In continuing my conversation with Katherine Carroll “KC” McGurren, Executive Director of EarthCraft™ Virginia, KC discussed current and future advancements in sustainable energy efficient construction.
1. Give us an example of a multifamily development that went beyond the expectations of EarthCraft.
Several project teams have successfully gone above and beyond their expectations, but one outstanding example is the Better Housing Coalition’s Lincoln Mews. Prior to its redevelopment in 2008, approximately 65% of the development’s 245 affordable housing units were vacant and in disrepair. With the help of VHDA and architectural guidance from Community Design Studio, the project was able to begin a rigorous renovation. After the improvements were made, the project achieved an overall energy-efficiency improvement of 60%. As a result, the tenant’s utility bill was reduced from an average of $150 to only $45 a month! The property features Energy Star windows, high efficiency on demand water heaters, high efficiency HVAC equipment and quality insulation, all of which greatly reduced the utility bills of the tenants. They also thoroughly sealed the building’s envelope and ducts to prevent air infiltration and leakage.
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Lincoln Mews is a renovated apartment building equipped with energy-efficient appliances and technology.
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In a side conversation, Bob Newman, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Better Housing Coalition, reflected, “The technical assistance provided by EarthCraft during both the design and construction phases was invaluable in ensuring the planned performance outcomes were actually achieved in practice.”