Apartment Asset Earns Prestigious Certification

By Andie Lowenstein, Associate Editor

Austin, Texas—An apartment and retail development in East Austin was awarded a very prestigious certification.

Corazon officially earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Developed by Austin-based Argyle Residential, Corazon earned LEED Gold status by incorporating a range of methods to improve energy efficiency and increase sustainability. The development uses high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and each unit features energy-efficient lighting, appliances and hot water heaters. The project also thoroughly used recycled and locally sourced materials during the construction process, taking steps to dramatically minimize construction waste.

The LEED scoring system acknowledged the walkability and public transit access offered by Corazon’s central location, the project’s drought-tolerant landscaping and its use of materials and finishes that promote a healthy indoor environment.

The achievement of LEED Gold certification required extensive collaboration between Corazon’s developers, designers, contractors and consultants, including architects GFF and sustainability consultant US-EcoLogic.

Argyle Residential Managing Director John Burnham trusts the results were worth the effort. “The activities encouraged by the LEED rating system protect the environment and support a more livable Austin. Corazon’s tenants also see immediate value in the form of lower utility bills and better indoor air quality.”

The USGBC’s LEED rating system is the leading program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. LEED certification delivers independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using tactics aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

“Corazon’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Corazon serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”