Statute of the DOM NA START Foundation

General provisions

§ 1

1. The Foundation operates on the basis of the provisions of Polish law and of this Statute.
2. The Foundation is apolitical and is not associated with any religious denomination.
3. The minister competent for the Foundation is the Minister of Climate and Environment.
4. The Foundation is established for an indefinite period.

§ 2

1. The Foundation acquires legal personality upon its entry in the National Court Register.

§ 3

1. The registered office of the Foundation is the city of Gdańsk.
2. The area of the Foundation’s activity is the territory of the Republic of Poland; however, to the extent necessary for the proper pursuit of its objectives, it may also operate outside the borders of the Republic of Poland.

§ 4

1. The Foundation pursues its objectives in accordance with the fundamental interests of the Republic of Poland and with applicable law, and in particular with the Act on Foundations and with this Statute.

Objectives and principles of the Foundation’s activity

§ 5

The objectives of the Foundation are:

1. Promoting timber construction as the principal structural material, through educational campaigns, industry events and the publication of informational materials.
2. Disseminating and supporting ecological solutions in the design and construction of buildings, including the use of energy-efficient technologies, renewable materials and the principles of sustainable development in architecture.
3. Developing original designs for building structures consistent with the principles of timber, ecological and low-energy construction, incorporating innovative structural and technological solutions.
4. Optimising existing technical solutions in timber-frame construction through cooperation with experts, enterprises and research institutions.
5. Designing and implementing modern architectural solutions adapted to changing ecological and technological standards.
6. Education and popularisation of timber-frame construction technology through conferences, training courses and workshops, and through the publication of scientific and practical works.
7. Promoting Polish manufacturers and suppliers of technologies and materials for timber and ecological construction, through trade fairs, networking events and promotional campaigns.
8. Conducting and supporting scientific research into the technologies and materials used in ecological construction, including the testing of new methods and analysis of the effectiveness of available solutions.
9. Optimising technical solutions in low-energy construction by implementing innovative technologies, promoting passive-house standards and advancing solutions that minimise energy consumption.
10. Disseminating research findings and knowledge in the field of timber and ecological construction through publications in the form of books, guides and reports, and through traditional and digital media.
11. Cooperating with national and international organisations, research institutes and local-government bodies in order to exchange experience and implement best practice in ecological construction and sustainable design.
12. Creating and delivering educational programmes addressed to various social groups (architects, engineers, investors, students and pupils) in order to popularise knowledge of timber and ecological construction.
13. Advisory services and technical support for companies, institutions and private individuals interested in implementing ecological construction and design technologies.
14. Initiating and supporting legislative action conducive to the development of timber and ecological construction, and advocating appropriate legal regulation at national and European level.
15. Supporting innovative architectural and urban-planning concepts that integrate timber construction with ecological design solutions, improving quality of life and reducing the negative environmental impact of construction.
16. Creating original concepts and model designs for timber and modular buildings adapted to a range of uses, including residential buildings, public buildings and recreational facilities.
17. Promoting and investing in timber and ecological construction:
    • Educating individual and institutional investors about the economic and ecological benefits of investing in timber, low-energy and passive buildings.
    • Organising meetings, seminars and publications devoted to the analysis of return on investment in ecological construction.
    • Cooperating with developers and financial institutions in order to develop attractive models for financing investment in timber and sustainable construction.
18. Creating and supporting investment funds and financing mechanisms for ecological construction:
    • Cooperating with banks and financial institutions on the development of mortgage products and support programmes for investors choosing timber construction.
    • Promoting investment funds focused on construction projects consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
    • Initiating action aimed at obtaining co-financing and grants for investors and entrepreneurs implementing ecological construction solutions.
19. Disseminating methods of saving through timber and energy-efficient construction:
    • Preparing guides and analyses concerning the long-term savings resulting from the use of modern technologies in ecological construction.
    • Conducting research into the operating costs of timber buildings and their energy efficiency compared with traditional technologies.
    • Organising educational campaigns on the financial and ecological savings associated with low-energy construction and the optimal use of natural resources.
20. Supporting entrepreneurs and investors in carrying out construction investments:
    • Advisory services in the planning, design and delivery of investments in timber, ecological and passive construction.
    • Creating databases and networking platforms that make it easier for investors, architects and suppliers of ecological construction technologies to work together.
    • Supporting start-ups and innovative companies in timber construction and sustainable development through mentoring and access to expertise and business networks.
21. Promoting good practice in the management of construction investments:
    • Organising training courses and workshops for investors, architects and construction companies on the effective management of investment processes.
    • Implementing and promoting ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards in construction investments.
    • Cooperating with local-government bodies and the public sector on the implementation of policy supporting sustainable construction investment.
22. Initiating pilot and demonstration programmes for investors:
    • Creating model investment projects in timber and ecological construction that showcase the best technological and financial practice.
    • Organising study visits and presentations for investors interested in implementing modern construction technologies.
    • Cooperating with universities and research centres in order to test innovative solutions capable of increasing the attractiveness of investment in ecological construction.
23. Promoting the profitability of ecological construction through market analysis and investment forecasting:
    • Preparing reports and analyses on trends in timber construction, its profitability and potential investment risks.
    • Monitoring legislative changes and regulations concerning ecological construction standards and their impact on the property market.
    • Publishing case studies of successful investments in timber construction as inspiration for new investors.
24. Granting loans to natural persons, legal persons and other organisational units that support the pursuit of the Foundation’s statutory objectives.
25. Investing the Foundation’s funds in all available forms of capital placement, including real property, financial instruments, shares in enterprises and other assets, with a view to increasing the Foundation’s resources.

