Vermont Business Magazine Completed in 2016, Downstreet Housing and Community Development’s four-story building on the corner of Summer Street and Keith Avenue in downtown Barre City is one of five recipients of the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award. Governor Phil Scott will be one of the award presenters at a private ceremony on August 31.
Starting from the conceptual stage through planning and construction, the approach to this project encompassed Downstreet’s commitment to the long term sustainability of the building as an important, long-lasting, affordable housing resource for the Barre community. The completion of the building also exemplifies the importance of collaboration to Downstreet’s work; Housing Vermont co-owns the building and partnered with Downstreet on the project from start to finish.
Director of Real Estate Development, Alison Friedkin remarked, "Downstreet is thrilled to have been selected for theGovernor's Environmental Excellence Award for our new office and apartments in Barre.We are proud of our work and are grateful that our commitment to building healthy homes and workspaces for Central Vermonters is being recognized."
The project was enrolled with Efficiency Vermont; and compared to a similar size, minimally efficient building; Downstreet Office and Apartments is estimated to save the following on an annual basis:
- 32,000 kWh of electricity;
- 34 tons of pellets;
- 128,000 gallons of water;
- 35,000 lbs. of carbon emissions resulting from reduced electrical load and thermal shell performance;
- 35,000 lbs. carbon emissions reduction from burning wood pellets instead of propane to heat the building, as constructed;
Data from the blower door test, undertaken when the project was completed, illustrates the tight construction and resulting energy savings that will occur. Twohigh efficiencyFrolingwood pelletboilers were installed,along with a unique heat storage system for increased efficiency to provide the heat and hot water for the office and the twenty-seven housing units on the three upper floors. The building does not have a fossil fuel back up system, but relies solely on the wood pellet system.
Additional innovative design elements include smart-circulator pumps, heat recovery ventilation, recovering up to 72% of heat exhausted from residential and commercial space, eco-friendly mineral wool insulation, and best-in-class ductless mini-splits for air conditioning of the office space.
Beyond the environmentally sustainable features of the physical building, the project enables Downstreet to educate its staff (27 people) and residents (48 people) on a wide range of sustainability topics. The office has a recycling and composting program, energy efficient lighting (occupancy sensor and LED), dual flush toilets, and a staff committee that meets regularly to discuss how to continually improve sustainability related to the building. Residents of the buildings are provided with a tenant handbook that includes a green living guide, which property managers review with residents at lease-up. Together with VEIC, Downstreet held sessions on-site to teach residents strategies for saving money through energy conservation and proactive practices.
Downstreet Housing & Community Development strengthens the communities of Central Vermont by engaging with people, providing affordable homes, and connecting people to the resources and services they need to thrive. Since 1987, Downstreet has served Lamiolle, Washington, and Orange counties through programs and services that include: affordable apartment rentals; home-repair loans; down-payment assistance for home purchase; financial wellness education; at-home support services for elderly and disabled; and real estate development consulting services.
Source: (BARRE, VERMONT, August 27, 2018) Downstreet