Approximately 40 real estate management professionals from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Western Washington Chapter recently attended a monthly meeting at Belcarra. After lunch, everyone was eager to take a tour of the community and see the model. The response was overwhelming--they loved it.
It is no surprise that the community is so well received by visitors and prospective residents. One of the key marketing features is a LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) display wall in the entryway. This wall details the efforts that went into the development of this community with regard to energy sustainability, and the outcome of that effort.
The facts on the wall are impressive. Here are just a few:
- Energy Star appliances in the apartment homes incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard models.
- By using lighter colored paving and roof materials and planting shade trees, Belcarra reflects much of the sun's energy back toward the sky, reducing its contribution to the "heat island" effect. The heat island effect is the phenomenon of urban and suburban temperatures reaching more than 10 degrees hotter than nearby rural areas.
- Belcarra prevented over 75 percent of its construction waste from going to the landfill simply through separation and proper disposal of all recyclable waste materials.
- Compared with traditional single flush toilets, the dual flush toilets used in Belcarra have the potential to reduce water usage by up to 67 percent and save approximately 6,000 gallons per year.
Belcarra is seeking LEED Silver certification, and we hope it will be obtained within a few months. Come check out our eco-friendly apartment homes, or call 866.868.2889 for more information.