Green Apartments for Low Income Residents Opens in Philly

December 3rd, 2009 by Matt DiChiara| Posted in Green Apartment Living | 2 Comments »

All appropriate figureheads from the government were present in Philadelphia this week for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Warnock Village, a new green apartment building for low income residents. The Philadelphia Housing Authority, which has been allocated around $100 million in federal stimulus dollars for housing projects, has made sustainability and energy efficiency a top priority.

According to the PHA, the focus has saved the agency around $1.6 million dollars in energy costs, an effort that is quickly becoming a model for Housing Authorities around the nation. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, on hand for the event, affirmed the PHA’s effort and execution, noting “The Philadelphia Housing Authority is a model for green building and a leading example in promoting energy efficiency, reducing energy costs and creating quality, green jobs.”

Although the even the lengthiest article we saw did not go into very much depth as to exactly what green building techniques were used, the villages green roof was touted as one of the key elements, which is expected to reduce storm water runoff and help cool the building in the summer.

Indeed, this is the paradigm that the public housing should emulate. The biggest barrier for many apartment communities to begin adopting green building techniques that would save money and likely create more desirable properties is the initial cost. When an apartment building is getting all the cash money up front with no financing obligations, it is makes a lot of sense to make the types of long term decisions that many developers and owners cannot.

Also very interesting, and this speaks to the above point regarding the cost hurdle of going green, is the fact that the Warnock Village is not, at least it is not mentioned in the article, LEED certified at any level. LEED certification, a costly fee, usually does allow for either tax breaks or incentives at the state and/ or municipal level. It must be the case that either, in Philadelphia, the time and money spent on getting a LEED certified certifier down to inspect was simply not worth it or that since the money was originally from the Federal government and the PHA and PHAs are not for profit, there is no income on which to get a tax break.

Any developers, owners or employees of LEED buildings care to weigh in on the costs, benefits and features of LEED certified apartment buildings?