Sustainability and Durability is Achievable in Affordable Housing
BACKGROUND
In 2007 Thomas Development Co. ("Thomas Development") committed to incorporate as many green building practices as possible in the design, development, and construction of multifamily affordable housing. After careful consideration and research, Thomas Development became members of the United States Green Building Council ("USGBC") and made the decision to pursue the LEED for Homes certification. While there are many green rating systems, we chose LEED because of the third-party verification system, which ensures the highest level of quality assurance and accountability by all members of the design team. We are confident our initial investment in certification fees and the increased construction and administration costs will be quickly offset by the savings in utility costs, decreased maintenance for our properties, and enhanced livability for our residents.
To further our commitment and dedication to sustainable building practices, in August 2009 Thomas Development became the first Founding Sponsor of the USGBC Idaho Chapter (http://www.usgbcidaho.org).
Cardona Senior Apartments is our first opportunity to develop and build to the USGBC LEED for Homes standard. All members of the design team, including Thomas Development, our architect, Glancey Rockwell Associates of Boise, Idaho (www.grboise.com), our general contractor, Markovich Construction, Inc. of Butte, Montana (www.markovichinc.com), and our green building consultant, On Point, L.L.C. of Boise, Idaho (www.onpointadvantage.com), collaborated to achieve as many criteria above the prerequisites as possible in order to maximize the sustainability and durability of Cardona.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Cardona is an independent senior living facility on an infill site within a ½ mile of at least 14 basic community resources. The 48 unit development includes one and two bedroom apartment homes, and the relatively high density at 15.4 units per acre allowed us to reduce the development’s environmental footprint.
The general contractor was responsible for site sustainability by controlling erosion and carefully manage and reduce the amount of construction waste. The design incorporates advanced framing techniques which minimize lumber usage and streamline the framing process so less waste is created than in conventional construction. All waste was reused and recycled when possible and 99.5% of waste was diverted from the landfill.
Building materials were chosen to be durable, eco-friendly, and locally produced. Materials included are:
- Energy Star appliances
- Energy Star HVAC equipment
- Water conserving fixtures
- Programmable thermostats
- Certified, salvaged and engineered wood
- Low/no VOC paints and primers
- Low/no VOC adhesives and sealants
- Recycled or Green Label Plus certified floor coverings
- Energy Star Advanced Lighting Package
- Drought tolerant landscaping
- High-efficiency irrigation
- Energy Star Exceptional Windows
- Enhanced Insulation
Water efficiency measures were implemented throughout the design and construction phase, including a high-efficiency irrigation system and low-flow fixtures. The building envelope design was enhanced to reduce air leakage, improve indoor air quality and ensure lower utility costs for the residents.
RESULTS
The myriad benefits derived from employing sustainable and green building techniques, and specifically the USGBC LEED for Homes rating system, will be realized not only in reduced operations and maintenance costs, decreased utility bills, and increased durability of the apartment homes, but more importantly in the enhanced livability and comfort of our residents. Thomas Development Co. and the entire design team are committed to investing in sustainable, high-performance affordable housing and transforming the built environment.