Sustainability

                                 

PARKSIDE SENIOR HOUSING has been designed for LEED for Homes Certification and will be one of the few projects of its kind to achieve this certification in the State of NJ.

The
LEED for Homes Certification is a collaborative initiative of the U.S. Green Building Council to promote sustainable practices in the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

The LEED for Homes rating is a nationally accepted benchmark which measures the overall performance of a home in eight categories:

1)    Innovation & Design.
        
Special design methods contributing to the sustainability of the home.

2)    
Location & Linkages.
        
The placement of the home in socially and environmentally responsible ways in 
        relation to the larger community such as proximity to transportation, shopping 
        and open spaces.

3)    
Sustainable Sites.
        
The use of the entire property so as to minimize the project’s impact on the site.

4)    
Water Efficiency.
        
Water-efficient practices both indoors and outdoors.

5)    
Energy & Atmosphere.
        
Energy efficiency, particularly in the building envelope and heating and cooling 
        design.

6)    
Materials & Resources.
        
Efficient selection and utilization of environmentally preferable materials, and 
        minimization of waste during construction.

7)    
Indoor Environmental Quality.
        
Improvement of indoor air quality by reducing the creation of and exposure to 
        pollutants.

8)    
Awareness & Education.
        
The education of the homeowner, tenant, and/or building manager about the 
        operation and maintenance of the green features of a LEED home.


One of the LEED for Homes Certification prerequisites for PARKSIDE SENIOR HOUSING is to exceed ENERGY STAR standards for new homes.  

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy which provides qualification standards for new homes as well as strict energy efficiency guidelines for household products.

An ENERGY STAR Qualified home features the following:

1)    Effective Insulation.
        
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls and attics ensures even 
        temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. 

2)    High-Performance Windows.
        
Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective 
        coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out 
        during  summer.  These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can 
        discolor carpets and furnishings. 

3)    Tight Construction and Ducts.
        
Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct 
        systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen and noise.  A tightly sealed 
        home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and 
        maintenance. 

4)    Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment.
        
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling 
        systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort
        of the home.  When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment 
        won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. 

5)    Efficient Products.
        
ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified 
        products such as lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and 
        appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. 

6)    Third-Party Verification.
        
With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners 
        choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes.  Additionally, 
        raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency 
        measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details.