Projects Involving "Green Building" Summary of the design considerations and the ―green, energy conservation and Sustainable features of the Sunshine Apartments
THINK ABOUT IT: The future of the built environment. Conventional building practices are not sustainable! They use too much energy, create too much waste and sometimes even undermine the health and comfort of occupants. The *LEED rating systems are tools for encouraging, evaluating, and recognizing green buildings and neighborhoods, with the ultimate goal of transformation.
The location of the project was the first decision in this process. In order to minimize oil consumption, Sunshine Apartments are located within a ¼ mile radius of public transportation and within walking distance to many amenities including: restaurants, library, downtown retail centers, parks, churches and schools.
Additionally, low flow and water conserving fixtures and Energy Star appliances are installed in all residential units. Your unit has a 95% Energy Star, efficient, multi-speed gas forced-air heating system. This system has a self-adjusting feature which automatically adjusts to high or low stage operation based on outside temperature.
Xeriscape, native and drought tolerant plants are used throughout the site in order to blend with the surrounding landscape and conserve water. Rainwater is collected from roofs of the buildings and routed properly so as not to create erosion problems. It will be directed away from sidewalk, driveway and building areas.
Occupant health is of prime importance. Kitchen stoves provided with range hoods vent directly to the exterior as do the bathroom and dryer vents. Non-toxic & low volatile organic compounds (VOC) materials were used throughout. These include paint, adhesives and sealants.
Sunshine Apartments building components were installed and built to perform over a long period without extra maintenance or unanticipated repair.
Engineered wood products such as plywood and composite joists were utilized to preserve forests, and only products that are free of urea formaldehyde (or with very low levels) were used.
In order to provide superior thermal protection:
- Board insulation was placed at perimeter foundation walls, underside of floor slabs and interior walls at concrete stem walls.
- Cellulose fiber type loose fill insulation (a Recycled material ) was used to the greatest extent possible.
- 18” blown-in insulation was used in our building Insulation on all hot and cold water lines
- 8” insulation in all exterior walls –vs- 6” in standard construction walls
- Windows: These windows have the ultimate combination in energy performance, high visibility & UV protection. In order to reduce solar heat gain through the window glass we have installed sunshades above the windows. These sunshades will prevent the attack of direct sunlight in summer and allow the heat gain in winter.
Solar arrays are facing south to take advantage of the sun as it crosses the sky from east to west. These panels produce electricity that feeds into the Rocky Mountain Power utility lines. The result is a lower utility bill every month for the next 25+ years.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®)
In the United States and in a number of other countries around the world, LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. Achieving LEED certification is the best way for you to demonstrate that your building project is truly "green." LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Projects Involving "Green Building" Sunshine Apartments Overview
Sunshine I is: 18 2-Bedroom Apartments – 332 S. Kimball – Casper, WY 82601
Sunshine II is: 26 1-Bedroom Apartments – 403 S. Durbin St. – Casper, WY 82601
Welcome to the Sunshine Apartments. There are a total of 26 1- bedroom apartments at Sunshine II and 18 2-bedroom apartments at Sunshine I. All utilities are included in the rent except cable-TV, internet and telephone. Our units are spacious- ranging from 840 to 958 sq. ft at Sunshine I and 690 sq. ft. for our 1-bedroom apartments at Sunshine II. Amenities include:
- Energy Star appliances-Refrigerator, Micro-hood, dishwasher, stove, disposal
- Energy-Star washer & dryer included in each unit
- On-Demand hot water heater
- Superior carpet and vinyl
- Front loading controlled washer and dryers in each unit
- Window coverings - 3” vertical blinds
- ADA accessible units: 10 apartments at Sunshine II and 2 apartments at Sunshine I
- 2- units at Sunshine II are Wheel-chair accessible with 5’ turning radius
- 10 Roll-in Showers on Sunshine II and 2 in Sunshine I
- 2-units with front-controlled Stoves
We have made a sincere effort to develop an apartment complex designed to meet your needs in terms of living space, close to all main services, adequate security; is structurally sound; utilizes low VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials requiring a minimum of maintenance; and provides an environment conducive to the development of successful family living.
We recognize that the successful operation of a multifamily housing project is predicated upon successful management. It is our belief that successful management is predicated upon management's concern for an understanding of the problems of the tenants coupled with management's ability to provide guidance and help to the tenants in the resolution of their problems.
We also recognize that the "Management Agent" must fulfill the needs of and meet the requirements of the owner. A project that is well maintained; has a low vacancy factor; and produces sufficient income to make the amortization and interest payment; promptly pay all operating expenses; and provide a reasonable return on the owner's investment. We believe that with your cooperation we can make this apartment complex an outstanding residential community offering amenities mutually rewarding to all parties concerned.
We are pleased to inform you that these apartments are the FIRST LEED* Registered multi-family apartment buildings in Wyoming. As such, there are many exciting sustainability features you should know about. It has been designed and constructed to deliver superior:
Energy-efficiency
Comfort
Indoor air quality
Environmental responsibility
And durability.
The fair housing act and amendments prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or age. Complaints of discrimination may be forwarded to the Administrator, HUD, USDA Washington, D.C. 20250.