Developing Green Building Standards

Posted on 30. Dec, 2009 by admin in Building Green

Recently, Keller Webster met with HUD staff concerning a proposed FHA 221(d)4 loan application. During the discussion, HUD mentioned they would like to see the proposed project have some green features. Fortunately for our client, KWA Construction is on the forefront of developing green building standards for the Texas multifamily market. These standards allow multifamily projects to receive the Green Built certification with an added construction cost to the property of less than 1%.

As a member of the Green Built Texas initiative, KWA Construction employees have been instrumental in developing the multifamily protocol.

The protocol consists of five main categories:

Site Planning, Management and Waste Reduction
Water Efficiency
Indoor Air Quality
Energy Efficiency
Materials

There are mandatory requirements for each category, in lieu of a point based system, such as the LEED for Homes Rating System and the NAHB National Green Building Program. For more information about Green Built Texas please visit www.greenbuiltnorthtexas.com. The protocol can be downloaded from this link – GBT Multifamily Protocol.

Certification for Green Built Texas is obtained through a third party verification process. These verifiers can be any one of the following: a RESNET Certified Home Energy Rater, a Certified Energy Company, a NAHB Accredited Green Building Verifier, a LEED Provider, an NAAB accredited Design Professional, a Licensed Texas Real Estate Commission Inspector, or a Residential Combination Inspector certified by the ICC. The third party verification fees can range from $120-$250 per unit, and are typically quoted on a per project basis by the respective verifier.

KWA Construction recently completed a 175 unit, senior living project known as Churchill Estates at Lake Highlands. This project is listed as a Green Built Texas property.

In addition, KWA Construction employs two LEED Accredited Professional to assist our clients in constructing green properties.