DeSales Flats is a LEED Gold Certified Community

What does this mean?

DeSales Flats I was the first apartment community in greater Cincinnati to receive gold LEED certification, and Towne Properties is proud to carry on that tradition in DeSales Flats II.

We understand and appreciate that today’s renter is environmentally conscious with a desire to live in harmony with the environment, avoid allergens and toxins, and seek a lifestyle that is ecologically sustainable for the long term, all while lowering utility bills.

At DeSales Flats, you can live true to your philosophy and minimize your footprint on the environment.

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a green building certification program, established in 1994 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Recognizing best-in-class building strategies and practices, LEED certification is recognized across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building.

DeSales Flats I and II have been constructed with special attention to six primary areas related to human and environmental health. Those key areas include: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental air quality, and site location and transportation.

Sustainable site development activities include things such as assessing a site for environmental issues prior to construction, pollution prevention during construction, protecting or restoring habitats, including open space and places of respite in site planning, rainwater management, light pollution reduction, and direct exterior access.

Water savings initiatives are addressed holistically, and ensure efficient indoor and outdoor water use as well as water metering for ongoing monitoring to ensure continued efficiency.

Energy efficiency efforts include optimal weatherizing and insulation, installation of high-performance mechanical systems and appliances, high-efficiency infrastructure such as street lighting, and ongoing automation, monitoring and adjusting to ensure best performance results.

LEED credits are awarded for thoughtful decisions about building location. Compact site development, alternative transportation (including electric vehicle car chargers), proximity to public transportation and amenities, such as parks and restaurants within walking distance, all contribute to the ideal location for new development.

Careful selection of materials involves choosing  renewable resources, products with a high post consumer content and building materials which are manufactured within a 500 mile radius of where the products are being installed. Neither exotic nor tropical woods are permitted to be used on the project.

Indoor environmental air quality efforts include naturally and mechanically ventilated spaces and AC system filters with a MERV 13 efficiency rating. Using paint, caulk and adhesives that have a low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content prevent toxic emissions from being emitted after the construction process is complete. This also means that DeSales Flats II is a smoke free community.

The attention we give to these areas translates to better health, happiness and quality of life for our residents.

How does a building get LEED Certified?

To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Prerequisites and credits differ for each rating system, and teams choose the best fit for their project.

LEED-certified buildings are:

•    Constructed to be energy-efficient, ensuring that the home can be comfortably heated and cooled with minimal energy usage;
•    Individually tested to minimize envelope and ductwork leakage;
•    Designed to minimize indoor and outdoor water usage;
•    Predicted to use an estimated 30 to 60% less energy than a comparable home built to International Energy Conservation Code.

Learn more about the LEED Certification program by visiting the U.S. Green Building Council.

What are green building products?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green building materials as products that:

•    Efficiently use energy, water, and other resources
•    Protect occupant health and improve employee productivity
•    Reduce waste, pollution and environmental degradation

For example, green buildings may incorporate sustainable materials in their construction (e.g., reused, recycled-content, or materials made from renewable resources); create healthy indoor environments with minimal pollutants (e.g., reduced product emissions); and/or feature landscaping that reduces water usage (e.g., by using native plants that survive without extra watering).

Towne Properties is proud to provide an eco-conscious, sustainable lifestyle opportunity to our residents.

Click here to see the LEED for homes project checklist.