Means of pursuing the objectives

§ 6

The Foundation pursues its objectives through:

1. Organising educational campaigns and industry events:
   • Running information campaigns on timber and ecological construction through traditional and digital media.
   • Organising conferences, trade fairs and networking meetings promoting innovative construction technologies and materials.
   • Cooperating with higher-education institutions and research institutes in order to popularise knowledge of timber and ecological construction.
2. Disseminating ecological solutions in the design and construction of buildings:
   • Promoting low-energy and passive construction standards through training and publications.
   • Supporting the deployment of renewable energy sources in construction projects.
   • Organising workshops for architects, engineers and investors on energy-efficient technologies and renewable materials.
3. Developing original construction designs:
   • Creating model designs for timber and modular buildings adapted to a range of uses.
   • Implementing innovative structural and technological solutions in projects.
   • Cooperating with academic institutions on research into modern timber structures.
4. Optimising existing technical solutions:
   • Cooperating with experts, construction companies and scientific institutions in order to improve construction methods.
   • Analysing the effectiveness of technologies used in timber and low-energy construction.
   • Organising competitions for innovative architectural and technological concepts.
5. Designing and implementing modern architectural solutions:
   • Monitoring and adapting designs to current ecological and technological requirements.
   • Implementing intelligent energy management systems in timber buildings.
   • Promoting ecological urban planning and the harmonious integration of timber construction into the environment.
6. Education and popularisation of timber-frame construction:
   • Organising training courses, courses of study and practical workshops for students, architects and contractors.
   • Creating and publishing teaching materials, books and guides.
   • Cooperating with the media and industry portals in order to spread knowledge of timber construction.
7. Promoting Polish manufacturers and technology suppliers:
   • Organising networking events and trade fairs presenting domestic manufacturers.
   • Running promotional and media campaigns supporting Polish companies engaged in timber construction.
   • Creating databases and catalogues of verified suppliers of ecological materials.
8. Scientific research and the testing of new methods:
   • Supporting research into innovative technologies in timber and low-energy construction.
   • Analysing the effectiveness and durability of available technical solutions.
   • Cooperating with laboratories and universities on the testing of new construction materials.
9. Optimising low-energy construction technology:
   • Promoting passive and energy-efficient construction standards.
   • Implementing innovative methods that reduce energy consumption.
   • Preparing guides and guidance documents on low-energy construction.
10. Disseminating research findings:
    • Publishing reports, books, guides and specialist articles.
    • Organising debates and conferences on modern ecological construction.
    • Cooperating with the media in order to popularise knowledge of sustainable construction.
11. Cooperation with national and international organisations:
    • Establishing partnerships with research institutes, industry organisations and local-government bodies.
    • Participating in international programmes and projects in the field of ecological construction.
    • Exchanging experience and best practice with experts from other countries.
12. Creating educational programmes:
    • Designing and delivering courses for different professional and age groups.
    • Cooperating with schools and universities in order to introduce ecological construction into curricula.
    • Organising competitions and educational initiatives promoting timber construction.
13. Advisory services and technical support:
    • Providing consultancy for investors, construction companies and public institutions.
    • Cooperating with designers and contractors on the implementation of modern technologies.
    • Preparing technical guides and catalogues of good practice.
14. Legislative activity:
    • Initiating and supporting legal changes conducive to the development of ecological construction.
    • Consultation with political decision-makers and government institutions.
    • Preparing legislative analyses and reports concerning timber construction.
15. Promoting and investing in timber and ecological construction:

