Palo Verde Apartments
HCHC is seeking Platinum LEED-certification for Palo Verde Apartments, which recently completed construction in November 2018. LEED Platinum is the highest level of distinction awarded by the USGBC.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. LEED-certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of
Numerous green features at Palo Verde Apartments include:
- A solar thermal system that pre-heats 60% of domestic water, thereby reducing gas and water consumption as water is heated more quickly
Sub-outs for future Solar Photovoltaic installation to offset electrical consumption - Low-flow showers, faucets, and toilets to reduce water usage
- High-efficacy lighting and ENERGY STAR certified appliances to save electricity
- Landscaping that is 0% turf and consists of >= 90% drought tolerant plants to reduce reliance on irrigation and save water
- Fresh air: Air is directly ventilated from the unit to the outside, bathrooms include ENERGY STAR bathroom fans to ventilate and keep mold away, and all units include carbon monoxide monitors
- No- or Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and sealants on all walls, trims, and moldings
- Covered, secured bike parking provided onsite along with guest bike parking in front of the building
- Additionally, over 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills and recycled
For a project to receive LEED for Homes Certification, it must meet requirements in eight different environmental qualities:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials & Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Locations and Linkages
- Awareness and Education
- Innovation and Design
For more information about LEED and USGBC please visit the U.S. Green Building Council.
