Paul R. Williams Apartments

HCHC is seeking LEED Certification for Paul R. Williams Apartments, which was completed in April 2019 providing 41 units of affordable housing. The development incorporates the adaptive reuse of the historic Angelus Funeral Home as well as a new four-story residential structure designed by M2A architects. The project is expected to receive Silver-LEED Certification..

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 occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy.

Paul R. Williams Apartments utilized environmentally-conscious design and updates to the Angelus Funeral Home prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency.  All these sustainable features were incorporated throughout the building to capitalize on available natural elements, such as wind and sunlight.

Various green-friendly features at the Paul R. Williams Apartments are as follows:

• High-efficiency lighting fixtures and Energy Star appliances that reduce energy and water consumption.
• Waste management action plan that recycled over 75% of the construction waste generated on-site.
• Toxin-free, mold-resistant insulation with zero ozone depletion potential and 25% post-consumer recycled materials insulation on the exterior walls.
• All low and no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) sealants and coatings.
• Energy Star bathroom fans to ventilate air and reduce mold.
• Water-efficient and 0% turf landscaping, including over 90% drought-tolerant plants.
• Weather-based, automated irrigation controllers watering the plants only when needed. 
• Low-flow water fixtures in the units including showers, faucets, and ultra-low-flow toilets.
• High albedo materials on the roof deck and roof. Light-colored, highly reflective materials to deflect the sun’s heat and to require less energy to cool the building.

For a project to receive LEED for Homes Certification, it must meet requirements in eight different environmental qualities:

• Innovation & Design Process
• Energy & Atmosphere
• Location & Linkages
• Materials & Resources
• Sustainable Sites
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Water Efficiency
• Awareness & Education

For more information about LEED and USGBC please visit the U.S. Green Building Council.