    A) Educating investors about the economic and ecological benefits

    • Information campaigns in traditional and digital media presenting the advantages of timber and ecological construction in terms of long-term savings.
    • Webinars and online training for individual investors and construction companies on the return on investment in passive and low-energy construction.
    • Educational programmes for students of architecture and construction, in order to train future experts in ecological construction.

    B) Organising meetings and seminars

    • Industry conferences with the participation of experts (architects, engineers, economists) presenting real examples of profitable investment in timber construction.
    • Networking meetings for investors and developers, enabling the exchange of experience and promoting cooperation in the financing of ecological construction.
    • Publication of market analyses, reports and case studies of successful investments as reference material for prospective investors.

    C) Cooperation with developers and financial institutions

    • Creating project financing models — developing model investment strategies for developers, covering various sources of financing (loans, construction leasing, crowdfunding).
    • Certification of developers and construction companies — certification programmes for firms delivering projects consistent with the principles of ecological construction.
    • Promoting green mortgage products, including consultation with banks and organisations supporting green investment.
16. Creating and supporting investment funds and financing mechanisms for ecological construction:

    A) Cooperation with banks and financial institutions

    • Negotiating preferential credit terms for investors and companies choosing timber construction.
    • Developing construction leasing programmes that make investment possible without committing large initial capital.
    • Developing savings and return-on-investment calculators to help investors make financial decisions.

    B) Promoting investment funds focused on ecological construction

    • Creating green investment funds — cooperating with financial organisations in order to establish dedicated funds supporting timber construction.
    • Crowdfunding campaigns for ecological construction projects, engaging the wider community and individual investors.
    • Advisory services on the use of EU funding and other external funds for companies interested in implementing innovative construction technologies.

    C) Obtaining co-financing and grants

    • Monitoring available grants and support programmes and informing entrepreneurs about the opportunities they offer.
    • Assistance in preparing applications for co-financing, at both national and European level.
    • Creating strategic partnerships with research and government institutions in order to increase the availability of funds for investment in ecological construction.
17. Disseminating methods of saving through timber and energy-efficient construction:

    A) Preparing guides and analyses concerning savings

    • Guides for individual investors on how to optimise the cost of building and operating timber buildings.
    • Publications on long-term savings, covering analysis of heating, ventilation and energy consumption costs in ecological construction.
    • Providing free operating-cost calculators to help compare traditional and ecological construction.

    B) Research into the energy efficiency of timber buildings

    • Comparative analyses of the cost of using timber and concrete buildings, taking long-term savings into account.
    • Research into modern insulation technologies in order to reduce energy losses in buildings.
    • Developing model design solutions for passive houses that minimise operating costs.

    C) Advisory programmes for companies and individual clients

    • Free consultations for investors on the best energy-efficient solutions in construction.
    • Training for architects and construction companies on the use of technologies that minimise energy consumption.
    • Workshops for owners of timber houses on the effective management of energy and resources.

§ 8

In order to achieve its objectives, the Foundation may support the activity of other natural and legal persons and of institutions where that activity is consistent with the Foundation’s objectives.

III. Economic activity of the Foundation

§ 9

1. Publishing activity

Scope of activity:

• Publishing books, reports and guides concerning timber and ecological construction and sustainable development.
• Publishing industry periodicals, bulletins and magazines devoted to innovation in low-energy construction.
• Creating and distributing e-books and digital training materials.
• Producing films and educational video materials on construction technologies, sustainable design and energy-efficient solutions.

