EarthCraft Multifamily Program Awarded Project of the Year 2012 to Oliver House

The EarthCraft Multifamily program awards “Project of the Year 2012” to the 82,419-SF four-story Decatur Housing Authority building which includes seventy-two (72) one-bedroom and eight (8) two-bedroom units and features a 50 kWh photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation system, geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, geo-thermal water heating, high efficiency lighting, water-saving plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting, thermally-efficient windows, enhanced interior insulation, enhanced natural ventilation, Energy Star appliances in all units, and makes maximum use of natural day lighting.

The inclusion of energy efficient and sustainable design features, especially the Jordan & Skala designed MEP systems, will ensure the senior residents, who have limited financial means, will have reduced utility costs. The project competed for the award against multi-family projects constructed across the regional Southeastern United States.

The EarthCraft Multifamily program uses a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) to determine energy efficiency and includes points-based program criteria, site visits with an EarthCraft Technical Advisor and diagnostic testing to verify that each project complies with program standards. The Oliver House project, designed by architects HADP, supports Southface’s mission to make environmentally responsible projects affordable to lower income residents and to dispelled the myth that “green costs too much.”

You can read more about the project and the EarthCraft Multifamily program here.