Energy efficiency backed by guarantee at Green Armitage
Posted 1/21/2008 by Patrick Rollens
Several new developments in Chicago tout improved energy efficiency through green building - but none until now has backed it up with a guarantee.
Green Armitage, 3018 W Armitage Ave, is an eight-unit development in Palmer Square engineered with a number of green components, including efficient insulation, recycled construction material and improved stormwater systems that keep runoff out of the city's storm drains.
The developers (The Sanders Co., Eco Smart Building and Celeste Karan) believe so strongly in the energy efficiency of the new development that they've cast down the proverbial (green) gauntlet: Under normal everyday use, buyers' energy bills will not exceed $600 for the first two years.
Now, we're not too sure what exactly constitutes an energy bill at this new development (electricity and gas? water too?), but it's refreshing to see a green project designed around performance - as opposed to form.
We're particularly intrigued by Green Armitage's online FAQ, which helps buyers understand why the developers eschewed more showy green components in favor of tried-and-true efficiency upgrades.
Are there solar panels?
No. And here's why…
Currently, the addition of a PV system is not cost effect for either the builder or the buyer. The technology for PV (photovoltaic) panels is rapidly improving. In a very short time, there will be panels available that produce much more energy more efficiently and cost less than what is now on the market. Green Armitage is "pre-piped" to allow easy addition of a solar panel system when the technology has reached a point at which it is cost effective for the condo association to purchase one. Patience now will pay big dividends in the near future.
Green Armitage exceeds ENERGY STAR efficiency standards by about 90 percent, according to its Web site, and the entire project is attempting to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The project's eight three-bedroom units start in the $390s; delivery is expected in fall 2008.
Comments
1/22/08
Carter said:
I keep hearing the same thing on solar panels, so I don't doubt it, but it is tough to find reliable info for home installation, if anyone knows any good links I'd appreciate them.
Joe Zekas said:
Don DeBat, one of our New Homes Magazine columnists, passed along a reminder that Perry Bigelow of Bigelow Homes began offering energy cost guarantees about 20 years ago.
At a time when energy efficiency seems to be marketing spin for some builders, it's worth noting that Bigelow has been consistently innovating in this area.
1/23/08
Patrick Rollens said:
Indeed, here's a 1994 article from Home Energy Magazine describing Bigelow's guaranteed annual heating bills.
Carter said:
pretty innovative indeed, although I'd have to point out that:
http://www.bigelowhomes.com/imagine/Environmentally_Friendly/
having lots of sunlight coming in southern exposure windows may save you energy during the winter, but it will make most people jack up their air-co during the summer. the solution is to have deciduous trees along the south, as during the winter they have no leaves and you'll still get the desired sunlight, while reducing your cooling bills in the summer due to the shade.
2/2/08
Celeste said:
I have a great deal of respect for what Perry Bigelow is doing with the homes and communities he builds. He is getting it right. There is a distinction to be made, however, between the Bigelow Homes heating guarantee and the Green Armitage energy guarantee. Bigelow’s guarantee, though excellent, only covers the gas portion of the buyers’ utility bills. This means that cooling costs, lighting, etc. are outside his guaranteed figure. Green Armitage offers a total energy guarantee that includes electricity and gas. The other distinction, of course, is that Bigelow builds in the far western suburbs. Green Armitage offers high performance green homes in the heart of the city.
And to address the idea of “energy-efficiency as marketing spin”….What actually falls into the category of “spin” is vague claims of green (caveat emptor). And there have been many.
Buildings that are truly energy efficient are the cornerstone of high-quality housing stock because great building performance can only be achieved through excellent design and construction practices. If a home has been tested and certified as energy efficient (through a program like Energy Star) a buyer can be certain of a quality baseline that they will be able to feel (thermal comfort) and will also see in their energy bills.