Means of delivery:

• Cooperation with industry experts and scientific institutes in the preparation of publications.
• Distribution of publications through the Foundation’s own channels (for example its website and online shop) and in cooperation with external publishers.
• Preparation of market reports and analyses for investors and construction companies.
• Organisation of author meetings, webinars and workshops promoting the Foundation’s publications.

2. Distribution and sale of book and press publications

Scope of activity:

• Sale of the Foundation’s own books, guides and periodicals in print and digital form.
• Distribution of publications devoted to timber construction and sustainable development.
• Sale of training materials and technical documentation for architects, engineers and investors.

Means of delivery:

• Running the Foundation’s own online bookshop and physical points of sale.
• Cooperation with industry publishers and distributors of technical books.
• Cooperation with universities and educational institutions on the supply of teaching materials.
• Operating sales stands at industry trade fairs and conferences.

3. Operating internet portals

Scope of activity:

• Creating and managing internet portals devoted to timber and ecological construction.
• Publishing articles, analyses, case studies and interviews with experts.
• Providing databases of companies, suppliers and experts from the construction industry.
• Running a forum and networking platform for investors, architects and construction companies.

Means of delivery:

• Monetisation of the portals through advertising, sponsored content and premium subscriptions.
• Offering online advisory and analytical services (for example construction cost and energy saving calculators).
• Organising webinars and online courses as part of the Foundation’s educational activity.
• Running educational campaigns in social media.

4. Educational activity; organisation of training courses, conferences, conventions and symposia; legal expert opinions, legal opinions, consultancy and lobbying

Scope of activity:

• Organising training for investors, architects, engineers and construction companies on modern construction technologies.
• Running certified courses and workshops on passive and low-energy construction.
• Organising conferences and symposia devoted to innovation in ecological construction.
• Providing expert services in the field of construction law, environmental regulation and investment optimisation.
• Lobbying for the development of timber and ecological construction at national and European level.

Means of delivery:

• Cooperation with construction companies and research institutions in organising events.
• Provision of training materials and certificates of participation in training.
• Organisation of trade fairs and exhibitions promoting innovative technological solutions.
• Individual consultancy for companies and public institutions.

5. Advisory activity and commercial intermediation within the scope of the Foundation’s objectives

Scope of activity:

• Providing advisory services to investors and construction companies on the implementation of ecological solutions.
• Intermediation in the purchase and sale of innovative technologies and construction materials.
• Creating databases of suppliers and manufacturers of ecological materials.
• Support in obtaining funds, grants and credit for timber and passive construction projects.

Means of delivery:

• Creating consultancy and advisory programmes for investors.
• Running an online platform matching companies with clients interested in ecological construction.
• Offering comprehensive financial analyses and investment reports.
• Organising trade missions and business meetings for Polish companies on foreign markets.

6. Granting loans and credit in order to support the economic activity of the Foundation and of entities pursuing objectives consistent with the Foundation’s Statute.
7. Placing capital through financial investments and the acquisition of real property and shares in enterprises, in order to generate income for the Foundation.
8. Income from the Foundation’s economic activity is applied to financing its statutory activity, covering the Foundation’s own costs and developing the Foundation’s economic activity.
9. The Foundation’s economic activity may be conducted by the Foundation itself or by separate organisational units.
10. The Management Board of the Foundation may entrust the management of the economic activity to one of its members or to another person.
11. Decisions on establishing an enterprise and on appointing and dismissing its manager are taken unanimously by the Management Board of the Foundation.
12. The Management Board of the Foundation determines staffing levels and the funds allocated to the remuneration of employees of individual enterprises.

IV. Assets and income of the Foundation

§ 10

1. The assets of the Foundation consist of its founding fund in the amount of PLN 1,500 (one thousand five hundred zloty) and of assets acquired by the Foundation in the course of its operations.
2. The founding fund is contributed by the founder in the amount of PLN 1,500. The amount of PLN 1,000 (one thousand zloty) is allocated to economic activity.
3. The Foundation may seek to finance its economic activity through bank credit, loans, external investment and other forms of financial support, in accordance with applicable law.
4. The Foundation’s income may also derive from interest, dividends, revenue from capital investments and other forms of asset placement consistent with the law.

