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The Macedonian is First EarthCraft Certified

New Multifamily Building in Arlington

Arlington, VA (May 3, 2011) The Macedonian, a new affordable housing community, has received EarthCraft Virginia Certification – the first new construction multifamily building to achieve the highly regarded green building certification in Arlington. The 36-unit building is a partnership between AHC Inc., a nonprofit affordable housing developer, and Macedonia Baptist Church.

“Sustainable development is a top priority for AHC; we are working hard to create green buildings with quality affordable living environments that are healthier and more cost efficient for our residents – as well as beneficial for the community as a whole,” says Walter D. Webdale, AHC President and CEO.

EarthCraft, a nonprofit green building certification program for residential properties, estimates The Macedonian will lose 40% less energy compared to a similar project built to code.  “The Macedonian is the most energy efficient multifamily building we’ve done in Northern Virginia with some of the best integrated design we’ve seen in the state,” says Philip Agee, Green Building Technical Manager, EarthCraft Virginia. “It’s exciting that affordable housing is really leading the way in energy efficient housing.”

 

The apartment building includes a special central heating and cooling system that reduces energy costs by redirecting heat from air conditioning for one apartment to the heating system in use by another apartment. This is especially effective in the spring and fall when temperature comfort levels vary among households.

Some of the Macedonian’s other green building components are:

  • Foam insulation to decrease air leakage – less energy needed to maintain indoor air temperatures.

  • Green roof elements to reduce storm water run-off.

  • High reflectivity roofing materials to reduce heat build-up.

  • Low-emissivity double pane windows.

  • High efficiency central hot water heaters.

  • EnergyStar appliances in all apartments.

  • Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets in all units.

  • Individually metered utilities to reduce usage.

  • High efficiency lighting and thermostats in common areas and hallways.

The Macedonian is located in the Nauck community of Arlington, VA. Built on land owned by Macedonia Baptist Church, the four-story building will be affordable to families earning between 50% - 60% of the area median income (AMI).  Five units will be reserved for the Arlington County Supportive Housing program for persons with disabilities. Commercial space on the ground floor will provide offices for the Bonder and Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation and a business incubator for start-up businesses.   

Other project partners include Arlington County, Bonstra l Haresign Architects, Bozzuto Construction and Virginia Housing Development Authority.

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AHC Inc, based in Arlington, VA, has been in the mid-Atlantic region since 1975 and has developed 37 properties with more than 4,400 affordable apartments. In addition, AHC provides homeownership services and offers onsite educational services to improve the quality of residents’ lives.  www.ahcinc.org.