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Multifamily Property Takes Green Building Honors
The best in green residential design and advocacy were honored at the NAHB Green Building Awards this month in Dallas. Tonti Properties' La Valencia at Starwood apartment community won the Multifamily Rental Project of the Year for its groundbreaking innovations in green multifamily building.
 La Valencia, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is the first Energy Star certified apartment development in the region as well as the first multifamily community that meets the Green Built North Texas green building program under the HBA of Greater Dallas.
This apartment community maintained energy efficiency practices throughout the development process and incorporates green features inside and out.
Green Preparation
Reduction and reuse of matrials during construction was as much a part of the effort as the features installed. To encourage subcontractors to be mindful of waste, nearly every building material was included in the bid of each sub. Excess cut lumber was stored in on-site bins and sorted by type, then used in later buildings. Drywall also was processed this way, and concrete and discarded steel were recycled. Water-efficient landscaping and irrigation also were part of sustainablity management.These efforts helped avoid approximately $12,000 in landfill fees, reduced waste by 5% of total volume, and resulted in saving 80% of reusable steel and 100% of reusable exterior sheathing. The company also created an on-site tree farm during construction to enable landscapers to replant trees moved during the building process.
Keeping the "Outdoors" In Mind
Incorporating overhangs and insulated Energy Star-rated windows with a high solar coefficient help combat the Texas sun and provide climate control. This means lower electric bills for residents, and a quick lease-up for the development. Throughout the community, five different trellis structures function as solar screening. Simply selecting light colored paving materials made a difference in reducing the "heat Island" effect.
Green In Between
 Indoors, each unit is fully equipped with modern G.E. Energy Star-rated appliances. To reduce emissions, continuous weather and air barriers were installed behind cladding materials, vent fans were included in bathrooms and laundry rooms, and CO2 detectors were installed in all units with garages. Energy-efficient lighting, energy-efficient air conditioning and heating systems, and extra insulation all provide a safe and healthy living environment for the residents and the community at a comfortable cost. The project achieved a HERS Index rating of 79, far exceeding design requirements, and the buildings are 20% more efficient than the building code mandates.
Resident Education and Participation
Education for residents begins at the marketing stage. Both print and online information for La Valencia explain in detail the green features, and staff is trained by subcontractor/installers and a third-party energy verifier so they can be as knowledgable and helpful as possible to prospective residents.
"Recycling Only" containers are distributed througout the development, to complement the community's recycling center and encourage residents to participate in the effort. A 15-yard commingled recycling compactor was installed to eliminate the need for occupants to pre-sort recyclables. Upon move-in, residents are given an overview of where to recycle, as wel as how to program thermostats and garage door motors. The community's monthly newsletter also includes education and information on the ease of use of the many green features.
For more information on the National Green Building Awards, e-mail Calli Schmidt or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
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