Recently Kruger Sustainability Group (KSG) partnered with Performance Point out of Charlotte, NC to certify the Alta Glenridge Springs as ENERGY STAR. The project achieved certification under the Version 2.0 standards. The certification process for a multifamily project is nearly identical to detached housing, though sampling (inspecting only a portion of the units) is much more common given the “cookie cutter” similarity of the units. Wood Partners is the builder and owner of the apartment community. The project set out with the goal of achieving ENERGY STAR without breaking the budget and providing real value to their apartment customers. Although you wont find solar panels or other eco-bling on this project, you will find tight and well sealed building envelops.

Does the fact that this project strives for and achieves basic ENERGY STAR certification make it any less green? I would argue that the cliche of “various shades of green” holds true. Yes there are projects of a deeper shade of green, but the Alta Glenridge Springs is just as worthy as any other to proudly carry the ENERGY STAR.