Austin's newest residential high-rise The Austonian became the first downtown condominium to earn Austin Energy's four-star green building rating, officials announced Tuesday.
The luxury project's developer Benchmark Development announced the accolade during a press conference Tuesday morning attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, city council member Chris Riley and Austin Energy General Manager Larry Weis.
The Austin Energy Green Building ratings are granted to a commercial project that prove efficient water and energy use, efforts to conserve, waste reduction and indoor air quality control, among other factors. The rating is equal to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
"No other downtown high-rise has earned this level of offical recognition. ... The Austonian stands far above other in more ways than one," said Maureen Scanlon, the Austin Energy rating's commercial program coordinator.
Developers said in a news release the project will use about 33.2 million less gallons of water a year then a comparably-sized community. The building uses minimal water landscaping and an efficiency-minded irrigation system, which uses condensation from cooling units. Appliances are fixed with low-flow fixtures and the heating and air conditioning units use Austin Energy more efficient chilled water system.
The design allows for residents to use natural light in about 75 percent of the unit with wide windows covered with a reflective coating. Sensors, dimming devices and special insulation add the the structures energy efficiency, controlling lighting when the unit is unoccupied. Builders adhered to strict off-gassing standards for interior materials and maintenance will be done with earth-friendly products.
The 56-story, 166-unit Austonian opened in June and occupies one third of the block at Second Street and Congress Avenue. Houston-based Ziegler Cooper Architects created the design and Gary Lee Partners decorated the interior. The building totals 850,000 square feet with more than 40,000 square feet of owner amenities.
Read more: Austonian earns first 4-star Austin Energy efficiency rating downtown | Austin Business Journal
The Austin Energy Green Building ratings are granted to a commercial project that prove efficient water and energy use, efforts to conserve, waste reduction and indoor air quality control, among other factors. The rating is equal to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
"No other downtown high-rise has earned this level of offical recognition. ... The Austonian stands far above other in more ways than one," said Maureen Scanlon, the Austin Energy rating's commercial program coordinator.
Developers said in a news release the project will use about 33.2 million less gallons of water a year then a comparably-sized community. The building uses minimal water landscaping and an efficiency-minded irrigation system, which uses condensation from cooling units. Appliances are fixed with low-flow fixtures and the heating and air conditioning units use Austin Energy more efficient chilled water system.
The design allows for residents to use natural light in about 75 percent of the unit with wide windows covered with a reflective coating. Sensors, dimming devices and special insulation add the the structures energy efficiency, controlling lighting when the unit is unoccupied. Builders adhered to strict off-gassing standards for interior materials and maintenance will be done with earth-friendly products.
The 56-story, 166-unit Austonian opened in June and occupies one third of the block at Second Street and Congress Avenue. Houston-based Ziegler Cooper Architects created the design and Gary Lee Partners decorated the interior. The building totals 850,000 square feet with more than 40,000 square feet of owner amenities.
Read more: Austonian earns first 4-star Austin Energy efficiency rating downtown | Austin Business Journal
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