§ 11

The Foundation’s income may in particular derive from:

1. donations, inheritances and legacies;
2. subsidies, subventions and grants;
3. income from public collections and public events;
4. income from the Foundation’s assets;
5. economic activity;
6. sponsorship agreements;
7. special-purpose funds;
8. income from loans and credit granted and from other financial operations of the Foundation;
9. revenue from investments in financial instruments, real property and enterprises.

§ 12

1. Where the Foundation is called to inherit, the declaration of acceptance or rejection of the inheritance is made by the Management Board of the Foundation. An inheritance may be accepted only with the benefit of inventory.
2. A donor or testator may indicate in the deed of donation or in the will the objectives of the Foundation to which the funds donated are to be applied.

V. Bodies of the Foundation

§ 13

1. The body of the Foundation is:
   • a) the Management Board of the Foundation.
2. The Management Board of the Foundation may receive remuneration for activities performed for the Foundation.

§ 14 — The Management Board of the Foundation

1. The Management Board conducts the affairs of the Foundation and represents the Foundation externally.
2. The Management Board of the Foundation is the resolving, managing, representing and supervisory body of the Foundation.
3. The Management Board of the Foundation consists of one person — the Founder, who holds the office of President of the Board.
4. The Founder may appoint additional Members of the Board, determining their competences and scope of activity.
5. The mandate of a Member of the Board expires in the event of:
   • a) resignation submitted in writing;
   • b) death;
   • c) conviction by a final judgment for unlawful acts committed in the course of activity connected with the Foundation;
   • d) breach of the Statute of the Foundation or action to the detriment of the Foundation, confirmed by a final judgment of a court.
6. In the event of expiry of the mandate of the President of the Board of the Foundation, the Foundation is wound up.

§ 16

1. The Management Board takes decisions in the form of resolutions adopted by the President of the Board.
2. Meetings of the Management Board are held at least once a year.
3. Resolutions may be adopted in writing or by electronic mail.

§ 17

1. The duties of the Management Board include in particular:
   • a) managing the work of the Foundation;
   • b) acting as employer in relation to persons employed;
   • c) adopting the Foundation’s programmes of activity;
   • d) adopting the Foundation’s budget;
   • e) accepting donations, inheritances and legacies, subventions and subsidies;
   • f) taking decisions on merger with another Foundation;
   • g) taking decisions on winding up the Foundation;
   • h) taking decisions on amending the Statute of the Foundation.

VI. Manner of representation

§ 17

1. Declarations of will on behalf of the Foundation are made by the President of the Board acting alone.

VII. Amendment of the Statute

§ 18

1. Amendments to the Statute of the Foundation are made by the Management Board of the Foundation by resolution of the President of the Board.
2. A change to the principles of operation or to the manner in which the Foundation conducts economic activity requires a resolution of the President of the Board. An amendment to the Statute may not concern the objectives of the Foundation.
3. An amendment to the Statute may cover the extension of economic activity, including the scope of investments and of financial instruments used by the Foundation.

VIII. Merger with another foundation

§ 19

1. The Foundation may merge with another foundation in order to pursue its objectives more effectively.
2. The decision to merge with another foundation is taken by the President of the Board by way of a resolution.

IX. Winding up of the Foundation

§ 20

1. The Foundation is wound up upon achievement of the objectives for which it was established, upon exhaustion of its financial resources and assets, or as a result of a resolution of the President of the Board on winding up the Foundation.
2. The liquidator of the Foundation is appointed and dismissed by the President of the Board.

§ 21

1. The decision on winding up is taken by the President of the Board by way of a resolution.

§ 22

1. The financial resources and assets remaining after the winding up of the Foundation may, by resolution of the President of the Board, be allocated to foundations operating in the Republic of Poland with similar objectives.
2. In the course of winding up, the Foundation may sell its investment assets, including real property, shares, stakes and financial instruments, in order to cover its liabilities and to transfer the remaining funds in accordance with paragraph 1.