's most beautiful housing community 2008 German Sustainability Award |
| Practice | Rolf Disch Solar Architecture |
| Buildings | Heliotrope PlusEnergy Sun Ship |
| Projects | Solar Settlement |
As head of his own architecture firm, Rolf Disch Solar Architecture, Disch is committed to advancing Germany's incorporation of solar energy generation into residential, retail, and commercial building and design. In 1994, Rolf Disch built the Heliotrope in Freiburg which was the world’s first home to create more energy than it uses, as it physically rotates with the sun to maximize its solar intake. Disch then developed the concept PlusEnergy, simply making it a permanent goal for his buildings to produce more energy than they consume in order to sell the surplus solar energy back into the grid for profit.
Rolf Disch’s biggest venture was completed in 2004 with the 59 PlusEnergy home Solar Settlement and the 60,000 sq ft (5,600 m2). PlusEnergy Sun Ship. In June 2009, Disch launched the 100% GmbH organization, with the aim to make Freiburg and its surrounding district the first 100% sustainable renewable energy region in the world.